Windows 8–A start of New Era ?

I don’t know exactly how the people will react to Windows 8. They kept same strategies, tradition from Windows 95 to Windows 7. Now they come up with some changes like-they replaced desktop’s folders with tiles. I like that attitude of Microsoft- there is a provision of conversion of files, folders, galleries, images, audio and video files into the tiles. It’s like the same kind of shortcut to everything.

Let’s see people will love it or hate it.

I think some things of Windows 8 will lead to frustration for PC user. Use of Windows 8 on touch capable devices can lead to be more intuitive than using it by the traditional ways like handling with mouse and keyboard.

But one thing I want to say to regular users of Windows is- Don’t worry at all about look and feel of Windows 8. You can customize it in your own way. The start page can be the same as that of now you are using. And also want to interrupt that Start button battle-you can have the same start button like Windows 8. And you can even make that Start screen go away if you want.

Let’s Deep Dive:

When you first install Windows 8 -you will be asked for a Microsoft’s account just like Android does with a new phone, where you need a Google account. This will be useful for accessing Microsoft’s SkyDrive cloud storage. You can have one more advantage – you will be synchronized with Windows 8 features, e.g. bookmarks, preferences. For quick start, you can choose Express setting. Rest of settings can be done later.

A set of five icons are placed at right side of desktop called charms. You can bring them by pressing just Windows + C keys; alternatively you can do the same by hovering mouse at right upper or lower corner.

 

The Desktop:

The home screen is the place from where you can launch the processes. The Microsoft took a lot of care-you can easily handle the tiles ever letting your hands leaving keyboard. You can also launch the application just by typing its name in start screen’s search box. At start there I no start button, but you can get that by installing various themes. One thing I must want to tell you is-every setting can be accessed by using charm on start screen.

Charms sidebar, the apps sidebar, and app snapping sidebar:

These are the most usual ways to use Windows 8 interface. Snapping tool can show the split view of two applications. Also you can use these things easily by touch capable devices. You can see the recent applications by just swiping from left edge to the centre of start screen. On desktop you can do the same by using mouse. You can unhide the menu bar from bottom of the start screen by the various ways like right click at the bottom or pressing (Windows + Z) or on touch capable devices just swiping from bottom to upside.

The Microsoft provided some fancy way for termination of apps. Just drag the app downside the screen.

Personalizing User settings:

 

 

As I already said-we can access setting directly by charms. You can also do the same by classic control panel. Settings have lot more options including adding new users to a device, adding or changing a Microsoft account for existing users, setting up file and media sharing, and personalizing parts of the Windows interface.

Focusing Desktop:

People do most of their windows work on desktop. That’s why customizing desktop as per their requirement is important. The easiest way is pin applications to the desktop which you are using often. You can also change position of tiles directly holding them by mouse and moving to their destination.

Shut down:

Earlier Microsoft used a lot for putting “shut down”, ”sleep”, ”hibernate” under the start button. But you tell me what kind of logic is there in pressing “start” button to stop. Now at least they didn’t give it on the start screen. To turn off your PC, open the Charms sidebar and click or tap the “Settings”. Then, click or touch the “Power” icon.

Finally some Windows 8 features:

I am in love with these features.

 

 

 

Live Tiles and Lock Screen

As I already discussed everything can shown in tiles. It has more descent look. Tiles can be Microsoft apps like Mail, Calendar, Photos and News, for viewing new e-mail, upcoming events, thumbnail images and the latest headlines.

Sync settings

By synchronizing you can use the same setting on desktop, windows mobiles, tablets by Microsoft’s account. It makes using a new device much easier and makes borrowing a friend’s tablet or notebook a more personal experience.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Snap views

 

Consider you have two or more apps are minimized. Then also you can see them in snap view. This can be very useful in cases like you want to search on Google –same time you want to see location on Google map. Yes, Microsoft did this by snap view.

 

Pin anything

 

As I said earlier you can pin application to start screen for your convenience. It’s also a virtual bulletin board where you can pin specific websites and particular sections from apps.

Windows 8 is completely different take compared to Classic Windows that users are used to. Time will tell how successful Windows 8 will get, however, if you have not given it a try, it sure if worth it. It may change your home-office computing experience completely!

[About the Author: Rupesh Shah is a computer admin and technology aficionado looking to network with everyone I can meet =) He also plays guitar and is passionate about new gadgets]