Four Windows 8 Features That You’ll Love

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Windows 8 is the most recent operating system released by Microsoft. The user experience that comes with this operating system is enhanced from its predecessors and incorporates added services like cloud computing, near field communications, UEFI firmware, and USB 3.0. In addition, Windows 8 comes with built-in antivirus software and malware filtering capabilities to better protect your device. New features on this operating system include a faster startup thanks to the improved UEFI integration and the Hybrid Boot mode which hibernates Windows kernel during shutdown. There is even a new lock screen that includes notifications and a clock—similar to that of a smartphone.

Windows To Go is the new live USB Windows versions that Enterprise users can create and personalize. Lastly, data transfer is now much faster due to the support offered by the operating system to USB 3.0 devices as well as from near field communication that allows device communication and data sharing. For further information and specifications on the new Windows 8 software, check a reputable electronics retailer such as Newegg.com for options and pricing.

Four Windows 8 Features That You’ll Love

Below are the 4 new features that are included in Windows 8 that you’ll find amazing:

File Explorer

Windows Explorer has been renamed to File Explorer and comes with a ribbon instead of a command bar for easier functionality and convenience. Similar to Windows Office or Windows Essentials, the File Explorer has adopted the Aero Glass effects allowing a more visually engaging and energy efficient interface. Furthermore, through this digital platform, it’s now possible to pause file transfers and manage file sharing processes through the file operations dialog boxes. Another neat function is the “File History” tab which allows you to make revisions on your files or restore them from another storage device. File History also allows you to recover previously deleted or unsaved documents—a feature that is particularly helpful for users who lacks the habit of saving their work. Lastly, the Task Manager comes with a new processes tab that gives you the option of minimizing or maximizing details on background processes and running applications.

Security Measures

Along with faster startups and speedier file transfers, Windows 8 also offers additional security measures that can be taken to better safeguard your computer. First of all, screens for touch screen devices can now be locked with a four-digit PIN or with the new pictorial passwords option that allows the use of personalized gestures or patterns on a selected image. This new way of logging in is not only visually engaging, but it also enhances the login speed by three times. Second, the UEFI systems include a Secure Boot function that protects against malware infections and bootloaders. That way, if your computer happens to be infected by a bootloader during the boot-up sequence, the Secure Boot will be able to prevent the attack by halting its loading process. Third, parents can now get activity reports through the Family Safety software which allows them to monitor and safeguard online activities by their children.

Windows Store

Windows Store app is a new application where touchscreen device users can purchase apps that run on a full-screen mode or docked to the screen’s side. The Windows Store apps run on Windows Runtime, making them capable of supporting programming languages like C++, C, Javascipt or HTML5.

The interface features a new tile-based screen resembling that of a Windows Phone. The start menu has been completely replaced and moved from the task bar to the charms bar – a vertical toolbar. The display screen is composed of tiles that link to various programs and apps which constantly display updated content via “live tiles”.

Microsoft Account

The former Windows Live ID used to log into Windows has been updated to Microsoft Account, which you can now use to synchronize applications and access services between devices. With these feature, you can conveniently share files across various social mediums, sync personalized settings online between Windows 8 and your other PCs, and purchase and download apps from the Windows store. For web browsing, the operating system comes with Internet Explorer 10 that serves both as a touch-optimized application as well as a desktop program. The Internet Explorer app includes Adobe Flash Player version optimized for low power usage and touch, enhanced security, prevention against Flash bugs, and enhanced driver capability. Windows 8 also comes with an improved support for mobile broadband that detects SIM card insertions and configures connection settings automatically.

Author Bio

This article is written by Courtney Lee, a proud Windows 8 tablet owner and avid tech blogger who currently resides in California.

Tagged as: amazing features, antivirus, file explorer, microsoft, microsoft account, new features, startup, windows 8, windows store