Windows 8 is the upcoming release[2] of Microsoft Windows, a series of operating systems produced by Microsoft for use on personal computers, including home and business desktops, laptops, netbooks, tablet PCs, and media center PCs. A Windows 8 release date has been set according to unofficial sources for October 2012,[3] three years after the release of its predecessor,Windows 7. Windows 8's server counterpart, Windows Server 8, is in development concurrently with Windows 8. The most recent officially released pre-release version is the Consumer Preview, which was released on February 29, 2012.
Unlike Windows 7, which was intended to be a more focused, incremental upgrade to the Windows line,[4] Windows 8 has been “reimagined from the chipset to the user experience” to connect with the user more. It features the Metro-style interface that is designed for touchscreen input similar to that in Windows Phone and on the Xbox 360. It also adds support for the ARM processor architecture in addition to the previously supported x86 microprocessors from Intel and AMD.
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Features
- Internet Explorer 10 will be included both as a Metro-style app, which will not support plugins or ActiveX components, and a desktop version which will maintain legacy plug-in support.[36][37]
- Ability to sign in using a Windows Live ID. This will allow for the user's profile and settings to be synchronized over the internet and accessible from other computers running Windows 8, as well as integration with SkyDrive.[38]
- Two new authentication methods: picture password, which allows users to log in by drawing three gestures in different places on a picture,[39][40] and PIN log in, which allows users to authenticate using a four digit pin.[41]
- Windows Explorer will include a ribbon toolbar, and have its file operation progress dialog updated to provide more detailed statistics, the ability to pause file transfers, and improvements in the ability to manage conflicts when copying files.[42]
- Hybrid Boot will use "advanced hibernation functionality" on shutdown to allow faster startup times.[43][44]
- Windows To Go will allow Windows 8 to boot and run from a bootable USB device (such as a flash drive).[45][46]
- Two new recovery functions are included, Refresh and Reset. Refresh restores all Windows files to their original state while keeping settings, files, and Metro-Style apps, while reset takes the computer back to factory default condition.[47]
- Native USB 3.0 support[48]
- A new lock screen[49]
- New Windows Task Manager design[50]
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