Windows 8

As we know, Microsoft has released the consumer preview of its newest OS under development -- Windows 8. Since this OS is not like those previous versions of Windows, some people, including me, think that this OS is going to be something good and refreshing while some others say that they'll be just sticking to Windows 7.

 

I haven't installed the consumer preview on my computer since I don't want installing previews on it. But, I have seen some videos about its new features and user interface. For me, its tiles-based UI is one of its good points. That way, things such as the weather and mails can be easily checked and some applications can be easily accessed. Uninstalling the programs (on tiles) can be easily done by just simply right clicking the tile and choosing the uninstall option at the bottom. That saves some time.

 

The 'snap multitasking' can also help me since mostly, I run more than one programs at the same time. Searching and sharing can also be navigated by just clicking the upper right corner of the screen. Another thing that I liked is the Windows Store. At first, when I heard this, I thought "Is Microsoft trying to imitate Apple's Mac App Store? " But... I don't really care about that now. Actually, I'm looking forward to this Windows Store.

 

These are the system requirements:

Processor: 1 gigahertz (GHz) or faster

 

RAM: 1 gigabyte (GB) (32-bit) or 2 GB (64-bit)

 

Hard disk space: 16 GB (32-bit) or 20 GB (64-bit)

 

Graphics card: Microsoft DirectX 9 graphics device or higher

 

To use touch, you need a tablet or monitor that supports multitouch

 

To access Windows Store and to download and run apps, you need an active Internet connection and a screen resolution of at least 1024 x 768

 

To snap apps, you need a screen resolution of at least 1366 x 768

 

Before, I thought that Windows 8 would have higher system requirements than Windows 7.

That's some things I like about Windows 8 so when the stable release comes out, I'll probably switch to it. What about you guys? Have you installed either the developer or consumer preview? Did you like it? Would you stick to the previous Windows versions or upgrade to Windows 8 when it comes out?

Edited May 6, 2012 by Chellesei ♔ (see edit history)

Well if you're not going to use this OS on the tablet or the traditional mouse and keyboard desktop then surely you're supposed to stick witht the old version of the OS. Most of the people who want to try this OS are going to purchase the tablets as the Metro interface is more likely usable for the touch display. You will find it less productive for the desktop or the laptop without any touch device in your side.That said, Metro is like playing the game of mines where you are suppossed to find the bombs. In case of metro, you uncover the tiles and acess the programs and options. So the tablet loooks more like gaming platform. Very hard to use and hardly any productive for those who wants to do immediate work. On the other hand tablet based users may find this OS usable if we compare some of the mobile users who are using nokia 900 and 800 with metro tiles.I don't have much expectations from microsoft anymore. I am using linux these days and i am happy with the current progress of it. The apple and windows are more costly to my pocket. Lets see how windows 8 sells on the consumer platform and makes money. I don't see any positive signs in the current months any time soon.

I am trying to move on to Linux universe but there are a few problems that are restricting me to do so for the time being. It is not that I don't like windows 7 or I have problems troubleshooting with it. I can do almost anything (allowed) I want with it and I can troubleshoot almost every problem. The thing is that I want something different and something more open that would allow me to do anything. Plus I am trying to get into software development stuff and for this I would have to learn how to operate a linux OS as this would help me understand how operating systems and different softwares work. The most important thing is that Linux would be virus free. This would be a huge advantage as I have to deal with USB stick on daily basis that are full of malware.Windows 8 might be brilliant, (I haven't checked it yet) but I think I won't shift to it as I have a stronger urge to shift to Linux ecosystem.

Microsoft use the phrase - Windows reimagined - to highlight their ambitious new operation system.

The Metro style approach provides a totally different view from current application development.

They thing the current UX shows less content but too many chrome controls for navigation, layout, interactions, etc.

They want to provide content before chrome which means content comes first and immerse users in the things they love.

It leaves only the most relevant elements on the screen to minimize distractions

 

Couple points from their design resources (https://developer.microsoft.com/en-us/windows/design)

Give content breathing room: intentional space frames the content and allows your eyes to focus on the right thing and remove lines and boxes as a way to group and organize content

Use Typography: create a sense of structure and hierarchy in your content

Let content flow from edge to edge: pan only on a single axis to create a sense of stability and to support the selection model

Create visual alignment: align elements on a grid to create a structured and consistent layout

Integrate commands into the content

Leverage the edge

Provide commands contextually

I can provide more examples later to visualize all this concepts.

