Windows 8 Beta - Key Features Preview

Windows 8

Due for release during the second half of 2012 the finished version of Windows 8 will be the latest version of the Microsoft operating system. 

This time around Microsoft has implemented many changes from the previous versions. In particular it adds a new Start Screen interface which has been designed for touchscreen input in addition to mouse, keyboard, and pen input.  It also supports an improved boot time and will hit the login screen in approximately 30 seconds.

Metro

Metro is the name given by Microsoft for their new user interface for Windows 8. It replaces the more traditional Windows desktop which, although still present, has been significantly toned done.  i.e. the standard start menu is no longer present. 

It is built around the tablet model, which is already in use for Microsoft’s Windows Phone 7 platform and is soon to be implemented into the Xbox 360 console as well.   It incorporates large buttons which represent your commonly used programs. 

Viewing  Installed Programs

Windows 8 no longer displays the traditional start menu, which means the process of viewing all non-Metro programs has changed.

You now have to hold down the Windows key and press F, which brings up the search dialog page. From here you can click on the Apps button and you'll be taken to a list of installed applications.  Just click one to launch it, or right-click one and select Pin to add it to the Metro screen for easier access later.

Running Apps and programs

In order to run an app or program, you can now press the Windows key and start typing the name of the item you wish to load. The search window will appear with list matching the details you entered in the search text box, clicking one will launch it.

Alternatively, you can hold down the Windows key and press R to open the Run box and enter the programs name. i.e. ‘eventvwr’.

Closing Applications Automatically

Although still present when running apps in desktop mode, Metro apps do not have the ‘Close’ button, which is an intentional move by Microsoft.

The reason being that in previous versions of Microsoft’s OS it has been the responsibility of the user to control all the programs you would like to run. Although you are able to run as many programs as you like the system would eventually begin to suffer and result in slower performance, as you run out of RAM and rely on the virtual ram as an alternative.

To solve this Windows 8 recognises when it is starting to run short of resources and will close down anything you've not used for a while. As the application's state is saved first, you do not need to be concerned with the loss of data as when re-launched the application will you'll take you back to where you left off.

Task switching

Due to the fact that the Metro interface does not display a taskbar, it is possible to lose track of the apps you have running. However, as with previous versions of Windows, you can press Alt+Tab to display a list of open apps. Additionally you can press Win+Tab to switch from one running app to the next.  If using a touch screen you can us you finger to swipe repeatedly from the left also cycles through running apps.

If you continue to press the Windows key on your keyboard you can switch between the Metro screen and the last app you were using.

Additionally if you move your mouse to the left edge of the screen a thumbnail of the last app you used will appear whereby you can open it.

Internet Explorer 10

Internet explorer has also had an overhaul both in the looks and power department.

There are now two different interfaces for you to use, the first being the new Metro design (right) and the standard version which appears just like IE9.

Although added functionality for general users is miner there is a long list for developers.  These include support for web workers, a technology that allows web applications to run complex JavaScript’s in the background. This means that lengthy tasks will not lock up your browser and the application's interface should still be able to respond to your clicks

Security for web applications has also been increased with added support for iframe isolation and the HTML5 sandbox, closing many security leaks. The support for CSS3 Positioned Floats allows developers to easily create print-like layouts, where text can flow smoothly around images or other objects. Elsewhere you'll find support for the HTML5 Parser, HTML5 Forms, channel messaging, Media Query Listeners and many more

Picture Password and Logging in

Another new addition is the creation of the picture password. This is where you can pick any type of image and then draw on it in a combination of taps, lines and circles. Only someone who can reproduce this pattern will be able to login.

Shutting Down

To shut down the PC from Metro, you can display the Settings menu by moving the mouse to the bottom left corner of the screen and clicking on settings, followed by the power icon, and finally shut down.

Or, if you are in the desktop view, you can press Alt+F4 and choose from Shut Down, Restart, Switch User or Log Off.

Versions and Download

These are just a few of the new features added to Windows 8 and, with approxamatlly 12 months of development still to run, it will be interesting to see what will have changed come the official release date.

If you would like to demo Windows 8 for yourself then there are currently three different versions for you to try.

The first and largest weighs in at 4.8GB and is a 64-bit edition which includes a set of developer tools such as a preview of Microsoft Visual Studio 11 Express and the SDK (software developer’s kit) for Metro-style applications.

The remaining two editions of Windows 8 are a 64-bit (3.6GB) and a 32-bit (2.8GB) version respectively.

All are available in an .iso file format that can be copied to a DVD or USB drive for installation purposes.

In order to run the preview, Microsoft recommends that you utilise a PC with 1GB of RAM (2GB for the 64-bit edition) and 16GB of hard drive space (20GB for 64-bit). Addinitionally when installing Windows 8, along with the developer’s tool, you will have to overwrite your PCs current operating system (XP, Vista or Windows 7) with a clean install. However if you are setting up the smaller sans-tools versions, you can install it while retaining the files, user accounts and settings on a Vista- or Windows 7-powered PC.

Please click here to download the Windows 8 Developer Preview of your choosing.