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Windows and Office

Windows 8 Release Preview available earlier than expected

May 31, 2012, 1:49 PM PDT

Takeaway: The Windows 8 Release Preview is now available and ready for you to test-drive.

Microsoft has made the Windows 8 Release Preview version of their soon-to-be-finalized operating system available for download. I am downloading and installing it now, so I haven’t had a good look at this latest version yet, but the blogosphere is buzzing about some of the new polish Microsoft has been able to add to Windows 8.

if you are curious about Windows 8, you can download the Release Preview directly from Microsoft.

To prepare yourself for the Metro interface, you might want to bookmark some of the tips we have published for the Consumer Preview version. Most of the tips should still apply to the Release Preview. And, of course, TechRepublic will have plenty more to add to the Windows 8 conversation as the retail version inches closer and closer to release.

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About Mark Kaelin

Mark Kaelin is a CBS Interactive Senior Editor for TechRepublic. He is the host for the Microsoft Windows and Office blog, the Google in the Enterprise blog and the iOS App Builder blog.

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10 Votes

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Metro Interface

Craig_B 1st Jun

It looks like they have made some tweaks that make it a little nicer though the deal breaker is the Metro interface. They have gone to the lowest common denominator interface (Windows Phone) as the interface for all devices. All they really need to do is offer choices instead of forcing this on everyone. Simply allow users to choose Classic interface or Metro interface. Yes, I can take the time and energy to learn the best way to use the new interface however it's not just me, its all the people I support that will need to be trained all because Microsoft knows better than the people who actually use the product, the customers.

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7 Votes

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Don't get it

Thack Updated - 1st Jun

OK, I've been using it in a VM for weeks and I've just installed the Release Preview.

I'm strictly a desktop only user - so I don't care about any touch functionality. And I'm sorry, but I just don't get it.

For me (and there must be millions like me) the only difference of any substance is the Metro screen acting as a replacement for the W7 Start menu. The W8 desktop environment is basically the same as ever (although the proposed chrome looks rather bland to my eyes).

crostron76, in particular, really likes W8 on a desktop machine. I'm really keen to learn why, as I've been an instant-upgrader of Windows ever since NT3.51 and want to keep up with Windows as it develops.

In conclusion - yes, I can see that the Metro interface is a big step forward for touch devices. For desktop users who have a large number of "traditional" Windows applications, it's really nothing other than a different Start screen.

Please, what am I missing?

Thack

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6 Votes

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I'll pass

Astringent 1st Jun

I have been an early adopter of every version of Windows beginning with 3.0 in including ME and Vista. Despite the instability of some of these versions I was willing to put up with it because there were some real improvements (ex. vista search, navigation, & file copy not about on a bad file). I would rather see an improved Windows 7 - which I love. For the first time in my career I can see nothing in this new version (8) that would want to make me upgrade. Metro bad. There appears to be a focus on directing you somewhere where they can sell you something. I don't need marketing and I don't need to revolve my life around social networking. Improved Task Manager... that ougth to sell a lot people. Not.

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-1 Votes

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They use what you give them

The_Real_BSAFH 13th Aug

Come one man, your the sysadmin. Man up and make those users submit.

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0 Votes

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You may not,

CharlieSpencer_Palmetto 5th Jun

but what makes you think the users I support don't? Your suggestion that I install Linux fails to take that minor detail into account.

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0 Votes

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What makes you think

The_Real_BSAFH 5th Jun

I want to run Windows apps?

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