McGraw-Hill © The McGraw-Hill Companies, Inc., 2000

Akshay N Mahajan FOE-120573116004

Prof. Tarannum Bloch

Subject In ChargeIT Dept.

WINDOWS 8

Contents… Introduction History Safety and security Hardware requirements Software compatibility Versions & Editions Features in Windows 8 References

Introduction

Windows 8 is an operating system produced by Microsoft for use on personal computers, including home and business desktops, laptops, tablets, and home theater PCs.

History Development of this operating system started before

the release of its predecessor in 2009. Its existence was first announced in January 2011 at

Consumer Electronics Show. During its development and test phases, Microsoft

released three pre-release versions: Developer Preview (September 13, 2011) Consumer Preview (February 29, 2012) Release Preview (May 31, 2012)

On August 1, 2012, Windows 8 graduated from the development stage and was released to manufacturing.

Windows 8 is scheduled for general availability on October 26, 2012

Windows 8 introduces significant changes to the operating system's graphical user interface and platform, such as a new interface design incorporating a new design language used by other Microsoft products, a new Start screen to replace the Start menu used by previous versions of Windows

Safety and security Additional security features in Windows 8 include

two new authentication methods tailored towards touchscreens (PINs and picture passwords),the addition of antivirus capabilities to Windows Defender (bringing it in parity with Microsoft's Security Essentials software)Smart Screen filtering integrated into the desktop.

Windows 8 also provides integrated system recovery through the new "Refresh" and "Reset" functions , including system recovery from USB drive.

Hardware requirements

Software compatibility

The three desktop editions of Windows 8 are sold in two sub-editions: 32-bit and 64-bit.

The 32-bit sub-edition runs on CPUs compatible with x86 architecture 3rd generation or newer, and can run 32-bit.

The 64-bit sub-edition runs on CPUs compatible with x86 8th generation or newer, and can run 32-bit and 64-bit programs.

Versions & Editions

So what does that mean? Windows 8 is for home users Windows 8 Professional is for business users Windows 8 Enterprise is for SA users Windows 8 RT is for ARM devices

Features in Windows 8

• Big Changes FirstMetro – everyone is talking about itClient Hyper-VBitLocker upgrades (to pro!)Secure Boot controversy Microsoft Sign-In

Metro UI

Desktop is still there (minus start menu)

Desktop Charms

Secure Boot Controversy Secure boot is a UEFI-based feature to "prevent

unauthorized firmware, operating systems, or UEFI drivers from running at boot time".

Hardware makers who choose the optional Microsoft Certification will be required to implement UEFI.

The bottom line is that it will require bios changes to install a 3rd party OS like Linux on any PC that has windows 8 pre-installed with the Microsoft certification.

Some new major features

The touch factor. Picture Password. New File Copy Confirmation dialog box. Support for USB 3.0 Native support for mounting VHD and ISO disc

images. Faster boot time.

The touch factor Allow users to use Windows with the touch interface

as well as with mouse and keyboard. Allow users to do two things at one by clicking the

tiles along the side. Work really fast and fluid to get between your

running app.

Windows Explorer Ribbon

Allow users to optimize Explorer for file management tasks.Create logical and reliable locations in a streamline

experience.Bring back the most relevant and requested features from the

Windows XP era.

New File Copy Confirmation Dialog Box

It is designed to make life easier. Show individual progress bars when you have multiple

copy operations occurring simultaneously. Allow to pause a copy operation, if you want to give

preference to another operation.

Native USB support

Still supporting USB 1.0 and USB 2.0 devices. In the meantime, USB 3.0 will offer 10 times faster

than USB 2.0 and much better power management.

Other featuresSupporting for mounting VHD and ISO disc images.

Windows Explorer allows users to select an ISO image and access its contents via a drive letter.

Constantly create a virtual CDROM or DVD drive and assign it to the next available drive letter to the new removable drive.

Faster boot time Need only 30-35 seconds to boot the system by

hibernating the kernel session instead of shutting it down

Windows 8 is cloud-connected Sign in to your Windows 8 device with your

Microsoft account and you’re immediately connected to the people, files, and settings you care about.

You can connect your favorite services to your Microsoft account, too—services like Microsoft Hotmail, Microsoft Messenger, Facebook, LinkedIn, Twitter, and more.

And you can immediately get to your photos, docs, and other files.

All the apps you want

Built-in apps

With Windows 8, your entire PC is cloud-connected. You’ll have new Microsoft Mail, Calendar, SkyDrive, Photos, People, and Messaging apps that are connected to services like Facebook, LinkedIn, and Twitter just by adding them to your Microsoft account.

Windows Store

In the Windows Store, you can search for or browse thousands of apps, all grouped in easy to find categories.

All of the apps you’ll see in the Store for Windows 8 Release Preview are free.

You’ll always know what’s interesting, new, and popular.

References…

Web sites http://www.wikipedia.com Images from http://images.google.co.in

Thank You..!!