Chapter 1 Introducing Windows
Introducing Windows 8.1
Even though Windows 7 is Microsoft’s flagship operating system, it has verymuch less touch-sensitive capability compared to smartphones. As a result, Microsoft introduced Windows 8 version to resolve this unsubstantiated feature, while maintaining all Windows 7’s capabilities. Besides, Windows 8 incorporates easily used applications (apps) features.
Leading Up to Windows 8.1
The first Windows, which is Windows 1.0 was released in the mid-1980s. Since then the subsequent Windows versions have been released. Microsoft released Windows 8 general availability on Oct 26, 2012. DueOwing to the unwelcome reaction from users on Windows 8 features, Microsoft released Windows 8.1. Windows 8.1 has four editions: Windows RT 8.1, runs on ARM architecture devices and limits running built-in apps or downloads from the Windows Store; Windows 8.1, Home basic and Home Premium edition; Windows 8.1 Pro, has all Windows 8.1 home features with Active Directory domains support; and Windows 8.1 Enterprise, similar to Windows 8.1 Pro and has additional Aadvanced security capabilities, Sstart screen control and Windows to go features.
New Features of Windows 8 and 8.1
Windows 8 and 8.1 have enhanced productivity and security improvements. Productive improvements include Eenhanced capabilities of touch-screen devices, Start screen, New Windows 8.1 Start button, Charms, Improved Help and Support, Windows OneDrive, Clint Hyper-V, Windows To Go, The Windows Store, Workplace Join, Mobile device management, Web Application Proxy , Printing enhancements in Windows 8.1 and Mobility enhancements in Windows 8.1. The security improvements include Picture password, Trusted Boos and Secure Boot, Applocker, BitLocker and BitLocker To Go, BranchCache, Enhanced auditing capabilities, Enhanced smart card features, Virtual smart cards, New Internet Explorer 11 Security Features, Improvements to Windows firewall with Advanced Security, Remote business data removal, Improved biometric capability and Enhanced malware resistance.
A Quick Tour of Windows 8.1
Windows 8.1 has a new look called Start Screen which contains icons that connect to apps, websites, folder and other handy objects. Among the icons is Desktop which helps to open the familiar Windows Desktop. Windows 8.1 has a Charms panel, a vertical panel on the far right side. On the Charms, there is Windows 8.1 Search which helps you locate matches of any request you make. The new Windows 8.1 taskbar is very similar to the Windows 7 taskbar and it has Taskbar and Navigation Properties dialog box which enables you to configure properties related to the taskbar, navigation, Jump lists and toolbar. Windows 8.1 comes with a serious of Start Screen apps. They include mail, messaging, people, weather, photos, maps, and so on. On the Charms panel, you will also find Settings. By selecting Settings, and then Change PC settings, you will access PC Settings screen. This screen helps you access various utilities and configure various functions on your computer. Here are the utilities in the screen: PC and Devices, Accounts, OneDrive, Search and Apps, Privacy, Network, Time and Language, Ease of Access and Update and Recovery. Windows 8.1 has Control Panel as well. Control Panel offers organized access to frequently used features. These features are System and Security, Network and Internet, Hardware and Sound, Programs, User Accounts and Family Safety, Appearance and personalization, Clock, Language, and Region and Ease of Access.
Evaluating Hardware Readiness and Compatibility
Microsoft has specified the bare minimum hardware level requirements to run Windows 8.1 basic features;. hHowever, the bare minimum requirements are not necessarily good enough to support more than basic applications, or, for better operations. When it comes to compatible hardware selection, you can use Microsoft’s Windows Hardware Certification Kit (HCK). Microsoft Application Compatibility Toolkit, on the other hand, helps in determining whether applications are compatible with Windows 8.1. Windows 8.1 has several new features like Clint Hyper-V, Miracast Display, Pervasive Device Encryption and Visual smart cards and Secure Boot. These features’ hardware requirements need to be taken into considerations as well.