Windows 7 has performed quite well since it was released, but Microsoft continues to work hard to make the next version of Windows better than ever. Windows 8 is supposed to improve upon existing Windows 7 features and throw in a few new features to give users something to get excited about.
Windows 8 is expected to be released in mid to late 2012, although it is still under development. Until then, here are a few pros and cons to Windows 8 to keep you updated as a user:
Windows 8 Pros
• The new Windows 8 is touch-enabled. A user with a touch screen device will receive even greater benefits from using the operating system. Windows 8 can function using sensors to detect proximity and motion, although these features will not yet be available on PC.
• Windows 8 boasts a new user interface with large colored icons. This makes it easier for users to navigate using the mouse and a keyboard. A single mouse click can be used to open up applications, and a shortcut key on the keyboard will allow for quick navigation back to the desktop.
• Windows 8 may simplify password usage across the board. Windows 8 may include a security feature that will store user names and passwords for a number of websites, making it easy to log in to all of your favorite sites quickly and securely. This is a great advantage for many users who have a difficult time remembering passwords for multiple websites or who fear getting hacked.
Windows 8 Cons
• Even though the operating system is new and improved, it may be difficult to get customers to buy into it. Some of the new Windows 8 features will not be compatible with existing computer hardware. If a customer wants to benefit from the new system, they will have to buy a brand-new computer, which could be much too expensive.
• The new Windows 8 interface has a similar layout to Windows-based smartphones, using tiles with touch capabilities on tablets and equipped PCs. Users can also switch back to the desktop mode, which looks similar to Windows 7. But a complete Start menu will be lacking. The new Start menu has only four options, making the new interface entirely unfamiliar to loyal Windows users.
The bottom line? Yes, Windows 8 is new and improved, but it is important to be aware of the potential pitfalls of the upgraded system. The biggest standout feature of Windows 8 is its improved security, such as the ability to prevent malware from automatically loading when the computer starts up.
Joel Newman is a freelance writer with expertise in technology. For information on top registry cleaners to speed up your PC, you can visit Joel Newman’s Registry Repair website.
This post has been contributed by a guest poster. Their details, if any, appear at the end of the above article.
Twitter: burnworld
says:
Looking forward to trying out Windows 8. Looks completely different upon first look.
Rob Boirun’s recent post ..I Love You Steve Jobs, Even Though You Didn’t Support Blu-Ray
Hi Rob,
Reading through the amazing specs of Windows 8 has also created an urge in me as well to try this operating system and feel the new technology that Microsoft has built. What are your thoughts on its usability?
I wanted to try this Windows 8 on my laptop as soon as everything gets better.
Now, I’m pretty comfortable with Windows 7, and I wouldn’t upgrade to 8 (or at least for the time being, until i know for sure that 8 is stable), however i trust that the latter has its advantages.
Twitter: Janis167
says:
Well I saw all the points as cons. It must be faster and more secure!
I only see Windows 8 taking off if touch screen tablets replace the desktop sooner than we expect. Otherwise why bother?
Helen @ Integral IT’s recent post ..How to use tablet computers in your business
Twitter: sophiadesigns
says:
I am really looking forwards to Win8. Having grown up with the MS products, I was really disappointed with Vista and Win7. This is what made me buy an apple. I would go back to Win8, if it fulfills my expectations!
Twitter: shergillgames
says:
I’ll wait to upgrade until some software I want to run requires 8. Till then it’s a dual Win7/Lubuntu11.04 setup for me!
Mandeep’s recent post ..Convert Geovision Security Videos In Linux
I have read this and understood.Window 8 cons is a very good operating system.This updated my knowledge.This is wonderful article.I like this.
I recommend everyone to wait before buying it, the cons don’t worth the effort right now. In 2-3 years things might change, but since then Windows 7 should prove to be more than enough for a normal user’s needs.
Michael’s recent post ..Panasonic NN-H765BF Full-Size 1.6-Cubic-Feet 1250-Watt Microwave Oven, Black
Twitter: ankurandu
says:
This is the problem with every new OS. its so advanced that old hardware is not able to fully run it properly.
Twitter: AlanOnSecurity
says:
I can only see all the good things about Windows 8. I think it is time for the new interface for Windows. The Vista interface had already been for half a decade and users like me already bored with it. I’m ready for the change
Alan Tay’s recent post ..What is the Windows Registry?
Twitter: sanjaykhemlani
says:
If Windows 8 was designed for touch screen devices, then how will PC users experience the “technology”?
sanjay’s recent post ..How to Prepare your WordPress Blog for SEO
I am most excited about the fact that it is touch enabled! Also, simplyfing passwords can save lots of troubles. However, I will wait before I decide to purchase it-so far, I am just enjoying reading about it and getting prepared, anyway.
Kristina L.’s recent post ..Gadget Town Coupon Code
Aren’t there always pitfalls when technology is updated? Sometimes I miss the old days of a typewriter and paper, no USB ports, no random cords, no wi-fi…but then again I guess I’d really miss emailing people from my Iphone. But I like this article, now I can call my computer tech friend and sound educated on the new system. He won’t know where I got all this info.
-June
Hi Joel,
Although i am quite happy with my current Windows vista version, i am more excited about the touch screen feature of Windows 8. thank you for listing out all the pros and cons which will help a lot of users to have a basic idea. I would prefer waiting for few more months before upgrading to Windows 8
After reading your full post, I think, it will not be developer friendly. For normal users is better than Windows 7. Let’s see.
Windows Data Recovery’s recent post ..Software
In my own opinion we shouldn’t use Windows 8 for the moment as it was in its beta stage, we still want to stick with the reliable, fastest known OS which is Windows 7 I guess. That’s just my 2 cents.
- Vinson
Windows 8 has a great features but as what you’ve said there’s a hardware compatibility issue. You’re right, how about those people using old hardware so they need to upgrade to new one. Upgrading too expensive its applicable for those has a bunch of dollars. I think I prefer Linux, windows has lots of backdoors compare to linux but the problem of linux some are not familiar with the command lines like how to install apps.
Twitter: gusmiles
says:
Personally, I think Windows 8 should be offered in two different formats; the option to use it with the Metro UI, or traditionally like previous versions of the OS. The changes to performance, etc. will be across both, but the graphical interface should be different, pending the application.
An alternative, would be to simply use a utility to change back to the Windows 7-style Start menu, such as outlined in: http://pcsupporthub.com/2970/switch-windows-8-start-menu-back/