Windows 8 vs Windows 7(speed)

That's about it in terms of significant feature changes, but Microsoft would have us believe that Windows 8 is much faster than Windows 7 - it certainly works on the same hardware, which removes one barrier to upgrade. (And it won't be an expensive upgrade, either.)

Bill Karagounis, Principal Group Program Manager for the Windows 8 Fundamentals Team, recently claimed that startup times were 40 percent faster than Windows 7 on the same hardware, and that the memory footprint of the new OS is '10 to 20 percent better'. He said that the Windows code base comfortably scales on all devices from tablets right up to workstation PCs, and demonstrated Windows 7 and Windows 8 running on similar laptops, with relatively low specifications (including just 1GB RAM).

According to a demonstration Karagounis ran, Windows 7 uses 389MB of system memory, Windows 8 only 330MB. And this in an operating system that includes more functionality.

Karagounis also showed how an older Asus UltraBook with a second-generation Intel chip could boot from cold in just 8 seconds. However, he said that Windows 8 was intended to be what he called 'always on, always connected'. 'You don't boot and shut down Windows 8', he said. Further, he suggested that the OS was designed to be always running switching on and off instantly like a smartphone. He demonstrated the power draw of an Intel-system on a chip Windows 8 slate, using virtually no power in sleep mode, with only the occasional tiny peak when it checked for or received data.

The device was, he said, connected to the web, working in the background in a mode he described as 'connected standby'. Karagounis sent an IM to the slate, at which point he power draw peaked and the device set off an alert. This status applies to Windows RT PCs, and Intel SoC PCs . In the demonstration the power draw goes up instantly something then happens, and then drops off quickly when so-called connected standby kicks in.

Difference between Windows 7 and Windows 8

Difference between Windows 7 and Windows 8

Microsoft Windows has already demonstrated Windows 8 preview of its new features in Microsoft conference Build. Though, it is the fact that the shown demonstrations are not yet completed. There are some key differences between Windows 7 and Windows 8 which are given here below-

If we talk about Windows 7 operating system, then no doubt it is good operating system to experience. It is among second best OS liked by the world after the Windows XP. Windows 7 includes many fabulous features which are creating history but no doubt, it also has some troublesome which is making people think of switching to Windows 8 operating system. Windows 8 on the other hand, has been tried to be the operating system for tablets to televisions. Microsoft Windows has already ruled the desktops and laptops and its next target is tablets, ultra books and televisions.

The differences which Microsoft Windows brings to Windows 8 in comparison to Windows 7 are as follows-

Windows Touch friendly features
The main difference between Windows 7 and Windows 8 comes with its metro style interface that provides live title of rectangle shape which has replaced the icon pattern in Windows 8. In Windows 7 operating system, software shortcuts are in the form of icons. As far as the touch interface is concerned then Windows 7 supports touch interface but not that much, what was expected. So, Windows 8 comes with true touch interface for Metro style apps. It is fast way of accessing data by using an improved on-screen keyboard and handwriting recognition.


Windows ARM processor support
Windows 7 is fully compatible and supportive for x86 processors which is build for traditional home computers but the hint of Windows 8 operating system has changed this current scenario such that Windows 8 offers support for devices running on ARM processor. ARM processor designs are used for growing number of devices. Microsoft Windows is excited to implement ARM processor in its upcoming devices.


Windows based cloud computing
Earlier, it was not possible to store large amount of data on servers but cloud computing have made it possible. Windows 7 is not representing cloud based services but Windows 8 does. We know that Microsoft Windows will come with central cloud integration in Windows 8 operating system. It is representing synchronized data for a Skydrive which interface settings between PC's browsing and other photos which is being shared among multiple platforms.

Windows based apps store
Windows 8 operating system introduces new app store in which different apps is implemented for various devices and settings on right of the screen. The settings section includes contextual apps like volume, brightness, restart and power options. You can share content, links, app reviews, contacts, metro apps, facebook and twitter applications with your friends or colleagues. Windows 8 store offers both desktop apps and ecosystem for developers. On the other hand, Windows 7 OS is missing all these features.


