Windows 8 - What You Need to Know

Windows 8 is about to be released to the public after months of talk across media channels. But what does this mean to older PCs running a previous version, for example Windows XP, Windows Vista, or a Windows 7 Operating System?

Windows 8 is the newest version to be released by Microsoft, superseding Windows 7 (which is the current version that was released in July 2009). This new version will have general availability from the 26th of October, 2012. PCs (and laptops) purchased now include an upgrade offer price* until the 31st of January 2013.

*Verify promotion with vendor before making purchase.

Should I upgrade? Here are some things to consider:

The Support Life-cycle

Windows Operating Systems have a support lifecycle* tied to them; during which Microsoft releases updates, and offers support for that particular version. *To verify when your Windows version reaches end of support click here

	Yes	No
Is your current Windows version still covered by a Support Phase?	No need to upgrade	Consider upgrading

Applications and Features

Newer versions of Windows come packed with new features and support the demands of newer applications, which in turn provide more features than their predecessors. If you are missing a crucial application or feature that your current OS does not support, it might be time to upgrade.

	Yes	No
Does your current Windows version support all the applications and features you need?	No need to upgrade	Consider upgrading

Performance

As your PC is used for work, processor guzzling media and browsing for entertainment, it tends to experience a degradation in performance. There are several factors that contribute to a sluggish PC including running unused processes and services, outdated drivers, fragmented hard drives, duplicate files, old back-ups and invalid registry entries. Fortunately, there is software designed specifically to boost your PC’s productivity without having to master the ins and outs of your Windows Operating System.

What Does Windows 8 Bring to The Table?

A slew of new features and a design makeover up the stakes in the Windows experience... Here is my choice of the best bits...

Windows 8 style UI is built on ‘Swiss-Style’ graphic design, giving your desktop a cleaner, more sophisticated look.

The Windows Store is an online store from which you can get apps designed just for the new UI.

Search and Share facilities are now more integrated in Windows making it easier to find the information you are looking for to share it with family and friends.

The enhanced security features offer a safer computing environment, including a pre-installed Antivirus and safer Internet Explorer configurations.

Internet services including cloud storage are more accessible using Windows 8, providing for a seamless experience in an app-driven world.

Making the leap? Windows 8 can be a very exciting experience, bringing together a fresh design and new applications. Ensure applications you intend to use with Windows 8 carry the compatibility certification, which should be clearly displayed with your intended purchase.