comparison of consumer preview usage
Windows 8, the upcoming operating system of Microsoft, is one on which much has already been said and seen. Though the final operating system shall be released only by the end of this year, news on Windows 8 is spreading like wildfire. Perhaps it would be the first Microsoft operating system which is talked over so much. And there is enough reason for it too; Windows 8 operating system changes the entire look and feel of Windows. What we had seen so far is nothing when compared to this upcoming OS from Microsoft. Plenty of new features and enhancements have been brought about, catching the user’s attention and sweeping them off their feet; to name a few may be the Metro User interface, Touch centric tile based Start screen, Windows 8 transfer, I.E 10 etc.
Windows 7 Beta sale vanquished
Windows 8 Consumer Preview has already been released and tremendous responses are coming from users with tons of positive reviews from around the globe. Even in the very first day of its launch, it was reported that the Windows 8 downloads amounted over a million. This stresses the changes that have come over in the new Windows 8 (and the people in general) and Microsoft also reveals that doing the Windows 7 vs Windows 8 comparison, Windows 8 consumer preview usage has crossed that of its predecessor, Windows 7 Beta, by over
comparison of consumer preview usage
twice the amount, in the same period. However, they did not reveal the official numbers this time.
However, there are also some negative responses too, but too little or negligible I should say. The criticism was on the new Metro User Interface of Windows 8, however, Microsoft rectified this issue with the Desktop Version option for those who aren’t happy with the Metro version that is mainly tailored for Touch Screen based gizmos like, tablets and the hybrids (laptop + tablet).
Microsoft has revealed that the biggies like, Asus, Acer, dell, Toshiba etc. are gearing up for about 32 or so tablets by the end of this year, which will be having the new entrant ARM, boosting the number of Windows 8 sale further. So that is how the Windows 8 Consumer Preview has beaten Windows 7 Beta when compared to the number of followers!
Features of Windows 8
With Microsoft releasing different versions for Windows 8 and detailing its features through the blog, users are more closely watching the features and functionalities being discussed. Users, who are genuinely interested in knowing the features of Windows 8 so that they can upgrade their OS, follow these Windows 7 vs Windows 8 comparisons and make conclusions from others experience. This article focuses on a Windows 7 vs Windows 8 comparison based on some the features of the new OS.
File Transfer Window
To start off the Windows 7 vs windows 8 comparison, we will consider the new file transfer window. Earlier, with Windows 7, you couldn’t manipulate the file transfer functions like to pause or restart the transfers. Also, information like the rate of transfer, amount of data left and all weren’t available. These features are included in Windows 8 as the transfer of all files happen in one universal window. Error-checking is also possible in between the transfer process; you don’t have to wait for the entire process to complete and restart, like in previous OS’. The process can be stopped, error rectified and transfer can be resumed.
Direct mounting of ISO files
In Windows 8, users can mount ISO files directly. According to experts, Microsoft should have introduced this feature long back. Linux has this option of direct mounting and it was expected that Windows will also incorporate this feature. Though it took long, finally Windows also has this feature. As the feature isn’t inbuilt in Windows 8, a third-party solution such as powerISO should be used for the purpose.
Booting from USB drive
Windows 8 has another wonderful feature that no other operating system has till now- booting from a USB drive. If you have a USB drive that contains
Features of Windows 8
the operating system, you can boot into Windows 8 from any system and continue your works; without installing the OS in that system. This is a very convenient option while travelling.
Metro desktop environment
For users who are used to normal GUI desktops, the Metro style desktop will be a completely new and exciting experience. Though Windows 7 has this feature, the functionalities and features of the Windows 8 Metro UI is enhanced and embellished. The view of the desktop will not be blocked by Taskbar and the transparent window interface is something that looks really good.
Well, that’s some comparison, don’t you think?
Come back in some other time for more such articles!
media center in windows 8
Windows Media center happens to be a digital video recorder and media player that was developed by Microsoft. It is an application which gives users the ability to view and record live television. It is able to organize and play live music and videos. The application is now a part of various versions of Windows XP Media Center edition, Windows Vista Home premium, Ultimate and all versions of Windows 7 with the exception of Starter and Home Basic.
Functions
Media Center plays slideshows, videos and music from local hard drives, optical drives and network locations. It allows users to stream television programs and films by means of selected services like Netflix. Content is played back on computer monitors or on television sets through devices known as Windows Media Center Extenders.
Features
Media Center makes use of TV tuner devices in order to play back and record TV shows from standard antenna, cable or satellite signals. Users will be able to record television programs manually or schedule recording by means of the electronic program guide. Media Center also streams live and pre-recorded television to Windows Media Center Extenders like the Xbox 360 console.
Future
There was fear among many in the Windows Media Center community that Windows 8 will mark the end of Media center. Others were under the impression that it will be like Notepad. However, both parties were proved wrong when Microsoft announced Media Center is going to be available as an add-on to Windows 8. It is not quite certain how that process is going to work. It is said that users will be
media center in windows 8
in a position to make use of Add features in Windows 8 using Control Panel. They will also be able to purchase the same great Media Center experience, which was included in Windows 7 Premium and Pro. The price that is paid is expected to cover the royalties for the codecs which are needed to run this thing. This is able to support all versions of Windows 8, but still needs the computer maker to license the codec directly.
That brings us to the end of this comparison between windows 7 vs windows 8 with respect to Media Center. I hope this article has been of assistance to you.