Windows 8

So this post will just be my thoughts on the Windows 8 Developer Preview that I have recently installed on my laptop (side by side with my Windows 7 installation).

1. The Interface - So everyone knows that Windows 8 will be compatible with tablets, nothing new there. The Start Menu is the part of the interface that not only has changed the most, but will be the biggest feature for tablet users. It features what Microsoft calls the 'Metro Display' which instead of a list of apps on your start menu, they're on tiles that you can organize. The Start Menu is also full screen. Kinda weird. It is really easy to switch between the start menu and the 'Desktop View' because well, there's a big button that says 'Desktop' and when you click it you see a Windows 7 style desktop. If I was to be using this OS as my main system I would probably prefer this view a little bit more. When you open Non-Metro apps, it automatically kicks you over to this 'Desktop View' as well and opens it there. The big change is that instead of your Desktop View being your central screen that everything stems from, the Start Menu is now the core screen.
2. The Apps - This is probably the biggest change for Microsoft - having the ability to buy and sell apps. Obviously this functionality already exists within Windows Phone 7, but they see how successful Apple is and this will probably appeal to those with Windows 8 on a tablet more then anyone else (why would you get an app from the Marketplace when you can download a desktop version online?). It comes preloaded with some games (as all Windows computers do) and while they aren't the greatest, I can't really complain. Have to keep in mind that no developers have done anything for this OS except for Microsoft's team. I'm pretty sure games are pretty low on their list of things to do to get it release ready. One thing I haven't learned how to do yet is actually close one of these Metro apps from within the app without using the Task Manager.
3. Internet Explorer - Easily the most hated web browser on the planet, however, it is the number one web browser for downloading a better browser. What's a little different in Windows 8 is that there seems to be two different IE's existing in the ecosystem. One is the IE metro app and one in the Desktop IE. They don't seem to be interchangeable. Yes they both work, but the metro app is definitely a different look and feel. I kinda like having it full screen and it uses the right click a little bit more. You can however switch easily between your open Metro Apps and your Desktop apps using Alt+Tab. I am actually writing this from within the Metro IE. The Ctrl+Tab still switches you between tabs, but the user interface is way different. Also, within the Metro IE, the scrollbar no longer takes up space on the screen. It is visible, but it's kinda like iPhone in that it sits on top of the content, not beside. Also, Metro IE doesn't support Flash yet, but I downloaded Chrome and Flash works great. Not sure if this is a bug but there is lots of time to get it working.
4. The Windows Key - I have found myself using the Windows Key quite a bit in Windows 8. This is because it's the easiest way to get back into the Start Menu from within a Metro App or in Desktop View. All the regular Windows key shortcuts are still active, from what I can tell, and when you press it from within the Start Menu, it just kicks you back into whatever you last had open, which I like.
5. The Installation/Startup/Running - This probably should have been my first point, but as long as it's here I'm happy. Installation was a typical Windows installation, very similar to Windows 7. One thing I was really impressed by was the fact that there wasn't really any install time. Once it had uncompressed the files from the disc it instantly just rebooted into my first run bootup. This was awesome. Startup and shutdown are quick (almost lightning fast), which is a major bonus. They really worked hard on streamlining that for Windows 8. Running on my laptop, I find my laptop to be running significantly hotter then it does when just running Windows 7. I almost can't even have it sitting on my lap. It's not like it gets hot and then cools down either, it's a constant heat. This is a major complaint, however, you have to remember this version of Windows is Pre-Beta testing. It's like a taste of what's to come. Microsoft is teasing us with Windows 8 and making us want it all. I have no doubt this problem will get fixed as my battery life also sucks on it.

All in all, I am so far impressed by Windows 8. While the Start Menu is a big change as now it seems that the OS is based around it, I kinda like it. However, I can see how when people install a lot of apps it would get a little bit cluttered with all the tiles on it. I will be continuing to use it, as I have just installed it yesterday, probably will use it until I can't anymore. By that time there should be the RC version available for me to download and try. So yeah, definitely wets my appetite for the future.