Introduction to Windows 8

Windows 8 is a new Microsoft operating system which features a dynamic user 

interface and offers many more new features. Some of the changes include:

                                                

Activation - Activation does not happen at the factory anymore due to a pre-injected key on the system board. The activation will happen automatically, the moment customer connects to internet. In cases where the system board is replaced, a DPK hard copy is shipped with the system board. If the hard drive is replaced or the operating system is re installed, Windows will need to be re-activated.

User Interface - The Start Screen on Windows 8 offers a set of tiles for the apps installed. Each tile on Start is connected to a person, app, website, folder, playlist, or whatever else is important to you. Pin as many tiles to Start as you like and move them around so it's just the way you want it.

Charms Bar - A universal bar which has some of the most important Charms (options) on Windows 8. Each of the charms is context specific.

Login and Password Options - Windows 8 offers local account usage as well as a new option called Microsoft Account. You can choose to have a normal text based password, a 4 digit pin or a picture password based on gestures.

Recovery and troubleshooting options - Windows 8 has additional troubleshooting options through Win Re  You can choose to run Refresh, Reset, System image recovery or simply run system restore.

Mouse, keyboard—and now touch

Windows 8 is perfect for PCs with only a mouse and keyboard, those with touchscreens, and those with both. Whatever kind of PC you have, you'll discover fast and fluid ways to switch between apps, move things around, and go smoothly from one place to another.

Windows has been re-imagined to focus on your life. The beautiful, fast, and fluid design is perfect for a range of hardware: from compact, touch-enabled tablets and lightweight laptops, to PCs and large, powerful all-in-ones with high-definition screens. It's smooth, intuitive, and gives you instant access to your people, apps, and stuff, so you spend less time searching and more time doing.

The new Windows Store provides Apps to help you work more efficiently, or get you the latest games so you can compete with friends. Apps can work together too; so that you can share photos, maps, contacts, links, etc.

No matter what you want to do, you can get it done quickly in Windows 8. Whether you are completing a project, playing a game, or reading a book, with Windows 8, you can use touch, mouse, and keyboard together—seamlessly—to do what you want, the way you want. No need to choose one or the other. It starts quickly and it is cloud-connected so you can access your photos, documents, and settings on any Windows 8 PC.

Windows 8 is available for consumers in three editions.

Edition	Architecture	Description
Windows 8	x86/x64	This is the mainstream consumer version of Windows 8.
Windows 8 Pro	x86/x64	Windows 8 Pro includes all the features of Windows 8, plus features for encryption, virtualization, PC management, and domain connectivity. Windows Media Center is available for purchase as an economical “media pack” add-on to Windows 8 Pro. If you are an enthusiast or you want to use your PC in a business environment, you will want Windows 8 Pro.
Windows RT	ARM	This edition is available pre-installed on PCs and tablets powered by ARM processors. It helps enable new thin and lightweight form factors with impressive battery life. Windows RT includes touch-optimized desktop versions of the new Microsoft Word, Excel, PowerPoint, and One-note.

Some common facts about windows 8 in just 8 minutes...