So, when it comes to Windows 8, you may be thinking, “With this new interface I guess we can expect another Vista right?” “More stuff in the operating system means it is all going to be slower?” It would certainly make sense if this was the case, but so far things are actually faster. Microsoft promised us a faster operating system, and back in September, starting with the Developer Preview they delivered. In benchmark tests with the first preview of it, it was already faster than Windows 7. While it might not be as noticeable on faster computers, on my slower netbook processing power device I notice a significant difference in how fast the operating system is all around. Since September I have been running all of the releases of Windows 8 on both my faster systems and slower systems (like a really cheap really old laptop we have). Especially on the slower hardware Windows 8 seems faster compared to previous versions of Windows. Likewise the Metro UI was designed to be “Fast and Fluid” and on my little netbook equivalent convertible, that has been my experience with it. On that slower device, it has been a joy to use. Overall it is faster. It feels faster, gaming is marginally faster, and using Photoshop is marginally faster. But in everyday use, even older or cheaper hardware is more usable with Windows 8. Am I saying your desktop from 1990-something will be able to suddenly do HD, or that your netbook will be a powerhouse? No, but on the same hardware and with all the necessary drivers, this software should provide a better experience.
Tomorrow we will talk about some of Windows 8’s controversies. Have you had a chance to compare Windows 8 to Windows 7, or even other versions of Windows? What has been your experience with it, does it seem faster to you? Sound off in the comments.
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