The Windows 8.1 public beta test is scheduled for June 26h, and Microsoft confirmed this upgrade will be free. It seems so soon after the original “8” came out. However, it was obvious to many home and business users that it could stand some room for improvement. Read more
When it comes to business, having a reliable computer operating system is necessary to ensure that everything runs smoothly. And transitioning to a new one is a major task that requires careful evaluation.
If you have decided to switch your small business’s OS to Microsoft’s newest operating system, you have to take note that decision process does not end there. Similar to the previous versions of Windows, Windows 8 is not just a single edition OS. It comes in three editions: the basic Windows 8 version, Windows 8 pro and Windows 8 enterprise. All of them are business-friendly, but they have specific set of programs that can befit certain business needs. Hence, it is important to identify which one is truly right for you. Below is a simple breakdown of what each version has to offer.
Windows 8
Windows 8 is almost like Windows 7 edition, only that it features a modern UI giving it a whole new look and feel and it does not have a start button. There are also several under-the-hood improvements that make its faster and more responsive.
Although it is basic compared to the other two, it is definitely something when it comes to security. It uses UEFI that allows pre-boot authentication and it also features Windows Defender. Productivity wise, it offers a wide variety of core improvements, provide multi-monitor support, additional file histories, VHD mounting, native ISO, a streamlined task manager and amalgamated storage spaces. It boots, shuts down and sleep in a jiffy, enabling you to do tasks swiftly.
Perhaps the only drawback with this version and the other two as well is that they demand usage training, which may incur additional cost on your part. The modern UI is not your run-of-the-mill Windows desktop as it has hidden controls that you and employees might find difficult to navigate. However, since it functions more like the previous Windows version, its cost as well as available programs and applications can complement the needs of a small business.
Windows 8 Pro
Windows 8 Pro is a bit pricier than Windows 8. However, the additional fee also entails additional features, which are all business-friendly but are more specific in nature. For instance, it has a Domains and Group policy, which is especially advantageous if your business have to centrally manage a network as it will allow you to store all profiles and computer files in one server.
It also features BitLocker and EFS which allows the encryption of all company hard drives and even USB drives–a very useful tool for protecting sensitive client information. Another noteworthy feature is the Hyper-V, which is also available in the Windows 8 edition, but has more virtualization support in this edition. This permits running multiple virtualized servers in one system and can also be used to install guests OS in Windows 8 for testing.
Windows 8 Enterprise
Among the three editions, the Enterprise has the most advanced features and super-specialized tools, which small- and medium-size businesses may find unnecessary. Also, in order to access this version, you need to be a part of Microsoft’s Volume Licensing program in addition to having a minimum of five PCs in your company.
One of the best features of this edition is the Windows To Go that enables a fully functional and BitLocker-encryptable version of Windows 8 system to be loaded in a USB thumb drive. It also has DirectAccess that allows remote systems to act as though they are a part of an internal network without requiring the use of a separate VPN connection. The BranchCache program, on the other hand, improves performance and reduce bandwidth consumption by enabling computers to cache websites, content, files and then share them locally from one peer to the other.
Basically, when deciding which Windows 8 version is appropriate for your small business, it all boils down to identifying the needs of your company. If you are running a particularly small business and you have managed to work with the previous versions of Windows, then upgrading to either Windows 8 or Windows 8 Pro version will be a smooth transition, albeit training and education will be required. However, a particularly large business with more complex operating requirements may find the Windows 8 Enterprise a more suitable pick.
This article was contributed by Ericka for PC Doctor Edinburgh, a laptop repairs Edinburgh company. Ericka has been a writer for several years now and she has written numerous articles about a wide variety of topics for different websites. However, she is particularly interested in learning and discussing things relevant to the tech industry.
Microsoft’s Windows 8 was released at the end of October of 2012, introducing significant changes to the operating system, primarily focusing on improving user experience on tablet computers to rival Apple’s iOS and the Android operating system. Among the business sectors that are increasingly reliant on smartphones and tablets to improve their operational efficiency and communications is the construction industry.
