:hands on technology
Technolog
y
Hands on
Your guide to Microsoft Windows 8 and Tablets
Microsoft���s new operating
system, Windows 8, has officially
launched. It is an entirely new Windows user
interface designed for ���touch��� and a new
generation of Windows applications.
The most striking changes to Microsoft���s
new operating system are evident as soon
as you first switch on a Windows 8 PC.
The boot process is surprisingly fast for
Windows. Gone are the days of staring at
a splash screen or waiting for Windows to
apply computer settings before you can log
in and start your day. If you���ve been a long
time Windows user, say goodbye to the
start screen, the desktop, and say hello to
Live Tiles. This is the standard set by the
Windows smartphone and it���s now a part of
your Windows 8 Desktop/Tablet experience
too.
Whilst this operating system will work
on a standard desktop PC or notebook, it
is really optimised to be used with a touch
66 | www.h e rma gaz i n e . c o. n z
screen. The main options for this on the
market will be all-in-one PC���s and Tablets.
Before Windows 8, all-in-one computers
seemed like mostly a space saving exercise, a
way to store components in the same area as
the screen. Now, they���re more like gigantic
tablets with hefty processing power. If you���re
looking for a stationary computer with a
touchscreen, they make more sense now than
they ever did before. Many can also double
as multimedia stations thanks to their large,
high-resolution screens, integrated speakers
and DVD or Blu-ray drives.
Tablet computers have been one of the top
Christmas gifts for the last couple of years. This
year, tablets are more popular than ever and
they make a great Christmas present for family
members.
The PC industry has built a whole host
of tablets to run the Windows 8 operating
system. You can easily hold them in both
landscape or portrait orientations and most
come with full-size USB ports.
Some of them have detachable or hidden
keyboards that allow them to transform into
more of a traditional notebook.
When purchasing a tablet with Windows
8, check if it is the full version with all the
features of the full desktop operating system
or Windows RT. Windows RT is a stripped
down version of Windows 8 designed for
ARM processors. Windows RT computers
will likely have higher battery life, but they
can���t run your old programs. You���ll only be
able to use applications from the Windows
Store, and even then you can only use
applications designed for RT and not the full
version of Windows 8.
Whether you stay with a traditional PC or
join the tablet revolution, happy computing
for 2013!
Cliff Salter
www.pchardware.co.nz