Microsoft has an all new operating system (OS) that is poised to take over the reins currently held by Windows 7 – aptly named Windows 8. This article will provide a quick Windows 8 update – outlining some of the advantages and disadvantages of using the newest Microsoft OS while at the same time highlighting some of its more notable features.

Advantages of Using Windows 8 Windows 8 update articles are often positive, providing

readers with substantial information regarding the features and advantages of the new Microsoft OS. Some of these are the following:

Introduction of a new interface – If there’s a single Windows 8 update that people has been getting considerable buzz, it’s the new Metro interface. Adopted from the Windows smartphone, the new interface makes use of tiles instead of icons for program shortcuts, and “live tiles” for Metro applications. It was also designed in such a way that it works with touch and with a mouse and keyboard; hence, it can be installed in both tablets and laptops/desktop PCs.

Improved boot up process – Another Windows 8 update that has virtually everyone looking forward to the commercial release of the new Microsoft OS is its improved boot up process. Before, starting up takes minutes, and one’s PC is left unsecured and vulnerable to various threats. With Windows 8, however, booting up only takes a couple of seconds; and because of its stricter security requirements, the chance of the PC being affected by viruses or the owner being the victim of fraud is minimized.

Disadvantages of Using Windows 8 While this operating system from Microsoft has yet to

hit the shelves, some of those who had the chance of testing it and checking it out presented possible issues and problematic areas users might encounter. A few of these are the following:

Suspension, not closing of applications – As mentioned in various Windows 8 update reviews, one of the major disadvantages of the new OS is the inability of the user to close certain applications – particularly Metro apps. Instead, Windows 8 puts the application on “suspended” mode. While it has been maintained that mere suspension – and not closing - of a program does not affect performance, there are still users who find this Windows 8 update frustrating for two reasons. First, they maintain that this action will affect the computer’s memory; second, the fact that they have no choice in the matter is upsetting as it is.

Difficulty in finding certain programs and functions – A Windows 8 update that has received a lot of flak is the system’s new interface which replaced the old desktop look and the start menu. A primary reason for this negative reaction is the level of difficulty users encountered when looking for some of the programs – particularly those with shortcuts appearing in the old Start screen and those that can easily be found in the Start menu. To access MS Outlook, for instance, most resorted to switching to the old desktop to find it more easily. There are also reports of difficulty in finding specific functions, like Shut Down, which makes it hard to do certain tasks.

Confusion with the Start button/Win logo – For so long the Start button and the Windows logo found on the computer keyboard functioned as sort of a shortcut to one’s files and the various programs and applications. With the introduction of a new interface, however, these two assumed a completely different function. This kind of Windows 8 update can be confusing and irritating, especially for business users who value their time and cannot afford to spend hours familiarizing themselves with the new Start screen.

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