Top 5 Features of Windows 8

Windows 8

In this post we discuss about the top 5 features found in Windows 8.

1. Fewer Surprise Restarts

Desks across the world have fist-sized holes in them, caused solely by Windows' habit of restarting to implement a security update, often losing unsaved work in the process. Windows 8 doesn't abandon forced restarts, but it's much more considerate about them.

First, Microsoft promises only to restart for the security patches that arrive on Patch Tuesday once a month - unless a "critical security update to fix a worm-like vulnerability" crops up, in which case Microsoft will push out an update that will restart machines. Second, it will ease off on the nagging: there will be no more pop-ups interrupting presentations or DVD playback. Microsoft will instead place a prominent warning about necessary restarts on the revamped lock screen. Furthermore, it will give three days' notice of any restart, as opposed to the 20-minute default countdown from Windows 7.

As well as the three-day deadline, Windows 8 won't restart i: there are applications running in the background or if there's unsaved work open. How Microsoft defines "unsaved work" is, however, unclear: would data in a web form or CMS that hasn't been submitted count as unsaved work?

2. Built-in Antivirus

Microsoft seems reluctant to shout about it - perhaps through fear of attracting unwanted anti-trust attention - but Windows 8 is the first version of Windows to include built-in antivirus protection. And not before time.

Microsoft Security Essentials (MSE), the optional free antivirus package for older versions of Windows, now appears under the Windows Defender umbrella in the Windows 8 Consumer Preview. As with the Windows 7 version of MSE it's light on features, but as an unobtrusive minder to keep an eye out for anything untoward, it should suffice. Microsoft is also vetting Metro Style apps before they appear in the Store, adding another layer of protection.

Those measures, together with Windows 8's built-in firewall, could convince many people not to bother with extra, paid-for security suites. Whether it will eventually prove a bonus for malware writers - who may only have to worry about worming past Microsoft's security software instead of an entire field of third-party security suites - remains to be seen.

3. Cross-Device Synchronisation

The Windows 8 installation screen practically forces users to set up a Windows Live account. This not only becomes the PC's primary login, but it also gives access to the Windows Store and allows settings to be synchronised across different Windows 8 devices.

The lock screen, Windows desktop wallpaper and Metro theme are all synchronised by default, providing visual consistency across all of your PCs, laptops and tablets. Internet Explorer history and bookmarks are also shared, as well as other Windows settings. The Sync menu also allows the synchronisation of "certain settings in your apps", although frustratingly, it doesn't reveal any further details. On our test PCs, we saw our social network setting synchronised in the People app, but not much else.

Indeed, it could be argued that Windows 8's synchronisation doesn't go far enough. It would be nice if Microsoft at least offered to synchronise the Metro desktop and any installed apps, provided that both devices had sufficient storage space. Fingers crossed it will be sorted by final release time.

The Windows Store does at least contain a list of apps you've previously purchased, making it easier to re-download them onto a new device.

4. Improved 3G Support

Windows 8 offers native support for 3G and 4G (the latter of which won't be of use until we get the next-gen networks found in the US). Given that most high-end tablets have 3G slots in the back, Microsoft could do little else. However, this isn't the only concession that it's making to mobile broadband users.

There's built-in metering to make sure consumers and business users don't stray beyond their data cap. Hefty device drivers won't download by default while running on mobile broadband, and the new Task Manager also reveals which apps are hogging your data connection, allowing the most greedy to be summarily despatched.

Windows 8 will also automatically switch to Wi-Fi when in range of a known access point to prevent users incurring unnecessary bills.

5. Picture Passwords

Tapping in passwords on a tablet, even using Microsoft's excellent soft keyboard, is hardly ideal. Picture passwords are an inventive alter native. Select a pho from your library, make three gestures with your finger on ti i chosen photo - tapping each of your children in alphabetical order, for example, or swiping across three letters in a picture ( fridge magnets - and that becomes your Windows login. Picture passwords can be used with both touchscreens and mouse controls.

Should you forget your Picture password, you can switch back to the more conventional methods of logging in with your Windows Live ID or with a simple text password.

Signing in with a Picture Password 

Please share your favorite feature in the comments below.

Also read, 24 hours with Windows 8