Windows 8 – Lives Up to Expectations

When a new technological product is introduced, it creates controversy  within its own industry.  If that new product proves to be ground-breaking, which happens every so often, the uproar is more intense.  Everyone has an opinion which usually comes from reading or hearing something that someone else said.  Whether it is a new app, phone, video game, television, or anything else, people talk about it – a lot.  

To be honest, I secretly cherish these moments because I believe that for any technology to be legitimate, it has to serve as a catalyst for growth, progress, and expansion.    Technology must serve as a tool that walks the fine line of adding to our lives in subtle yet substantial ways.

Microsoft has truly stepped up and brought an amazing product to the table this go-round.  Without question,Windows 8 goes well beyond its new and sleek appearance.  As somewhat of a technology professional working in the area of Outer Banks web design, I am excited about the new Windows 8 operating system because it brings to life a plethora of new capabilities simply by virtue of being a Microsoft product.  

Microsoft has given Windows 8 a major overhaul which sets it far above its competitors.  Some of the changes include:  

·         Touch. Windows 8 features a touch screen so that there is very little interaction with a keyboard or mouse.  The touch screen can do everything – including serve as a touch screen keyboard.

·         Proficiency. Everything is easy and fast.For example, close any program by “dunking” it or simply swipe a finger on the screen in a downward fashion. In order to make quick changes to a document or file, swipe to the left to open the “Charms Bar,” Windows re-vamped version of the Start Menu.  With icons, it is more intuitive to touch them on the screen than it is to direct a mouse to perform the same action.

·         Capacity.  Windows 8 has the capacity to get to email, docs, pictures, and any other preferred applications in a fraction of the time it took with previous versions.  Because of the increased capacity, the experience elevates the user’s proficiency by taking extra steps out of the process.

·         Speed.  Windows took a new stance on its approach to the one metric by which users measure the value of a computer and that is speed. From the entire processing power to memory speed and allocation, the goal is to deliver a fast experience with Windows 8.  The result is a product that demonstrates the best memory management in the history of Microsoft products.  Even with five open programs, users can work in one with no hesitation or system slow-down as well as allocate the necessary memory needed in the open window.  The allocation is quickly redirected when switching documents or programs with no hesitation.

·         Intelligence.  Windows 8 understands that phones, tablets, and computers are part of life and offers an operating system that runs on all of these devices.  Microsoft also understands that, in today’s world, apps are not only consumer-oriented but are now being designed for companies to interface with their clients.

·         Familiarity.  While many users do not accept change very well, Windows 8 offers an option that is very comparable to Windows 7 for those not ready to make the entire switch.  However, once Windows 8 is embraced by these users, they will wonder what held them back.  

To Be Fair

To be fair, there are a couple of issues that need to be fine-tuned.  The apps store is somewhat sparsebut will continue to improve and build a nice menu for consumers and businesses.  Additionally, the OS is definitely optimized for use on convertible tablets and laptops.  Those with desktops would probably do best to wait for an update that is focused to these devices.  Windows 8 does a masterful job of transforming preconceptions by revisitingwhat works and taking it to the next level.Apple OS has always been known for its speed and agility but the Windows 8 is worth checking out  as it is taking Apple to task.  Find out more at http://www.pcmag.com/article2/0,2817,2409967,00.asp. 

Mark Champion is a senior technical consultant at VBL Technologiesand works with companies and their Outer Banks computer systems. He is also a published author and a thought leader for Windows 8.