Multiple monitors support in Windows
Microsoft announced that customers can use more than one monitor to connect with Windows 8 operating system. Windows 8 PC management allows customers to use multiple monitors at same time. It means Windows 8 offers flexibility by allowing start screen at one monitor and desktop in another. Customer can also choose taskbar on both screens with different icons on each monitor. Moreover, you can play with background images as well by changing it separate on each monitor. Such support is not available with Windows 7 operating system

Apple iphone 5 specifications

GENERAL 2G Network GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900 - GSM A1428
                                                 CDMA 800 / 1700 / 1900 / 2100 - CDMA A1429
                               3G Network HSDPA 850 / 900 / 1900 / 2100 - GSM A1428
                                                  CDMA2000 1xEV-DO - CDMA A1429
                              4G Network LTE 700 MHz Class 17 / 1700 / 2100 - GSM A1428 or
                                                       LTE 850 / 1800 /2100 - GSM A1429
                                                       LTE 700 / 850 / 1800 / 1900 / 2100 - CDMA A1429
                             Announced        2012, September
                             Status               Coming soon. Exp. release 2012, September 21st
BODY     Dimensions       123.8 x 58.6 x 7.6 mm
                            Weight       112 g
                            Type              LED-backlit IPS TFT, capacitive touchscreen, 16M colors
DISPLAY
                            Size              640 x 1136 pixels, 4.0 inches (~326 ppi pixel density)
                            Multitouch       Yes
                            Protection     Corning Gorilla Glass, oleophobic coating
SOUND    Alert types     Vibration, propriety ringtones
                           Loudspeake    Yes
                           3.5mm jack    Yes
MEMORY Card slot      No
                                Internal 16/32/64 GB storage, 1 GB RAM
DATA GPRS Yes
                        EDGE Yes
                        Speed DC-HSDPA, 42 Mbps; HSDPA, 21 Mbps; HSUPA, 5.76 Mbps, LTE, 100  
                                          Mbps; Rev. A, up to 3.1 Mbps
                       WLAN Wi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n, dual-band, Wi-Fi Plus Cellular
                       Bluetooth Yes, v4.0 with A2DP
                       USB         Yes, v2.0
CAMERA Primary 8 MP, 3264x2448 pixels, autofocus, LED flash
                                                  Features Simultaneous HD video and image recording, touch focus, geo-
                                                 tagging, face detection, panorama, HDR
                               Video Yes, 1080p@30fps, LED video light, video stabilization, geo-tagging
                               Secondary Yes, 1.2 MP, 720p@30fps, videocalling over Wi-Fi and 3G/4G
FEATURES  OS iOS 6
                                        Chipset Apple A6
                                        Sensors Accelerometer, gyro, proximity, compass
                                        Messaging iMessage, SMS (threaded view), MMS, Email, Push Email
                                        Browser HTML (Safari)
                                        Radio No
                                       GPS Yes, with A-GPS support and GLONASS
                                       Java No
                                       Colors Black/Slate, White/Silver
                                                - nano-SIM card support only
                                                     - Active noise cancellation with dedicated dual mics
                                                     - Siri natural language commands and dictation
                                                    - iCloud cloud service
                                                     - Twitter and Facebook integration
                                                     - TV-out
                                                     - Maps
                                                      - iBooks PDF reader
                                                        - Audio/video player and editor
                                                       - Image editor
                                                       - Voice memo/command/dial
BATTERY                Standard battery, Li-Po
                                Stand-by     Up to 225 h (2G) / Up to 225 h (3G)
                                Talk time Up to 8 h (2G) / Up to 8 h (3G)
                                Music play Up to 40 h

Windows 8 Is Not Compatible

Faster, but negligibly so. With all the added benefits one has to wonder: "just how fast is it?" Well, according to the benchmarks the difference isn't substantial in day-to-day use, the performance assessments focusing on differences that will hardly ever be noticed by Windows 8 users that do not use benchmarks.

