Windows 8 An Extension to Windows 7 Fundamental Features

Windows 8 is loaded with a set of cult features that would surely drive the future of operating systems besides raising a bar for them. The urban-style OS has been built on the fundamental features of Windows 7, its to-be predecessor to offer an enhanced yet familiar user experience.

Besides being an improved version of Windows 7, what differentiates Windows 8 from the former is its unique concept and approach for computing that is a mix of conventional keyboard input and contemporary touch style. The mix and match style, which did not exist in the previous version has been designed to support multiple devices.

Compared to Windows 7, the upcoming OS offers enhanced system performance, improved reliability, refurbished kernel system, greater flexibility and security, and faster startups among other things. So let's take a dive into the world of Windows 8 features that are more or less an extension of Windows 7's or previous versions' features. Yet the features are unique in their own way and would offer a matchless experience.

User Interface (UI)- the all-in-one urban-style user interface offers you a quick glance through your world. Weather, emails, music, photos, instant messaging, RSS feeds, Control Panel, Windows Explorer, Internet Explorer, backups, and what not more, everything is cascaded on the user interface to give you a one-touch access to every little thing you need. What's more, you can customize the Start screen to add your favorite shortcuts and things like websites, photo albums, music tracks, and computer settings among other things. Thus you need not browse to different sections of your Windows to reach a particular application or program, simply pin it to your user interface and get going. Convenience and flexibility are the only things that Windows 8 offers for its users.

Windows Update- Microsoft has retained the old built-in feature in Windows 8 but in an improved manner. Now Windows Update will simply not interrupt you in the midst of playing a game, making an important presentation in Microsoft PowerPoint, or doing anything which is very important to you in that time. In other words, it will simply not push you to install the Windows updates first, reboot your computer, and start working afterwards.

Since Windows 8 knows that it is equally important to keep the computer up-to-date, it exploits the time when the system is idle and is not being used for any productive work. The operating system gives you an option to customize the Windows Update feature for scheduling updates and rebooting computer. Besides, you can choose a convenient time for rebooting your computer after an update has been installed. Consequently, you will not see those annoying prompts that would appear every now and then prompting you to install the updates.

Windows Task Manager- Here is your old feature but in new style. The new colored tile style lets you know which process or application is consuming CPU resources the most. The all-in-one Task Manager console offers more control and monitoring for your computer. Besides, you can see the comprehensive details, history, and summery graphs for all the applications and processes running on your computer. So if you find a process consuming much resource, you would know what to do with it.

Similar Hardware Requirements- Yes, Windows 8 does not require you to install additional hardware or software. It works on the same infrastructure on which Windows 7 and Vista works. As a result, it gives you relief from upgrading your existing hardware with a great deal of money. Though the touch input requires a multi-touch

Virtual Keyboard- This is something very unique and an outstanding feature in Windows 8. The OS comprises two touch-screen keyboards; with one is a thumb-size while other is a full-size keyboard consisting of large key buttons for enhanced convenience and flexibility. The virtual keyboard supports multiple languages for convenience and adjusts its layout automatically to touch-based PCs. Besides, it gives you word suggestions when you type a word, making your work easier and faster. What's more, it automatically corrects your spelling mistakes and even gives you spelling suggestions to minimize the chances of typing mistakes.