Introduction
Even though Windows 8 has been available for quite some time for IT pros and developers, it is now available for the general public as well.
Microsoft has also released its own Windows RT based tablet (Microsoft Surface) in some countries and is expected to release a Windows 8 based tablet (Microsoft Surface Pro) within the next three months. For more information about Windows tablets and the differences between Windows RT and Windows 8, read my previous blog post.
Windows 8
I’ve personally been using Windows 8 very intensively for I think about 9 months now and I’m very happy with it. In my opinion it is not groundbreaking, instead it builds upon the existing strong points of Windows 7 and adds improvements and new features. Some of the most important changes to me are:
- New user interface that’s similar on touch (Windows Phones, Windows Tablets, laptops with touchscreen) and non-touch devices (Window desktops/notebooks without touchscreen). Even though there’s been a lot of complaints about the new user interface and the absence of the start menu/orb button, it’s not that bad at all. You just need some time to get used to it.
- Windows Store to be able to download free and paid apps.
- client Hyper-V
- Fast boot, great responsitivity and reliability.
Even though the changes to Windows 8 aren’t that groundbreaking in my opinion, it has led to many different approaches from manufacturers with regards to their device types and devices (all-in-one devices, tablets, desktops, laptops, ultra portables, convertibles, sliders, hybrids, etc).
There are a couple of limited time offers you can benefit from:
- Get Windows 8 Media Center Pack for free.
- Getting a Windows 8 Pro upgrade for a recently purchased device for only 15 euros/15 dollars.
- Purchasing a downloadable upgrade version of Windows 8 Pro for 30 euros/40 dollars from the Windows Store.
- Free ebook: Introducing Windows 8: An Overview for IT Professionals
- Free ebook: Getting started: Your guide to Windows 8
- Windows 8 – Free e-book “Windows 8 for Dummies, Dell Pocket Edition”
- Free ebook in German: “Windows 8 Auf einen Blick”. You can get this until November 1st !!!
With these new prices, in my opinion there’s no valid excuse anymore for using illegal copies of Windows. Also be sure not to let these limited time offers expire because then Windows might become more expensive. Also keep in mind that Windows 8 Pro includes more features such as joining to a domain, which makes it usable in a company network.
Some other resources that might come in handy:
- Official Microsoft Windows website
- Upgrading to Windows 8 part 1
- Upgrading to Windows 8 part 2
- Windows 8 User Interface Help (using Windows 8 has changed quite a bit).
- Windows 8 Survival Guide
- Using Windows Easy Transfer to transfer your files to a new pc/new installation
- How to install Windows 8 language packs
- Clean installation with an upgrade license
- Clean install with Windows 8 upgrade
- Clean install with Windows 8 upgrade (another one)
Please leave a comment with your opinion about Windows 8. Also if you you still have any questions don’t hesitate to ask.
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