Windows 8 - 8 Great Features

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Windows 8 has many new features included in its slick new look. Gone is the old Windows Desktop and in with a new fast fluid interface. Flexible for use with Tablets, Laptops and Desktop PC,s. Below is a quick overview of 8 new features introduced with Windows 8.

1) Windows 8 UI (Metro)

The most noticeable difference in Windows 8 is the new Windows UI (formally Windows Metro). This maybe a concern if you are looking to move up from a previous version. But as soon as you get used to the new way of moving around your PC, you will find it a slick affair. You can see Microsoft has put a lot of effort into getting the user experience right. It feels responsive,slick, stylish and simple. The interface is bulit with large icons known as tiles. These are found on the new Start Screen and are interactive so the appearance can be kept up to date with the latest information relative to that tile. Trying to navigate around the Start Screen can be difficult at first. There are no obvious signs to tell you where and what to click on (Using a mouse), but once you realise putting you mouse pointer in different areas on the screen and clicking either the right or left button its surprisingly easy to get use to.

2) The Windows Charms Bar

As Windows 8 is designed to be used on a host of different devices, new methods of accessing controls have been created. One of these is the Windows Charms bar, located from the top or bottom right conner of the screen. It slides out and gives you the basic controls to access search, share content, manage devices and change system settings.

3) Touch

Windows is now designed for a touch screen device. Although you will have to learn the new gestures.

4) Windows App Store

Following Apple and Google Microsoft now give you access to their new Windows App Store. Integrated directly into Windows you can browse through the on-line catalogue of approved software. Making it safe and easy to get your favourite Apps installed on your Tablet or PC.

5) Windows Sky Drive

Windows Sky Drive is Microsoft offering of cloud storage. Allowing easy access to documents in the cloud, Sky Drive is now integrated into the Windows UI. Microsoft currently offer up to 7GB,s of online storage space for free, but this can be upgraded at a cost. You will need to have a Microsoft account to access the Sky Drive service.

Find a comparison of services here: http://windows.microsoft.com/en-US/skydrive/compare

6) Refresh and Rest

Available under PC Settings > General is the ability to either Refresh or Rest your PC , slimier to a mobile phone. Using the Refresh feature will refresh Windows to its original default settings but keep your files, personalization settings and Apps from the Windows App Store (Only). Reset will remove all your settings and put Windows back to its original state, as it would of been when it was first installed.

7) Windows Sync Settings

Windows 8 now allows you to Sync your personal settings , languages settings and Apps across all of your computers. You can choose which settings are synced and it is very easy to configure .You will need to have a Microsoft account to use this feature.

8) Support for ARM (Windows RT)

Windows 8 now supports the ARM processor opening the door for Microsoft to the mobile market. Windows has traditionally supported x86/64 Desktops and Servers, but now Windows 8 RT will be preloaded on ARM devices. The RT version contains fewer features but will take advantage of the ARM architecture like better battery life. The RT version will also come with preloaded Apps like Word and One Note.