Windows 8 Makes Field Work More Efficient
It’s becoming more and more common for construction companies to use tablet computers which are running Windows 8 software as field workers are able to communicate and share information efficiently from remote work sites. Windows 8 is being preferred over the iPad’s iOS because it’s more efficient and easier to manage. While iPads are commonly used inside boardrooms and by all types of business people, they are not conducive to field work as the Apple operating system platform simply is limited in scope. On the other hand, tablets powered by Windows 8 are compatible with Microsoft’s productivity software, project management & cost estimate apps and for computer-assisted drawing apps. There is no need for users to do a lot of custom coding and configurations with Windows 8 which means that workers on-site have more time available to focus on other tasks to support the field work being done.
Advantages offered to Remote Users
When Windows 8 tablets are used in the field within the construction industry, users can utilize Microsoft’s remote log-in software so that they can stay connected to company networks. For those working at construction sites, rather than just running a mobile version of an app on a tablet in the field, Windows 8 allows users to run full versions of Windows on tablets. This means that construction companies can run leading project review software such as NavisWorks on their handheld devices.
Securing Company Data on Windows 8
A new feature of Windows 8 allows IT professionals to ensure that company data is not compromised while stored on personal tablets used by workers in the field. With Window to Go, remote access to company data is accomplished through a USB drive. Workers in the field can be given USB drives loaded with company data while working on a project and once the work is over, the drive can be returned to the company’s office to ensure that no data is left behind on personal devices.
Windows 8 Suitable for All Types of Remote Work
The newest Microsoft operating system which features a touch-optimizer user interface, offers opportunities for all types of remote work.
Businesses which remotely deploy teams of workers will have to “kick the tires” of Windows 8 so to speak to see if the platform works for them because it’s not a “one size, fits all” operating system. While it may be a perfect fit for one firm, Windows 8 may not fulfill all of another company’s requirements.
Author : Jeff Thomas writes about business and technology. Companies such as cambelt.com which builds a wide range of material handling equipment like conveyors and bucket elevators could find having Windows 8 installed on laptops and tablets for its off-site workforce including sales and field staff beneficial. Windows 8 will allow workers to conduct business from their mobile devices as though they were in the office working on a PC.
Windows 8 has revolutionized the marketplace in a short amount of time. A step above and beyond what everyone has been accustomed to in years past, it has garnered quite a bit of praise for its ease of use and stylish atmosphere. There are, however, certain processes that are accomplished in a different way in comparison to previous versions. Here are some tips and tricks that will hopefully make life with Windows 8 easier to manage.
1) INITIAL LOCK
Windows 8 always boots up to a lock screen and provides no clear instruction as to how to proceed. The quick solution to this would be to press the space key on the keyboard or move the wheel on the mouse to present the login screen. The login screen will ask for a user name and password and, once entered, will bring you to the main centerpiece of Windows 8. For touch screen users, swiping in an upward stroke on the screen will present the login box immediately.
2) QUICK ACCESS
The quick access menu is a list found within Windows 8 that allows immediate access to certain essentials such as device manager, control panel and windows explorer. There are two options available to get to this menu. The user can either right click on the lower left side of the main screen or they can press the windows key and the X key at the same time.
3) MISSING THE START MENU
Most people will find that they will immediately miss the start menu once they begin using Windows 8 as their operating system. There are three options available that will present a list on the screen that shows all applications available on the computer to choose from. The first option would be to press the windows key and the Q key at the same time. The second option would be to right click on any open space on the screen and choose the option labeled as ALL APPS. The third option, only available with touch screen computers, would be to swipe up at the bottom of the screen and tap on the option for ALL APPS.
4) WHERE IS TASK MANAGER???
With no tool bar available as in the past, getting to Task Manager to determine what is running has become a bit of a mystery. To get to task manager to show what is running on your device and have the option to immediately stop them, the user would have to hit the CTRL key, SHIFT key and ESC key all at the same time.
