Windows 8 to Launch Sometime in October, Launch Beta Version!

Microsoft is officially launching the re-imagined operating system Windows 8, which functions on many new devices aside from a traditional PC such as: iPad on Metro Testbed app, Touch Screen all in one Desktops, Windows Tablet and Windows Phone. These new devices will debut the new touch screen feature that is available in a Beta Version on the iPad.

They reportedly will finish work on Windows 8 by this summer, setting the stage to release the next version of its flagship operating system sometime around October.

Until then, Microsoft’s Windows 8 Beta is now available as a free download, which means that it’s time to figure out how to install it.

Officially called the Consumer Preview, the Windows 8 Beta is actually quite simple to install. There are some requirements, though. Most Windows 7 computers should to be able to handle Windows 8.

To verify, you’ll want to have:

• 1 Ghz or faster processor
• 1 GB of RAM for 32-bit or 2 GB for the 64-bit version
• 16 GB hard drive for 32-bit, or 20 GB for 64-bit version
• Graphics card that supports Microsoft DirectX 9 or higher

A word on what our Microsoft Certified Technician’s think:

“Windows 8 is very similar to Windows 7; it’s even faster than Windows 7, with faster boot times and shut downs almost instantly. Internet Explorer 10 has a new look to it and a few cool animations when clicking on the drop down menus. The biggest difference you will notice with Windows 8 is that it lacks the traditional “START” button, which is due to Windows 8 having a very clean look to it and allowing fluent touch screen control over Windows 8.  You can now stretch the task bar over both screens and have the ability to pause data transfers”.

There are also some extras that won’t work without certain specifics. As shocking as this may sound, the touch features will require a touch screen monitor or tablet. Accessing the Windows Store requires an Internet connection, obviously, but also a screen resolution of at least 1024 x 76, and to Snap apps, which lets you split the screen between two apps, you’ll need a resolution of at least 1366 x 768.

To get started, go to preview.windows.com.

For further information, you can also contact our Tech Repair Center and speak to a Microsoft Certified Professional that will get you started. Call us now @ 949-699-6619, email us @ support@orangecountycomputer.com, and visit our site at OrangeCountyComputer.com, to read about the importance of genuine software licensing, and software support.