Windows 8 is revolutionizing the PC industry with an interface that diverges greatly from something we’ve all grown quite accustomed to. For better or worse, Microsoft is forcing its users toward the mobile way of viewing things. While this has given way to much criticism, there are countless benefits that can be seen from this mobile push, interface notwithstanding. Here are several important features of the new Windows 8 operating system.
UEFI Replaces BIOS
For those of you who know what BIOS is, this will be a much-needed change. Microsoft has created a new boot solution called Unified Extensible Firmware Interface (UEFI), which will significantly improve the boot process and user experience, replacing the older archaic Basic Input Output System (BIOS) that we’ve been stuck with for decades.
With Windows 8 has come faster boot times of around eight second between pushing the power button and windows opening. This, along with the need for fewer system reboots, will help increase productivity in the office.
UEFI is not only more user-friendly, but comes equipped with several new and handy features. Secure boot prevents unauthorized operating systems from loading, and Early Launch Anti-Malware (ELAM) protects against boot loader attacks. It is also quite IT-friendly and allows administrators to perform remote diagnostics and computer repairs via the network.
Full Windows Experience on Tablets
Most tablets don’t have the processing capacity to run a full PC-based operating system. Windows 8 seeks to change that by allowing x86-based tablets the opportunity to retain much of the productivity allowed by Windows 8. Rather than using an environment that is toned down and more restricted, you can use the full Windows environment. This means you can still use the same Windows applications from Microsoft Office 2013 to countless more desktop-based applications.
This benefit only applies to x86-based tablets that are loaded with Windows 8 Pro. Tablets with ARM processors that run Windows Run Time (RT) will unfortunately only support the Metro-style apps and won’t offer the full Windows experience.
Windows To Go
This is a feature we’ve all been wanting for countless years (some of us anyway). The Windows To Go feature in Windows 8 Enterprise allows users to put a clean install of Windows 8 onto a 32GB or higher USB thumb or portable drive and boot it from other computers. This is especially helpful for individuals who are telecommuters or temporary contractors as you can fit an entire PC operating system loaded with all the needed applications, settings and files onto a device small enough to fit in your pocket.
You can also use this feature to create a backup operating system in the event that your computer becomes infected or corrupted. To protect against theft, you can encrypt your device with BitLocker.
New Recovery Options
We all dread that moment when the “blue screen of death” appears and we’re forced to recover or reinstall Windows. Windows 8 offers two new options, Refresh and Reset, which will help save you countless hours in reconstructing the PC’s environment. You can initiate these options through the Metro-style Settings app within Windows or via the new boot Windows Recovery Environment.
Refresh keeps all of your personal data, apps and settings, but reinstalls Windows. This entire process can take less than 10 minutes regardless of how much personal data needs to be backed up. Reset removes all data on the computer and reinstalls Windows to the same condition it was in the first time it started. This can take between 10 and 25 minutes, a far cry from the several hours that older Windows environments took to install.
Written by thecodewhiz
Thecodewhiz is a tech savvy internet enthusiast,Designer,ICT Support Specialist, amatuer Dj and Photographer who loves sharing information.Find Technology tips and tricks and more here...
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