I’m not a big fan of change. It took me five years with the same haircut to finally try bangs.
So when Microsoft announced at its recent developers’ conference that it would release a new version of Windows — probably bringing it to market at least a year from now — I was less enthusiastic than my nerdy cohorts. But I took the Windows 8 developer’s preview out for a spin to see if I could drag my stubborn self onboard.
Windows 8 is significantly different from Windows 7 in layout, appearance, navigation and performance.
Built with tablet computing in mind, it feels more on par with the iPad’s operating system than the Windows desktop version we’re used to. It boasts a significantly faster load time, booting up in just under 20 seconds while your current Windows system likely takes one or two minutes. The login screen is prettier and more functional, displaying useful information such as date, time, Wi-Fi signal strength and battery life (if applicable) where user accounts used to be listed.
The familiar desktop screen — with background image, start bar and icons for programs and files saved to my desktop — is nowhere to be found. We’re not in Kansas anymore.
The Windows 8 interface, called Metro, is based on the type of navigation you find on a Windows phone or tablet. Instead of icons, it has tiles, and each represents an application such as Internet Explorer, a news reader or games.
These tiles aren’t shortcuts: Like desktop widgets, they provide instant information about the weather, stocks, email, etc. You can customize tile groups by category or resize them to make important ones stand out. You can add apps and programs to your heart’s content, but that can make finding an app difficult. Microsoft anticipated this by simplifying its search function: Instead of hunting down a search box, you just start typing.
The desktop I’m used to is still there, it’s just another tile. Selecting it brings up the comfy old start button and desktop icons. Yet even the mostly familiar page is different. “Start” returns you to the Metro tiles.
In launching applications or opening folders, I expected to see the usual file, edit and search options, but they’ve been redesigned. Instead, there is a new ribbon menu, similar to the one in Microsoft Office. Often-used functions such as copy and paste can be accessed quickly from the menu bar. Less-used functions are smaller or grayed out depending on the type of file. Microsoft insists this system highlights functions people didn’t know they had, increasing productivity.
Just as Apple supports synching and integrating all of your various “i” devices, so does Windows 8 aim to seamlessly sync data across all devices so you’ll no longer need to do it by hand. Your Windows Live user ID will link all the data. Microsoft is even introducing a Windows app store, allowing users to purchase small widget-like apps or larger programs such as Office or Quicken.
The developer’s preview isn’t a complete version, so there are lots of bugs that will likely be fixed before Windows 8 comes to market.
In the meantime, I’ll keep reminding myself that change can be good. To check out your Windows future, send me a note for a link to the developer’s preview.
Andrea Eldridge is CEO of Nerds on Call, which offers on-site computer and home theater set-up and repair. Based in Redding, Calif., it has locations in five states. Contact Eldridge at www.callnerds.com/andrea