Windows 8 is the next move to a new paradigm called NUI (Natural user interface). And Microsoft seems to be pushing it quite seriously, their next OS will be NUI based, a computer like Microsoft Surface seems to the the NUI interface computer, which for now isn't a good computer for home users, but it's interface is really innovative .Remember, the move from CLI to GUI was quite shocking too But for most users of the world, who use the computer just to browse the Internet, listen to music, chat and share, NUI is really the next move for them. :)I myself though, will still use keyboard and mouse for some time, as I use computer for more than chatting and sharing The future will tell.

I myself though, will still use keyboard and mouse for some time, as I use computer for more than chatting and sharing The future will tell.

Well, I think I might also like to stick to my keyboard and mouse for a couple of years to come. Unless, there is some great technological breakout resulting in invention of some product which can increase my efficiency of work.
One of the reasons I want to stick to my keyboard is that I just recently got myself used to it. An year back, I couldn't even type at 15 wpm. But now I am typing at about 60 wpm. And for those who can't type at such speeds, believe me its so much fun. What's more important is that it enhances your efficieny, productivity and creativity to a huge extent because you are not afraid of erasing and writing again and again. And you would also love the sound of keys getting hammered at a blazing speed. Its just so much fun.

the sound of keys getting hammered at a blazing speed. Its just so much fun.

keys getting hammered? How brutal! You should ear my keys being softly brushed at an incredible speed.

keys getting hammered? How brutal! You should ear my keys being softly brushed at an incredible speed.

I guess you have a different typing style than mine. Whenever I try to type smoothly, without trying for speed, I also get the soft sound from my keys but whey I try to attain maximum speed, the keys of my keyboard seem to be shouting at me.

Personally, I like the soft style more than the hammering one for a number of reasons, the most important of which is that it doesn't make your hands tired and you can type for longer periods of time.

@yordan, can you tell me the speed at which you type? This would help me make a comparison, and probably provide an incentive to change my style so that I can attain higher typing speeds: as I have always wanted that.....

@yordan, can you tell me the speed at which you type? This would help me make a comparison, and probably provide an incentive to change my style so that I can attain higher typing speeds: as I have always wanted that.....

The test I just made said "395 CPM", I guess that you should divide by 5 in order to have it in words per minute.

So your speed is about 80 WPM. which is definitely a lot better than mine (60 WPM)I guess this confirms that your style is better than mine and if I have to attain higher speeds, I may have to make some changes to my typing style.Because 60 WPM is not that bad speed, therefore I don't have to make brisk changes. I can go with it slowly, and I hope I achieve that 100 WPM mark some day soon.

has anyone tried installing this preview? i've yet to do so but have done on VM and it is quite laggy.... compared to other OSes

Well, it's a preview version and those usually are much slower than the production versions, but also I can add if it's a newer OS version, so it requires a more powerful hardware?

Well, it's a preview version and those usually are much slower than the production versions, but also I can add if it's a newer OS version, so it requires a more powerful hardware?

hehe quite true... i presume it would run alot better if it is installed on hard-drive

hehe quite true... i presume it would run alot better if it is installed on hard-drive

If it's a VM, it's on the hard drive! It's supposed to be as fast as the hard drive of your physical machine. The only difference could be if the vm hard drive does not correctly manage the Windows8 disks.
If this is really the case, it will be fixed in the next vmware release, because Windows 8 will the one of the major releases for the professional systems clouded by vmware.

If it's a VM, it's on the hard drive! It's supposed to be as fast as the hard drive of your physical machine. The only difference could be if the vm hard drive does not correctly manage the Windows8 disks.If this is really the case, it will be fixed in the next vmware release, because Windows 8 will the one of the major releases for the professional systems clouded by vmware.

so you're saying that running a Guest OS will be no different in performance (including lags) then actually installing it on the drive itself?

I think the opposite, unless the Guest OS access the hard-ware directly - there's no way it will perform as good, but then mind you Windows 8 Preview isn't a fully stable OS yet
Edited July 2, 2012 by manuleka (see edit history)