I’m not a big fan of change. It took me five years with the same haircut to finally try bangs. When Microsoft announced at their developer’s conference on September 13th that they are releasing a new version of Windows, I received the news less enthusiastically than my nerdy cohorts. However, just as my Keurig coffeemaker took some getting used to before I discovered its awesomeness, change can sometimes be well worth it. I took Windows 8 developer’s preview out for a spin to see if it’s something I can drag my stubborn self on board for.Windows 8 is significantly different from Windows 7, in layout, appearance, navigation and performance. It was built with tablet computing in mind and it feels more on par with the iPad’s operating system than the Window’s desktop version we’re used to. It sports a significantly faster load time, booting up in just under 20 seconds while your current Windows machine likely takes one to two minutes. The login screen is prettier and more functional, displaying useful information such as date, time, WiFi signal strength, and battery life (if applicable) where user accounts used to be listed.
When I discovered that the desktop screen I’m used to (you know, background image, icons for programs and files saved to my desktop, and start bar) is nowhere to be found, I realized that I wasn’t in Kansas anymore. The Windows 8 interface is called Metro, and it’s based on the type of navigation you find on a Windows phone or tablet. There are tiles instead of icons and each tile represents an application such as Internet Explorer, a news reader, or games. These tiles aren’t shortcuts; they give you instant information, like desktop widgets, about the weather, stocks, email, etc. You can customize tile groups by category or resize them to make important ones stand out. You can add apps and programs to your heart’s content, but this can quickly make finding an app difficult. Microsoft anticipated this by making searching for items easier: instead of hunting down a search box, you just start typing.
I discovered that the desktop I’m used to is still there, it’s just another tile. Selecting it brings up the comfy old start button and desktop icons. Yet even the page meant to be familiar is different. “Start” returns you to the Metro tiles. The way files and programs display when you launch applications or open folders (Windows Explorer) has also received a makeover. I was expecting to see the usual file, edit, and search options, but instead there is a new ribbon menu, similar to the one in Microsoft Office. Often used functions like copy and paste are placed in the menu bar for quick access. Less used functions are smaller or grayed out depending on the type of file. Microsoft insists this system highlights functions people didn’t know they had, increasing productivity.Just as Apple supports synching and integration of all your various i-devices, Windows 8 is designed to seamlessly sync all devices running Windows 8, such as your Windows phone and/or tablet. Your Windows Live user ID will link all the data across all of your devices that are running Windows 8 so you’ll no longer need to sync by hand. Microsoft is even introducing a Windows app store, allowing users to purchase small widget-like apps or larger programs like Office or Quicken.
The developer’s preview isn’t a complete version, so there are lots of bugs that will likely be fixed before it comes to market. There’s no release date yet and it will likely be at least a year before it’s available for purchase. In the meantime, I will keep reminding myself that change can be good.
If you’re eager to check out your Windows future, leave us a comment and ask for a link to the developer’s preview.
Andrea Eldridge is CEO of Nerds on Call, which offers on-site computer and home theater set-up and repair. Based in Redding, Calif., it has locations in five states. Contact Eldridge at www.callnerds.com/andrea
