Windows 8
Windows 8 is a Microsoft operating system that was released in October 2012. It was the successor to Windows 7 and brought significant changes to the operating system's user interface.
User Interface
One of the most noticeable changes in Windows 8 was the user interface. Microsoft introduced a new "Modern UI" which featured a tile-based design. The tiles displayed real-time information, such as weather or news updates. The Modern UI was optimized for touchscreens, which meant that users could navigate the operating system by swiping or tapping on the screen.
Some users found this new interface confusing, especially those who were used to the traditional desktop environment. However, Microsoft argued that the new interface was more efficient and made it easier for users to access the applications they needed.
Features
Aside from the new user interface, Windows 8 also had several new features. One of these was the ability to sync settings between devices. This means that users could log into any Windows 8 device and have their settings, including desktop background, language preferences, and application settings, automatically sync.
Another new feature was Windows To Go, which allowed users to create a bootable USB drive with Windows 8 on it. This made it possible to carry around a fully functional version of Windows 8 and use it on any computer.
Reception
Windows 8 received mixed reviews from critics. Some praised the new user interface and the improved performance, while others criticized the lack of support for traditional desktop applications and the confusion caused by the dual interfaces.
Despite the mixed reception, Windows 8 was still a commercial success. As of 2021, it remains one of the most widely used operating systems globally, with an estimated 1 in 5 computer users still running Windows 8 or 8.1.
Conclusion
Windows 8 brought significant changes to Microsoft's operating system, with a new user interface and several new features. The new interface received mixed reviews, but the operating system was still a commercial success. Today, it remains a widely used operating system, although it has been superseded by Windows 10.