An extra few points in Google V8 will go unnoticed in terms of browsing experience when modern browsers in Windows 7 are already fast to start with. Boot-up times are indeed much improved, but shaving a few seconds when booting is like starting a car faster; not going to make any real difference unless the user constantly restarts the computer, which commonsense dictates is an unlikely scenario. The same can be said about gaming or multimedia performance, which improves to a point where only benchmarks and timers can pinpoint the difference.

Basically unless you want to squeeze that last tiny drop of performance, you're better off sticking to the version already installed.

Windows 8 Store lacks relevance and is immature. The first issue with the store is that it's mainly designed for Windows UI apps, leaving the aquisition of Desktop apps to the developer which makes it look like an afterthought. The second and most important is the insignificant number of applications available through Windows 8 store compared to the plethora of apps designed for the "Desktop Windows" making it just a gimmick until the platform matures; it can take some time to take off which is why a rushed upgrade is a bad idea. Facebook, Google+, Instagram are all missing right now, and these are just three examples off the top of my head.

Microsoft account is required. Windows 8 provides two methods of authentication, one using a local account and the second relying on a Microsoft account. The only way to get access to complete Windows 8 functionality is to use the latter, basically forcing you to apply for a Microsoft account in order to benefit from all features. Want to use a Google account? Tough luck. Features like Windows Store only work with Microsoft account. If you do not have one or do not want to create one just for Windows 8 you're out of luck.

SkyDrive integration only. Microsoft places its own services in the first lines of "assault", which can be viewed as a good thing in terms of added functionality, but at the same time doesn't offer an alternative to the people out there using Google Drive or Dropbox that have already paid for extra storage space on the popular cloud storage providers. Then there is the issue of all cloud data being stored on Microsoft's own servers, which might not sit well with some users as far as privacy concerns go.

Windows Defender can't replace a dedicated security software suite. While it provides a certain basic degree of security, Windows Defender is still pretty far away in terms of overall functionality compared to dedicated security software suites and it still doesn't integrate with Windows Firewall to provide a unified interface for the integrated security software. It's addressed only for basic security needs which basically means that it can't offer the same degree of protection as a fully fledged security suite.

Multiple monitor support is only useful to some. Because let's face it, this does not target every Windows user like some of the features do. It has a limited applicability because of the obvious hardware requirements and having the ability to separate the new Windows 8 UI from the Desktop on two separate monitors is not necessarily important when the old Desktop did just fine before. A similar functionality exists already that allows to separate working spaces on multiple monitors; this is just as good when there are not two different interfaces to play with, but just the older Desktop.

The new ribbon desktop interface is different, but not necessarily improved. A few months ago Microsoft decided that an Aero-like look a la Windows 7 is not worthy of Windows 8 and accordingly has removed all transparency effects from the desktop interface. The change was made for the sake of using less resources, directly benefiting tablets not desktops. It's not necessarily better looking and it certainly doesn't provide extra functionality over the older Windows Explorer which is important when defining the term "upgrade." Same functionality, just the look is different.

Windows 8 UI has a higher learning curve and makes simple operations more complicated. A good example of how the new UI makes Windows 8 seem unintuitive is power options, as performing simple operations like shutting down the computer is for some reason more complicated to do than it was with Windows XP or Windows 7. This is just an example of how the learning curve in Windows 8 is higher than with any other desktop operating system to come from Microsoft. Then there is the confusion added by a separate interface. Pressing a button switches from Desktop to Windows 8 UI and vice-versa, which will only encumber inexperienced users that were used to a single place to conduct all operations.

Windows 8 hardware requirements

Microsoft has been releasing the hardware certification requirements for upcoming operating systems for many years now, and the latest guidelines to be quietly detailed cover tablets running the upcoming operating system, due for launch later this year.

The information was recently spotted by Within Windows, although Microsoft published the documents quietly in December without any further announcement. The information contains Microsoft’s minimum hardware guidelines in order to successfully meet Windows performance, quality and feature criteria to provide an optimum experience using Windows 8.

