The Rising Popularity of Windows 8

When we talk about operating systems, Microsoft Corporation’s Windows OS wins, flat out. For nine consecutive years, every Windows OS—from its older versions such as WinNT, WinXP, and Windows 2000 to the more recent ones such as Windows Vista and Windows 7. But late last year, the giant of operating systems has introduced Windows 8, to some acclaim. Microsoft, as if determined to defy all expectations, released an OS that is a far cry from its predecessors.

Windows 8 is designed under a new principle, one that is prepped to revolutionize the way we look at computing machines. The most striking aspect of this new OS is not the engineering marvels it showcase, which has been the strength of Microsoft, but the design interface. It features minimalist design, with bright, pastel-colored tiles with minimum graphics.

windows 8
Windows 8: Credits to DennisSylvesterHurd

While many consumers were excited by this unexpected turn of events for the company that has provided us with the world’s leading OS, many were intrigued with how Windows 8 will change the way they conduct their everyday activities. Especially for business, the foremost question that comes to the minds of business persons is how this new OS will help them with their business operations, boost their productivity, and make work experience enjoyable and easy. Concerns such as how Windows 8 will fare with their existing service providers, such as RingCentral business VoIP, and how it will play against other consumer favorites such as the iOS, have become the buzzword in the world of business.

The good thing with Windows is that a newly-released operating system can be installed in place of older versions. This feature helps in the speedy spread of Windows 8 around the globe, since literally any computer running in Windows 7 can also be run using the new OS, thus doing away with the need to create a wholly new device that can be made compatible with Windows 8.

With regard to the user interface, Windows 8 is visually arresting and attractive. Strangely, it turns out that Windows oft-criticized aspect now becomes its most praised. This is because Windows 8 serves as a breath of fresh air during these times when operating systems that showcase panache over simplicity has become an almost tired concept that many consumers are willing to shift to something novel and unexpected.

Before we ask whether all the hype will soon die down or not, we must ask first how the Windows 8 fares in the market. As of December 2012, Windows 8 represents 2.5 percent of overall OS usage in the world. This may seem small, but considering that it has barely been introduced to the market, this is a fairly good showing.

In fact, Microsoft has declared during the January 2013 Consumer Electronics Show that it has sold over 60 million licenses of Windows 8, a figure that does not include Enterprise Agreement or volume license sales. This is a lot greater than the 48 million iPhone units sold during the same time period.

Does this mean that the Windows 8 has already secured the top position for at least for 2013? It is early to say, to be sure, but whatever performance Windows 8 will show for the remainder of the year, loyal Windows fans are already left giddy with the prospect of more innovations that Microsoft can offer after the release of Windows 8.

  1. You would be better skctiing with a dual boot system for now. When you are in Linux you can either try using VirtualBox to run Windows then run your programs on top of it or you can try using WINE to run your Windows programs.Once you have tested these options you will find one which will work and you are happy with. Then you can delete the Windows partition(s).

    1. You are absolutely right Lambharoy. Windows programs can be run through WINE. But the Metro appeal will be missing. Many users want to have the metro look on their Apps rather than performance.

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