Windows 8/8.1 Tips and Tricks

Windows 8 is the next generation of the Microsoft Windows operating system due for release towards the end of 2012. Like all new releases of Windows, the Windows 8 operating system has undergone some major redesigns with the most major being the introduction of the Metro User Interface.

The Metro User Interface is more in keeping with touch sensitive hardware such as tablet and touch screen. How successful this ends up being, only time will tell. The Metro UI is fine if you are using a tablet or touch sensitive screen but it has some drawbacks if you happen to be using a computer mouse.

While the Metro UI is one of the major innovations of Windows 8 there are numerous other new additions. These include:

Faster Boot Times - Microsoft have incorporated a partial hibernation mode into Windows 8 which effectively reduces the time it takes Windows to boot from cold.
Less Memory usage - Microsoft say that Windows 8 will use both less RAM and running processes.
Overhaul of Windows Explorer - Windows Explorer has had an overall and now sports a Ribbon UI. It also has better file copying and it is now possible to mount ISO file directly from within Windows Explorer.
In-Place PC Refresh - A simple way of reloading Windows keeping all your files intact.
ARM Processor support - Look forward to more battery efficient and lower power consumption tablets.
Inclusion of Hyper V as standard - Windows 7 has XP Mode, Windows 8 has Hyper V an up-to-date virtual machine application.
Taskbar now capable of spanning multiple monitors - This is something users have been asking for, for a very long time.
Wallpaper now capable of spanning multiple monitors - Once again something that has regularly been requested by users.
Universal Spell check - This is a really welcome addition, but it is only available for Metro applications.
Windows Live Integration - Now you can sync all your Windows Live applications across all of your PCs via Windows Live.
Windows Store - All your Windows Apps can be purchased from one convenient store.
Re-Designed Task Manager - The Task Manager has been completely re-vamped. Everything is much clearer now making it easier to disable startup applications, check resource usage, start Windows Explorer etc.