Some would argue that Windows 8 is nothing more than a service pack with a metro touch interface bolted on. So, is Windows 8 worth upgrading? I’ll let you be the judge. Here is a list of updates in the new version, some good, some bad, and some we aren’t sure about yet.
| Features (Click a red linked feature for more details) | Good | Unsure | Bad |
| Native USB 3.0 Support |
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| Arm Processor Support |
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| Windows Store Integration |  | ||
| 1024×768 minimum resolution for metro apps |  | ||
| New Metro touch interface |  | ||
| Native Multi-monitor taskbar and wallpaper support |
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| Improved Boot Speed | Hibernate Resume Speed |
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| Hyper-V Virtualization |
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| Windows Live login integration and pin password |  | ||
| Ribbon interface included in Explorer |
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| The “Up” button is back |
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| Right-click to mount VHD, IMG, and ISO files |
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| New Task Manager with more features |
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| Easy Restore = No more reformatting |
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| Windows To Go | Programs and Files on a USB stick |  | ||
| Internet Explorer 10 |  | ||
| Touchscreen Gestures |
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| Universal Spell Checker |
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| Screenshots Automatically Saved to My Pictures |
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| Intuitive Copy/Paste interface |
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| Windows Storage Spaces |
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Keep in mind this only covers the consumer preview. We still have many months before Microsoft releases a final version so there are plenty of more changes still coming.
What do you think? Are there any we missed, or are there any that you don’t like?
10 Comments
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Bob Eckert
Just for starters, I think the Metro look and feel is hideous.
Epic fail. I don’t want my personal computer to look like a
phone. Nuff said.
gaz
If u dont like metro u can jus skip it n use the desktop mode. most apps launch in desktop mode anyway so it aint a big deal. my issue with metro is that the apps launch in full screen but if u take time to navigate metro u wud find dat it is actually quite easy. hideous? hardly. i find it refreshing. if u dont like win8 u can jus continue using win7 or are u using xp? psh. welcome to 2012. I personally will neva use xp eva again. if u dont like the new windows, use the old. if ur tired of microsft buy a mac or install ubuntu. the new interface doesnt take more than fifteen minutes to learn. if u cant do that well… remain in 1995 with the less tech savvy people. Metro is a no brainer. I am no M$ fan as I prefer linux but I have to say kudus on win8. I like it. and to those who say its another vista… Dont be stupid. if anything win8 is another win7 so if u didnt like win7 den u definitely wont like win8
Bob Eckert
Hi gaz,
Wow, I’m just recovering from all the bastardization of the English language in your
EmailSpeak (looks like NewSpeak) and your personal attacks, but, honestly,
thanks for setting me straight about the Metro UI being something that can
be bypassed.
Also, for letting me know that I can move up to Windows 7 and stick
around there for awhile. I’m a big Linux fanboi, as well having just retired from 30 years
in the IT industry working for one of the largest and most “tech savvy” universities in
the country. I system-managed the school’s large number of public-face LAMP-based
web servers.
I’ve programmed by punching cards, using an ASCII-based terminal connected to a
time-sharing system and experienced the entire arc of the personal computer to the present,
including building my own 8-bit personal computer from a kit which I still have but don’t use
of course. It’s waiting (and I suppose you might say I am too) for the museum.
Stuck in 1995? I don’t think so. When it comes to aesthetics (Google this word if you
have problems) I shoot from my own hip and it isn’t a prosthetic. Metro is hideous. We
should agree to disagree.
I’m not going to get into any pissing-match with you, but rest assured I’ve got the years
right up to now and beyond to wield a “tech-savvy” light saber. Just remember, it was
folks like me who built all of your techie toys for you to enjoy. Now get on with it and do
something good for the world.
Peace,
Bob
Chris
Bob, brilliant reply, saved me the effort! It baffles me why people think it’s ‘cool’ whatever that is, to appear ignorant of spelling, grammar, style…
Best wishes from another old-timer who also finds Metro an abomination.
Bob Eckert
Hey Chris,
Thanks for having my back in the Hipster Assault(tm)!
Remember, we are not ‘old-timers’, we are the avatars
this time around because the boomers who were interested
in ITduring the 1960’s, 1970’s, 1980’s and beyond -created-
the microprocessors that make all this madness, er, convenience
possible. But also remember that Bill Gates is in his mid-fifties as
I am in fact he is exactly my age (wish I could have made all the
money he did, but at least I used his first 8-bit BASIC compiler on
Intel 8080 and Z80 and at the time it rocked!) and Microsoft needs
him back at least temporarily to fix the Metro (I know let’s make a
non-touch interface have the same look and feel as a phone!)
mess-up. We needed him during the Vista debacle but he and
Melinda were out curing world disease. Darn his schedule!
Cheers,
Bob
Jamr
A comparison chart compares two or more products or items. If you only have one product in it it is not a true comparison chart. Maybe you should change the title of this article.
Jeremiah Springfield
Windows 8 has all of the features of Windows 7. If you were to compare them it would make a chart several dozen pages long.
This just shows what has changed from WIndows 7 to Windows 8. I like it.
It just helps prove that all Windows 8 is, is a Windows 7 clone with the above mentioned features added in.
Harry
I’m with Jamr, very disappointing.
saroj shkeh
i hate windows 8 it’s even vista is not worst comparing to windows 8
Steve Krause
Ouch but good feedback.
What do you hate most about it? The new UI or?