Some of the requirements make perfect sense, like the NFC “touch mark” concept. In order to successfully pass validation, any tablet with Near Field Communication (NFC) will be required to have either a sticker, or be embossed in some form with the location of the NFC chip to make the experience of pairing it with the NFC readers easier.

Microsoft also requires all tablets to feature exactly five buttons. They are for power, rotation lock, volume up, volume down and a Windows button. The Windows key must be at least 10.5mm in diameter although it is the manufacturer's own preference for its shape.

As Windows users will have become accustomed to over the years, the CTRL + ALT + DEL method will be replaced with the new combination of using the power + Windows button.

The minimum hardware requirements have also been detailed as follows:

Storage: capacity must have at least 10GB of free space after installation of the operating system
The system firmware must use UEFI, and have secure boot locked down for ARM tablets
Network: WLAN and BlueTooth 4.0 + LE (low energy)
Mobile broadband: If fitted, an assisted GPS radio is also required
NFC: A visual marking of its location on the outer body is required
Graphics: Direct 3D 10 device with WDDM 1.2 driver
Display: Must be at least 1366x768 pixels at a depth of 32bits
Touch Support: It must pass all tests offering at least five touch points
Camera: Must all be capable of at least 720p
Ambient light sensor: 1-30k LUX capable with dynamic range of 5-60K
Sensors: Magnetometer, accelerometer and gyroscope
Connectivity: At least one USB 2.0 controller and exposed USB 2.0 port on frame
Speakers
Microsoft also requires that all tablets running Windows 8 support no-reboot upgrades of WDDM graphics drivers, as well as a two second resume time from standby. Although only Intel-based Windows 8 tablets are required to do this, ARM models will likely have this feature added as it matures on the Windows platform.

One aspect that will likely cause considerable negative feedback is a mandatory Secure Boot feature for ARM-based Windows 8 devices, preventing users from loading alternative operating systems such as Android. Intel-based tablets will not be required to be locked down in the same manner.


There is no word on minimum processing power, or RAM requirements but more details will emerge as we draw closer to the launch of Windows 8.

Windows 8 tablet hardware requirements

Microsoft has been releasing the hardware certification requirements for upcoming operating systems for many years now, and the latest guidelines to be quietly detailed cover tablets running the upcoming operating system, due for launch later this year.

The information was recently spotted by Within Windows, although Microsoft published the documents quietly in December without any further announcement. The information contains Microsoft’s minimum hardware guidelines in order to successfully meet Windows performance, quality and feature criteria to provide an optimum experience using Windows 8.

Some of the requirements make perfect sense, like the NFC “touch mark” concept. In order to successfully pass validation, any tablet with Near Field Communication (NFC) will be required to have either a sticker, or be embossed in some form with the location of the NFC chip to make the experience of pairing it with the NFC readers easier.

Microsoft also requires all tablets to feature exactly five buttons. They are for power, rotation lock, volume up, volume down and a Windows button. The Windows key must be at least 10.5mm in diameter although it is the manufacturer's own preference for its shape.

As Windows users will have become accustomed to over the years, the CTRL + ALT + DEL method will be replaced with the new combination of using the power + Windows button.

The minimum hardware requirements have also been detailed as follows:

Storage: capacity must have at least 10GB of free space after installation of the operating system
The system firmware must use UEFI, and have secure boot locked down for ARM tablets
Network: WLAN and BlueTooth 4.0 + LE (low energy)
Mobile broadband: If fitted, an assisted GPS radio is also required
NFC: A visual marking of its location on the outer body is required
Graphics: Direct 3D 10 device with WDDM 1.2 driver
Display: Must be at least 1366x768 pixels at a depth of 32bits
Touch Support: It must pass all tests offering at least five touch points
Camera: Must all be capable of at least 720p
Ambient light sensor: 1-30k LUX capable with dynamic range of 5-60K
Sensors: Magnetometer, accelerometer and gyroscope
Connectivity: At least one USB 2.0 controller and exposed USB 2.0 port on frame
Speakers
Microsoft also requires that all tablets running Windows 8 support no-reboot upgrades of WDDM graphics drivers, as well as a two second resume time from standby. Although only Intel-based Windows 8 tablets are required to do this, ARM models will likely have this feature added as it matures on the Windows platform.

