Windows 8 is the latest incarnation of the Windows software from Microsoft. It has many similar features to those of Windows 7, however Windows 8 has much more of a tablet/mobile feel. It has a new home screen (the Metro interface) that overlays the desktop on which you can place your apps for launching in much the same way you would from an iPhone or Android smartphone. However, the Metro interface is not where the mobile-based inspiration stops with Windows 8. Similarly to the App Store on iPhone and Google Play on Android, you can download new apps and games at the touch of a button straight from the Windows store. This store has the potential to increase Microsoft’s revenue for each app you purchase and download.

The following are a few new features you might like in Windows 8.

Faster Boot up Time

Windows 8 now boots up a lot faster than any previous version of Windows. Since Windows 8 was designed to be a portable operating system, Microsoft needed to improve boot times to compete with instant-on operating systems from its competitors. Microsoft now offers a much improved load time with new resource management, although their software’s load time is still not instant.

New App Store

The Windows app store is a convenient place where you can check out the reviews of apps and try them before you decide to buy. It makes installing new programs and games a complete breeze – especially to those new to using computers but familiar with having a smartphone.

New “Metro” UI Splash Screen

The new desktop overlay is referred to as the Metro screen. You can now install your favourite apps and widgets similarly to how you would install such apps and widgets on a smartphone. Not only can you launch your apps at the touch of a button, but you can see live information straight on your home screen such as the five-day weather forecast or your latest emails, tweets, or Facebook messages.

The Charms Bar

The new charms bar is Microsoft’s replacement for the start button which is no longer a feature in Windows 8. The charms bar appears when you start typing and searches your apps and files in a similar way to the search in Windows 7 start menu does with the added feature of also being able to search within an app. You can also use the charms bar to place your computer into standby or to shut it down.

The New Task Manager

The new task manager makes it a lot easier to see which of your applications are using your system’s resources. With the ability to monitor each program’s usage over time, you can really find out and deal with the rogue apps slowing your computer down.

There are plenty of other little changes too such as the “up one folder” button making a re-appearance in the file browser. There is also a pause feature when copying a file, so if you have multiple files in the process of copying, you can prioritise which one gets done faster.

Windows 8 is a step towards standardising Windows across all platforms with a more smartphone and tablet feel overlaying a tweaked Windows 7.

Give it a Try

If you want to try Windows 8, you can download the preview release for a sneak peek.

Have you ever right-clicked on a file to send it somewhere, just to find that Windows won’t send it to your preferred destination via the Send to menu? I encountered that problem a little while ago, and I decided to figure out how to fix it. If you find yourself moving files to the same folders over and over, using Send to menu can be very useful and efficient – especially when it includes the folders you want.

Fortunately, editing the Send to menu is very simple. First, press the windows key and R (or click the start button and “Run”) to bring up the Run dialog. Next, type shell:sendto in the run dialog. The list of shortcuts appears in an explorer window allowing you to add to or delete from it. Now all you have to do is create a shortcut of the folder you want to add to the menu, add it to the SendTo folder, and delete any old shortcuts you don’t need.

What will you add to your Send to menu?