Revolutionizes user interaction with a touch-optimized interface and hybrid functionality for PCs and tablets
Revolutionizes user interaction with a touch-optimized interface and hybrid functionality for PCs and tablets
Vote (491 votes)
Program license Free
Developer Microsoft
Version 64 bit
Works under Windows
Vote
(491 votes)
Developer
Microsoft
Works under
Windows
Program license
Free
Version
64 bit
Pros
- Windows 8 provides improved performance and fluidity compared to Windows 7.
- Optimization for touch-enabled computers and tablets is a welcome change.
- Quite a few user interface tweaks make sense and produce a better experience.
Cons
- Windows 8 has now been superseded by Windows 10.
- Many users will prefer the interface from Windows 7.
- Changes to the Start Menu are controversial to say the least.
Windows 8 is the successor to Windows 7, Microsoft's iconic operating system. Various changes have been made to the OS from version to version this time around. In fact, not everyone will love the changes Microsoft has made here. The fact remains Windows 8 is one of the best versions of Windows to come around in years. Criticisms of the operating system are overblown to say the least. Therefore, users willing to give the OS a chance will be rewarded with a fluid experience that works quite well.
Major Changes Make Windows 8 Seem Unfamiliar At First
When users boot up Windows 8 for the first time, they might let out a gasp of surprise. The operating system is unmistakably Windows, but differences are immediately apparent. In Windows 8, Microsoft has implemented the "Metro" design philosophy. Major tweaks have been made to the Start Menu, Windows Explorer, and other elements of the UI. Users will encounter more colors and fluid animations throughout the entire interface.
Unfortunately, longtime Windows users have expressed criticisms of the new UI in Windows 8. Quite a few people seemed unhappy with the new Start Menu and live tiles. A focus on touch-enabled devices also upset the community to no end. However, Windows 8 is much more fluid and smooth compared to Windows 7. Navigating through menus and settings couldn't be easier in Windows 8. The whole experience just works better.
Most users will notice Windows 8 runs better than Windows 7 in various ways. For starters, the operating system runs in a more stable environment. Crashes and unexpected glitches shouldn't happen nearly as often here. Windows 8 happens to utilize fewer resources than Windows 7 while performing the same actions. The latest version of Windows trounces its predecessor in speed, overall performance, and stability.
Undoubtedly, Windows 8 changes a lot of what users expect from the Windows operating system. Each change to the OS makes sense in the grand scheme of things, though. A focus on touchscreen navigation is due to the proliferation of touch-enabled devices. Windows 8 attempts to do everything well on every device, and the operating system mostly succeeds on that front.
Is Windows 8 Worth Downloading?
The release of Windows 10 has made Windows 8 and 8.1 obsolete nowadays. Regardless, Windows 8 remains active on many devices today. It's a great upgrade from Windows 7 and will receive security updates for the foreseeable future. Most people will opt for Windows 10, but Windows 8 still does some things better than the newest OS. In the end, Windows 8 is a fantastic operating system in most aspects.
Pros
- Windows 8 provides improved performance and fluidity compared to Windows 7.
- Optimization for touch-enabled computers and tablets is a welcome change.
- Quite a few user interface tweaks make sense and produce a better experience.
Cons
- Windows 8 has now been superseded by Windows 10.
- Many users will prefer the interface from Windows 7.
- Changes to the Start Menu are controversial to say the least.
Pros
- Highly stable and customizable OS
- Supports traditional and Metro apps
- Excellent touch screen support
Cons
- Transition to the Metro UI a bit of a shock
Windows 8 64-bit is the version of the Microsoft operating system that introduced the Metro interface.
With Windows 8, Microsoft builds on previous successes by integrating support for tablets and other portable computing devices. In addition to the traditional desktop mode, you get a desktop that’s optimized for touch screens and works well with mobile-style apps. You can transition between desktop and tablet mode with ease. If your device is better suited to one or the other, then you can just leave in that mode. However, the transition is convenient for devices that support both.
This version is the 64-bit edition, which means that it’s configured specifically for 64-bit CPUs. The alternative to this is a 32-bit edition, and it’s imperative that you choose the appropriate version of Windows 8 for your setup. For the average user, the difference between 32- and 64-bit editions is all behind the scenes, but, it's important to note that the 64-bit machines can be a bit more responsive when running multiple apps. Furthermore, while you can run Windows 8 32-bit on a 64-bit machine, you can’t run a 64-bit OS on a 32-bit CPU.
Windows 8 64-bit includes all the great tools you’ve come to expect from Windows, such as a built-in web browser, email client, media center and so forth. One of the major differences is that these programs now have Metro support, or they’re available in an app version designed for Metro. Otherwise, this OS is much like Windows 7. Windows Update will ensure that your computer stays up to date and secure, and System Restore will let you roll back to a working configuration should anything ever go wrong.
Pros
- Highly stable and customizable OS
- Supports traditional and Metro apps
- Excellent touch screen support
Cons
- Transition to the Metro UI a bit of a shock
