A multi-touch interface might not seem ideally suited for a corporate environment, but Windows 8 seamlessly blends the best of tablet-like direct interaction and traditional desktop applications. We can see why this radically different-looking operating system might raise a few eyebrows in the boardroom though.
Different, yes. But Windows 8 could work in the corporate world
For starters, Windows 8 doesn't look like a traditional business operating system. With its bright colours Metro touchscreen-enabled interface. it seems designed to appeal to kids. On the face of it, this departure from the windows and taskbars that we recognise seems to make the new OS less suited to business use than existing versions of Windows. Microsoft certainly intends to broaden the appeal of Windows with its new OS, but there's also plenty under the hood that is aimed specifically at the business user.
Although Windows 8 looks different, it can do anything you can already do in your existing version of Windows, be that a 32bit or 64bit environment. But it isn't just a desktop operating system - it is equally at home on a tablet PC or a dumb client with only a log in to a web portal for a front end, and it synchs well with Windows smartphones. It's a use-anywhere, the-same-experience-on-anything operating system.
Whenever you log in to Windows 8, you’re logging in to your own, personalised computer. Your apps, preferences and contacts are with you whenever your use Windows 8. This applies on your laptop, PC, tablet or Windows Phone.
A separate Windows 8 To Go app supplied with the OS allows you to use Windows 8’s features even on a PC that doesn’t have Windows 8 on it. The USB-based app acts as a portable operating system and even lets you use the business-critical applications installed on your office network from a remote location. Documents you’ve saved can be pulled down from your free SkyDrive online archive or other cloud-based backup drive, edited and automatically saved back to your secure web store.
You don't need to replace your existing Windows 7 computer or laptop in order to run Windows 8 – though you may want to invest in a touchscreen display to take advantage of the Metro interface.
The hardware you’re running now will comfortably run Windows 8 applications. It will work with the same connected devices too, so you won’t lose any networking capability or connectivity. You’ll also continue to be able to use your current programs, so there’s no productivity loss to worry about. In fact, Windows 8 is designed to fit better around the individual than any previous version of the operating system.
Since October 2011, there have been millions of installations of Windows 8 previews, which has allowed Microsoft to identify and iron out any hardware compatibilities. Reports suggest that they are rare. In any case, you get a detailed compatibility report before proceeding with the upgrade process. Once installed, setup takes a matter of minutes. The most critical items – phone numbers, email addresses and business contacts - are automatically imported and saved to your Windows Live or Exchange account.
Windows 8 will also offer the tempting possibility of a slick business environment on a lightweight tablet device – one on which you’ll be able to use the corporate applications on which you rely. This means you won’t need to lug about a hefty laptop just so you can attend meetings and give PowerPoint presentations.
Windows 8 also offers improved support for virtualised environments and secure ways of working such as running applications from within a sandbox. Corporate users will find enterprise-grade business security in the form of BitLocker hard drive encryption and Trusted Module Platform.
Getting around Metro takes a little getting used to, like anything new, but we’ve found using it surprisingly intuitive. We certainly don’t miss delving through folder after folder to find the item we need; with Windows 8 you can just scroll across and click to launch the item you want. There’s also less in the way of distraction as clicking away from one task in favour of another hides but doesn’t close it. When you want to return to that web page, spreadsheet or email, a click on its tile returns you to the point at which you left off.
Tiles of recently-used apps and screens are visible to the left, where they are easily called up. The ‘traditional’ Windows desktop, meanwhile, is always available from the bottom-right tile of the Metro Start screen. You can use keyboard and mouse for anything – but will probably eventually find the side-scrolling menu setup in Windows 8 best used with a fast-flicking finger.
No one would argue that Windows 8 is the same as the Windows that came before it – it’s not intended to be. With support for the latest tablet and smartphone platforms and uniformity across these as well as your PC and laptop, Windows 8 offers a more cohesive way of working. Security and management tools are included, while the Metro interface provides an immersive experience that only a touchscreen environment can offer. See also: Top 8 reasons to upgrade to Windows 8.