One aspect that will likely cause considerable negative feedback is a mandatory Secure Boot feature for ARM-based Windows 8 devices, preventing users from loading alternative operating systems such as Android. Intel-based tablets will not be required to be locked down in the same manner.


There is no word on minimum processing power, or RAM requirements but more details will emerge as we draw closer to the launch of Windows 8.

The Windows 8 Consumer Preview

The Windows 8 Consumer Preview is now available for public download, and it offers a very
different experience from what Windows users are accustomed to. However, while the operating
system isoptimized for touchscreen input, that doesn't mean Microsoft forgot about users who are
confined to traditional keyboards and mice.
In fact, the Windows 8 Consumer Preview supports a ton ofkeyboard shortcuts to help make input
and interaction a little easier. Some of the new shortcuts are touchscreen-related, such as pressing
Windows-O to lock the orientation of the device, while others relate to new features, such as
pressing Windows-C to open the Charms bar.
Below is a chart of the keyboard shortcuts we know about, including shortcuts unchanged from
Windows 7, as well as a list of brand-new shortcuts. If you're using Windows 8 with a keyboard and
mouse or laptop touchpad, these will go a very long way toward improving your experience

Hotkeys unchanged from Windows 7

Key combination Windows 7 functionality

Windows--- Display or hide the Start menu.

Windows-Left Arrow ----Dock the active window to the left half of the screen (does nothing to

Metro-style applications).

Windows-Right Arrow Dock the active window to the right half of screen (does nothing to Metro-

style applications).

Windows-Up Arrow Maximize the active window (does nothing to Metro-style applications).

Windows-Down Arrow Restore/minimize the active window (does nothing to Metro-style

applications).

Windows-Shift-Up

Maximize the active window vertically, maintaining width (does nothing to

Arrow

Metro-style applications).

Windows-Shift-Down

Restore/minimize the active window vertically, maintaining width (does

Arrow

nothing to Metro-style applications).

Windows-Shift-Left

Move the active window to the monitor on the left (does nothing to Metro-

Arrow

style applications).

Windows-Shift-Right

Move the active window to the monitor on the right (does nothing to Metro-

Arrow

style applications).

Windows-P Display projection options.

Windows-Home Minimize all nonactive windows; restore on the second keystroke (does not

restore Metro- style applications).

Launch or switch to the program located at the given position on the

Windows-

number

taskbar. (Example: Use Windows-1 to launch the first program.)

Launch a new instance of the program located at the given position on the

Windows-Shift-

number

taskbar.

Windows-B Set focus in the notification area.

  

Windows-Break Display the System Properties dialog box.

Windows-D Show the desktop; restore on the second keystroke (does not restore Metro-

style applications).

Windows-E Open Windows Explorer, navigated to Computer.

Windows-Ctrl-F Search for computers (if you are on a network).

Windows-G Cycle through Windows Desktop Gadgets.

Windows-L Lock your computer  (if you're connected to a network domain), or switch

users (if  you're not connected to a network domain).

Windows-M Minimize all windows.

Windows-Shift-M Restore minimized windows to the desktop (does not restore Metro-style

applications).

Windows-R Open the Run dialog box.

Windows-T Set focus on the taskbar and cycle through programs.

Open Windows Media Center. Note that Windows Media Center must be

Windows-Alt-Enter

installed for this key combo to function; in many Windows 8 builds, it is

not present.

Windows-U Open Ease of Access Center.

Windows-X Open Windows Mobility Center.

Windows-F1 Launch Windows Help and Support.

Windows-N Create a new note (OneNote).