5) SHUT IT DOWN
There are a few separate options available to shut down your Windows 8 machine. The first option is to right click on the lower right hand side of the screen and go to PC SETTINGS. Within there will be an icon to place the pc into hibernation or shut it down completely. A manual option on the keyboard for shut down would be to press the Windows key and the I key at the same time. The final option, hitting CTRL-ALT-DEL on your keyboard, is an old standby from previous versions of Windows and still functions successfully in this environment.
Brett Shaffer is a Campaign Manager at Empire Internet Marketing (EIM), an Orlando based internet marketing company that strives to maximize clients’ earning potential through organic SEO.
It has been a while since Microsoft launched the release preview of their upcoming operating system ‘Windows 8′. After getting positive reviews of the customer’s preview, Microsoft is seeking some more feedback from the common people who are going to use the OS. You can download and install Windows 8 release’s preview for free for testing and evaluation purposes.
Windows 8 Release Preview works great on the same hardware that powers Windows 7:
Additional requirements to use certain features:
Step 1: Downloading the ISO image file and creating a startup disk
The first thing you have to do is to download the ISO image file and write it to a DVD or a USB drive to boot from. The ISO image can be downloaded from the following links.
After downloading, write this ISO image in a DVD or USB flash drive.
You need to create an empty hard disk partition with a size of at lease 20 GB. To do this follow the following steps. You may ignore this step if you already have a hard disk partition.
This will install the Windows 8 release preview on your hard drive on a dual boot. This means that you will get an option to boot either Windows 8 release preview or your current (old) operating sytem. In this way you can install Windows 8 release preview without removing your old operating system. Thanks for reading. For more visit my own blog WeboGraffiti.
Author Boi :- This was a guest post written by Piyush Shrivastava who writes about everything which comes under “technology” at his own blog WeboGraffiti.
When one is determined to draw up a list of the best new features in Windows 8, one is advised to apply multiple points of views and perspectives, as well as to take into consideration the different importance and value of various levels of modifications.
Without pretending to be exhaustive or utterly general, the current article presents 10 of the most visible or effective changes.
1. An utterly useful change introduced in this new version of Windows is the spell checker which is generally applicable. Wherever one may be inside this new operation system, one will find the alleged mistakes underline in the usual manner and one will be offered suggestions to correct the mistakes and the possibility to ignore them or introduce them in the thesaurus.
2. In case one is a social network fan, one may find extremely useful the new share option introduced in the menus.
3. Since the era of online storage has already begun, Windows 8 is keeping the pace with evolution by offering cloud storage to SkyDrive.
4. One can access more easily the running applications on a touch screen by having them arranged in a vertical pile with a finger swipe from the left edge of the touch screen.
5. One can be surprised to find out that the original Start button does not exist per se, only a replace application similar to the Metro Start screen pops up if one clicks on the spot where the old timer used to be. However, most of the possibilities available in the old Start menu can be found right here or appear with a simple right click of the mouse.
6. Another feature is to resize the element on the Metro Start screen of this new operation system by a simple twitch and resulting in a clever, rational resize of the applications.
7. In case one uses a touch screen closing applications have become a lot more comfortable by dragging them down to the bottom of the screen.
8. A fantastic novelty brought by this new version of Windows is a special Thumb keyboard which groups the keys into two groups (left and right) in order to offer a more efficient typing experience on a touch screen. In addition, one can resize the keys according to one’s own preferences.
9. Protecting your data by using a picture password on a touch screen is now possible in Windows 8, but it also raised questions. However, the most important ones targeting the traceability of these lines on dirty screen and the safety of the number of possible variations have been dealt with positively.
10. One can experience an easier way to take screenshots in Windows 8, by holding down the Windows key and pushing Print Screen or in case of touch screens, an alternative way is to hold down the Windows button and volume rocker.
Taking into account the modifications in Windows 8 which have been briefly presented in the paragraphs above, one can state that “user-friendly” was the core of the process.
Author’s Bio :- This article is written by Jack. Jack is a UK based technician and a Windows lover. Jack is working on a scheme which will allow people to – Laptop Buy Now Pay Later. He has studies in US.
