Tag Archives: Microsoft

Windows Vista vs Windows 8

On November 20, 1985, Microsoft introduced Windows, as an add-on to Microsoft Disk Operating System or MS-DOS. Windows is Microsoft’s response to the increasing demand in graphical user interfaces. Microsoft Windows became the most popular operating system, even surpassing Mac OS, which had been developed by Apple Inc. in 1984.Over the course of time, Microsoft came out with different versions of Windows. The latest client version of Windows introduces significant changes to Window’s basic platform. This version is known as Windows 8.

Windows 8 And Vista

Although, Windows 8 is designed to improve user experience on the latest technologies of mobile devices and tablets and also to fairly compete with other powerful operating system like Apple’s iOs and Android, there are still many Windows users who are having second thoughts on whether to take it for a spin. Windows Vista, the successor of Windows XP, is another popular choice for Windows operating system. This version is often being compared with Windows 8. Windows Vista has garnered positive reviews from users because this particular version has greatly improved the state of security in the Windows operating system. To find out which one is better, here is how Windows 8 compares with Windows Vista:

New Features

Windows Vista
This operating system features a redesigned user interface known as Windows Aero. Aero stands for Authentic, Energetic, Reflective and Open. a redesigned user interface (UI). If you will look closely, you will notice that this version appears glasslike and transparent. The fonts are also slightly bigger with new styles for wizards. Another great feature of the Vista is the “Start” button. Unlike, the previous version of Windows wherein the “Start” button is found at the bottom-left corner of the screen, this version uses a round .graphical element with a glassy appearance known as the Windows orb.  Furthermore, screenshot in vista is much easier. Microsoft has included a utility known as the Snipping Tool to make capturing screen shots faster and simpler.

Windows 8
Windows 8 features a faster startup through UEFI integration and the new “Hybrid Boot” mode. It also has a new lock screen with a clock and notifications. The latest version also allows faster data transfer because of the additional native support for USB 3.0 devices and as near field communication support to make sharing and communication between devices easier and faster. Moreover, Windows 8 features a new style of application. It also optimizes the Windows Store, which provide free and paid listings for desktop applications certified to run on Windows 8.

Safety And Security

Windows Vista
Windows Vista uses a number of security and safety features most of which are not available in previous versions of Windows. The User Account Control is a new infrastructure. Before allowing action that requires administrative privileges, user consent is being required. It also has a Bitlocker Drive Encryption that offers full disk encryption for the system volume. Windows firewall also includes IPv6 connection filtering; fully integrated IPsec and a new management console snap-in named Windows Firewall with Advanced Security,

Windows 8
This version offers family protection setting, that monitors children internet use. Moreover, this new version already includes antivirus protection. The Windows Defender replaces Microsoft Security Essentials. Windows Defender runs in the background and informs you when special action is required. With this new version, phishing scams and new malwares can also be prevented with the Windows Smartscreen. It detects and notifies you of illegal and unrecognized website or app.

Windows Vista and Windows 8 are two of the most popular operating system introduced by Microsoft. When considering a new Windows operating system, assess your computer usage.  Determine the primary function of your computer. It will help you decide what types of tools and networking devices that you will use and the level of security you require will follow.

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Expect The Unexpected From Windows 8

Microsoft have always been known to make innovative software and operating system such as Windows XP and Windows 7. This year, they have announced the release of its new product, Windows 8.

Windows 8 have been in the making for almost 3 years. It is set to be released October of this year. Beta  version of the product have been available to the public since it was announce by Microsoft in 2011.

What to expect in the new Windows 8? Here are some features that you can look forward from this new OS.

·         Windows 8 is designed to work on both PC and ARM-based tablets.

·         Unlike its predecessors, Windows 8 comes with a built-in anti-virus, making your files and your computer risk-free.

·         It is touch centric. It will have a new user interface called Metro interface, a tile-centric UI wherein each tile is equivalent to one application.

·         You may miss that start button at the taskbar, but it will be present at the on its “charms”.

·         Charm bar is the new start bar in Windows 8. It is located at the lower left corner of the screen for PC users, and at the lower-right corner for tablet PC users.

·         Multitasking is much faster in Windows 8. You can easily boot it up, and closing applications can be done automatically.

·         It will feature two touch keyboards – one is a traditional QWERTY keyboard, and the other is the thumb keyboard.

·         You can login using your Microsoft account a.k.a. Windows Live ID, and will let you synchronize your files on the Windows SkyDrive.

·         A newer version of Internet Explorer, Internet Explorer 10, will be included in this OS.

·         You will now be able to boot Windows 8 on your USB using Windows To Go.

·         USB 3.0 is supported by this new OS.

·         You can now login using 2 new authentication method: picture password, which lets you draw 3 gestures, and PIN login.

·         You can download or buy new applications using the Windows Store.

The new Windows 8 will come in 3 versions:

·         A 64-bit version

·         A 32-bit version

·         A 64-bit version with developer tools

It will also come in four editions:

·         Windows 8 Basic

·         Windows 8 Pro

·         Windows 8 Enterprise

·         Windows RT

To have your Windows 8 running on your PC, you should have the below minimum requirements:

·         1GHz or faster 32-bit or 64-bit processor

·         1GB (32-bit) or 2GB (64-bit) RAM

·         16GB for 32-bit (or 20GB for 64-bit) free space on HD

·         Directx 9 graphics device

·         Screen resolution of 1024 x 768 or higher to be able to run Metro-style apps.

For tablets, below are the minimum requirements needed to run Windows 8:

·         DirectX 10 graphics device with WDDM 1.2 or higher driver

·         10 GB free space

·         ’Power’, ‘Rotation lock’, ‘Windows Key’, ‘Volume-up’, ‘Volume-down’ buttons

·         Touch screen with resolution of 1366×768

The new Windows 8 will be the next big thing in the computer world. Surely, everyone can’t wait to try their hands on this new OS by Microsoft.

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80-inch Wide Touchscreen PC from Microsoft

While most people prefer smaller or slimmer gadgets, there are still people who would love to explore bigger and wider ones. Why not? Microsoft is going to sell sell 80-inch Windows 8 touchscreen PCs so for sure there would be buyers since each of their products undergo a thorough market research prior to each release.

80-inch Microsoft-powered Sharp Aquos Board touchscreen
80-inch Microsoft-powered Sharp Aquos Board touchscreen (geek.com)

With it’s big size, Tabzilla can be even used as a whiteboard. But even if Microsoft is going to sell this kind of device, it won’t be initially open for the general public. Microsoft has unveiled the 80-inch Microsoft-powered Sharp Aquos Board touchscreen in Consumer Electronics Show in Las Vegas but this one is different. What’s being tested here is the compatibility of the upcoming operating system. Since Microsoft has sizable plans for Windows 8, its performance on different gadgets such as tablets, PCs, laptops, smartphones and similar devices are being closely monitored.

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