Windows-S Open screen clipper (OneNote).

Windows-Q Open Lync. Note that in Windows 8 the Search function overrides this key

combo.

Windows-A Accept an incoming call (Lync).

Windows-X Reject an incoming call (Lync). Note that this key combo does not function

if Windows Mobility Center is present on the machine.

Windows-Minus Zoom out (Magnifier).

Windows-Plus Zoom in (Magnifer).

Windows-Esc Close Magnifier.

New hotkeys for the Windows 8 Consumer Preview

Key combination Windows 8 functionality

Windows-Space Switch input language and keyboard layout.

Windows-O Lock device orientation.

Windows-, Temporarily peek at the desktop.

Windows-V Cycle through toasts.

Windows-Shift-V Cycle through toasts in reverse order.

  

Windows-Enter Launch Narrator.

Windows-PgUp Move the Start Screen or a Metro-style application to the monitor on the

left.

Windows-PgDown Move the Start Screen or a Metro-style application to the monitor on the

right.

Windows-Shift-. Move the gutter to the left (snap an application).

Windows-. Move the gutter to the right (snap an application).

Windows-C Open the Char ms bar.

Windows-I Open the Settings char m.

Windows-K Open the Connect charm.

Windows-H Open the Share charm.

Windows-Q Open the Search pane.

Windows-W Open the Settings Search app.

Windows-F Open the File Search app.

Windows-Tab Cycle through apps.

Windows-Shift-Tab Cycle through apps in reverse order.

Windows-Ctrl-Tab Cycle through apps and snap them as they cycle.

Windows-Z Open the App Bar.

Windows-/ Initiate input method editor (IME) reconversion.

Windows-J Swap foreground between the snapped and filled apps.

Can Microsoft Windows 8 Fail?

In anticipation of the Windows 8 release, there has been speculation on Microsoft's future. Will the company break out of its slump? Will it get a new image? How will Windows 8 do? What if nobody likes it? What happens next?
Let's get a few things straight. Even if Windows 8 is a huge dog and bombs the way Vista did, it will not matter. There is still nothing out there that can take Microsoft out of the game. Apple has the only other quality operating system out there, and it is proprietary and still more expensive. Money and cost are important.

 Linux may have a chance, but it is held back by all sorts of factors. I've been using Linux but still prefer Windows. The reasons are minor, except for the fact that Adobe refuses to put its Creative Suite on Linux, where it could probably perform faster. A Linux box, as it now stands, is good for light word processing, order entry, and Web surfing. It would be perfect in certain office environments.
The Linux OS also has a peculiar feel that is hard to explain but it never feels the way Windows and Macintosh feel. This is something that concerns me because I cannot put my finger on it. Others will say the same thing.
The backstory: The programming language Forth that creates code gives me the same dubious feeling. I always get into trouble when I mention this, but since the 1980s, I've complained about it. It's a specialty language that seems to be popular to this day among people who write code for control mechanisms. Every so often, a desktop application shows up coded in Forth and I generally spot it because of its muddy feel. There is no other way to describe it. It is very subtle but uncomfortable.
Digital Research had one of the first PC-oriented GUIs called GEM that predated Windows. Microsoft is credited with destroying it in the market when Bill Gates personally went around telling people not to use it because Windows was going to be better, which it wasn't, until years later. This didn't matter, though. I used GEM and it was extremely muddy. Trying to use the unresponsive pointer was as frustrating as trying to control a helium balloon.
The point is that Microsoft and Apple both got the feel right and have maintained that edge over everything else that has since come along.
Before Microsoft ever fails in the marketplace, many things have to happen. Mainly, Microsoft has to shoot itself in the foot over and over, not just once or twice. It doesn't tend to do this. It will botch a product such as Vista or Windows ME and come right back with a fixer like Windows 7 or Windows 2000. Losing ideas such as the Zune, Microsoft Bob, or its VCR had very minimal impact on the company. The failure list for Microsoft is a long one, but its cash cows have continued to pump profits out.