Visit: Windows 8 Advisor
Have your say in the Windows 8 forum
Comments
Marty Smith said: I got Win7 Pro for 40 I have no interest in touch on a monitor and the cost involvedAt my Doctors I walk in and you register on a touch monitor Touch initial dob Its great for single applications like that Think the os is Win XP
Maccyroo said: I agreeI wouldnt fancy playing a game like Crysis 2 or Assassins Creed on a touch screen I would imagine that thosewho try may well end up with eye strain from being too close to the monitor if not a more serious medical conditionI will stick to Windows 7 for my desktop as it suits the the way I use my PC But I also use my Android phone and tablet a lot too For different things than what I use my desktop system forI like a bit of variety myself and crave new technological experiences I have no real problem with Windows 8 I ran the consumer preview in a virtual machine for a couple of weeks and then removed it after deciding it wasnt going to suit my desktop styleI am sure that many people will welcomethe merging of thetraditional desktop and touchscreen interfaces Each to their own Personally I like the experience I get from usingbrowsing the web and watching video on the go with my Galaxy TabBut I equally enjoy gaming and using my desktop for office tasks where a physical keyboard is a big advantage as well asimage and video editingDespite the introduction of theMetroapp driven interface in Windows 8 I really cant imagine that Adobe and Sony will be rushing to develop touchscreen versions of Photoshop or Vegas Movie Studio Or that developers will start calling all their newsoftware releases for Windows AppsI see no need to merge the two experiences together although I use and enjoy both equally After all variety is said to be the spice of life
Maccyroo said: What do you feel iswrong with Windows 7 exactly Have you ever actually used itI wonder as your comments suggest you haventSaying XP is last real Operating System is just not accurate at all Windows 7 is superior to XP in every way as long as you have the hardware configuration to run it smoothly I was ahappy XP user for 8 years and was certainly not tempted in any way by Vista which in hindsight was really more like a Beta release for Windows 7 When Windows 7 launched all the annoying bugs and problems with Vista were sorted out including the very annoying UACThe inbuilt search and indexing options in Windows 7 are superior to those in XP in every way Explorer works flawlessly in Win 7 as do many third party file managers like Total commander If you spend justa little time on the internet you can find many excellent andtotally free utilities that can be used to customize Win 7 with popular features that werent carried over from XPThe excellent Classic Menu freeware offers the choice of the old XP start menu the new Windows 7 menu as well as the option to customize both to your particular needsWindows 8 is a radical change compared to recent new Windows releases and is probably not going to be popular with a majority of traditional desktop users including myself Microsoft are desperately aware that the way people are now using their computers has radically changed Tablets and smartphones are becoming ever more popular and taking market share away from more traditional laptops and desktops Microsoft have recognized that to stay dominant in their traditionalmarkets and gain a sizeable stake in the new mobile OS app driven enviroment they need to changeYou stick withXP if thats what you want to do But be aware that in 2014 the security updates for those running SP3 will stop and the OS will slowly become more prone to malwareUpgrading your operating system is a matter of free choice as it should be and if you have your reasons for sticking with XP thenthat is fineBut making inaccurate statements about new and improved versions of Windows just makes it look like your realreasons for wanting to stick with XP are more about fear ofchange andor lack of confidence in getting to grips with something slightly different rather than the fact that XP is in any way superior which its not
Marty Smith said: I have used it and if you have no use for a touch screen then there is no point going from Win7 to Win8 The desktop seems inferior and I like the glass look of Win7 with the curved cornersRepetitive strain will be the new phase I read the other day that some one played WoWC on a 15 touch screen monitor He said that he was exhausted after 15minsOn a tablet there is no strain because your arms are not stretched out
Matt Egan said: And you shall have one Soon For the record you dont have to use Windows 8 as a touchscreen OS In fact it should be thought of as two operating systems Classic which is a slight tweak of Windows 7 and Metro which is the touchscreen interface principally aimed at tablets etc
Marty Smith said: You dont need to replace your existing Windows 7 computer or laptop in order to run Windows 8 though you may want to invest in a touchscreen display to take advantage of the Metro interfaceConsidering the cheap price of 24 monitors that most people have nowadays and a lot have bought TNHow much is a 24 touch screen monitor these days Google thatYouve not going to want smallerI just just can not see it working especially for business most are using Office where touch is not needed and a lot are still on XPEight hours a day - your arms will ache MS developed keyboards and mice to reduce strain on your wrist How will they cope with that if you are 3ft from your screenIts all counter intuitiveId like to see a poll on Windows 8
Flatroofer said: I cannot remove MS8 It has also removed MS7 without notification
nilst2011 said: Who cares about Microsoft Lego 8 BS I dont I stay with XP That is the final OS that really is an OS The followers are pure BS Windows Explorer that doesnt work properly You cant serach for ALL filetypesbugs bugs and more bugs And that ridicilous UAC Microsoft has done their part when it comes to OSes
symbolset said: Windows Professional and Office Pro cost more than a regular PC to run them on With so many devices coming out that dont need that software and work quite well - including the ability to rent the WindowsOffice experience the need for Windows and Office on the client PC may be coming to an endWindows 8 will be very different migrating to an entirely new user experience and application ecosystem that is not even born yet let alone evolvedBusinesses should consider this before they migrate away from XP to something new It may be time to consider no