Closing Metro applications. Closing Metro applications Features and benefits of the Windows 8 operating system

Is it worth upgrading from Windows 7 to Windows 8?

This short review windows 8. The article should cover such questions as what Windows 8 is; for which devices Windows 8 was released; Is it worth upgrading from Windows 7 to Windows 8?

Due to the growth of the touch device market, Microsoft is well aware that for a successful future they simply need to take their rightful place in the market for these devices. The first steps were already taken in Windows 7, but they were present there only as a small addition.

Since Microsoft was never able to adequately compete in the market mobile devices, then releasing new version his operating system for touch devices risked not achieving even such far from outstanding results that they showed mobile version Windows Phone.

When Microsoft enters the touch market, it needs to be more than just a new OS for touch devices. Now, if only they could adapt the “older” Windows to the needs of devices with touch controls...

Microsoft clearly did not intend to write a new operating system for touch devices. Because this breaks compatibility Windows applications 7 with new OS. This is clearly not worth doing, since the extremely successful Windows 7 should be compatible with each and every application in the Windows family.

As a result, the problem - how to adapt the touch interface of the new OS to the needs of a desktop PC and at the same time not infringe on the rights of PC users - was solved quite simply. To the successful latest version of Windows 7, Microsoft added a radically new desktop (or simply desktop) called Metro. (Although now, as a result of a court injunction, instead of Metro, the desktop is simply and usually called “new desktop”).

Why is it remarkable? new windows 8 ? And by the fact that he appeared new interface Metro. And not only is this a new type of desktop and applications, but it is also a new operating system that works in tandem with Windows 7.

Hearing this description of the new OS, you might think that Microsoft was too clever by releasing such an OS. But having looked into it in more detail, we begin to understand how Microsoft made the right step. Having made such an OS, the needs of two camps of users were satisfied. Below you can find out more about windows review 8, which will help you understand this issue.

Firstly, users of ordinary personal computers received a new version of Windows OS, which is based on the previous very successful Windows 7. Moreover, having inherited all the best aspects, the new OS has acquired a sufficient number of interesting innovations.

Secondly, owners of tablets and other touch-screen devices can work with Metro, specially created for them, which features excellent finger control in tablets and other touch-type devices.

And so the new Metro desktop is a tiled interface, and literally consists of tiles or application icons.

Tiles in Windows 8 can be shaped like a square or rectangle, and they are not just animated, but at the same time display various information: if they contain any files, be it pictures, videos, etc. then they are displayed on the tile itself without going into it.

Also, these tiles hide underneath various applications, and even the familiar Windows 7 desktop for all of us is hidden under the tile of the same name, this is, so to speak, Windows 7 in Windows 8.

You can also draw an analogy by comparing tiles in Windows 8 with various gadgets in other operating systems, including mobile ones. So if, for example, some operating systems have a gadget - weather, sports, finance - then in Windows 8 there are tiles with similar information.

That is, the new Metro desktop is a set of widget tiles, including a desktop and Windows 7 functionality.

Tiles in Windows 8 can be moved as you wish, with an emphasis on horizontal movement - which is a distance of 8500 pixels.

It is clear that in touch devices horizontal movement is carried out with a finger, and in ordinary ones without touch control using the cursor, navigation bar, or mouse wheel.

Windows 8 provides the function of opening two windows on the screen at once in Metro, which is not available in other operating systems, including mobile ones. They open in proportions of 1/5 of the screen for one application and 4/5, respectively, for another.

The new Metro application does not have the familiar “minimize” and “close” buttons. You can exit the program only by closing it. Well, of course you can switch to another application. The application is closed by grabbing it with your finger or mouse and with a downward movement, so to speak, brushes it off the desktop, thereby closing it.

A list of all Windows 8 applications can be seen by clicking on the icon below; in the list that appears, the metro application appears first, and then all the others.

A very important part of working comfortably with the new Metro desktop is using hotkeys. And so now let's look at the second part of the new OS, namely the regular old Windows desktop.

To our usual working mode Windows desktop 7 is located on the widget tile with the same name. In general, it's still the same Windows 7 only with some innovations and updates.

And so on in order. When you hover your cursor over the right side of the desktop, special buttons(Charms bar).

The first thing worth paying attention to is the absence of a “Start” button, yes, this is a “catastrophic” innovation that many users perceived extremely negatively ( start for windows 8). But is this really so?

Well, let's start with the fact that there is still a button, although instead of the usual “Start”, now it is a button for calling the Metro desktop. Which, by the way, is very convenient: with one click of the mouse we get to the newly-minted Metro tiled interface, in which we can immediately start working with all kinds of information or entertainment gadgets, including simple everyday programs that you are used to working with.

But if you still can’t get used to the absence of the Start button, there are many programs, paid and free, that will instantly restore this button. For example here:

Another innovation that, by the way, really turned out to be unpleasant is a desktop completely devoid of gadgets. Yes, they were simply banned, which of course is really very inconvenient.

Many users, for example, used several watch faces on their desktop with different time zones, simply because it was a work necessity. But it's not that bad again third party program you can return gadgets to their place. For example free program 8GadgetPack.

Another small innovation, albeit of a purely external nature, is the abandonment of transparency in Aero mode. Now the translucent windows are left behind. The new window border color simply adjusts to the desktop background.

Switching languages ​​by default is now Win+space. But you can easily return to the usual version by changing it in the language settings.

Windows 8 also boasts loading speed. On a starting ultrabook, the boot process occurs in about 4 seconds. On an average computer, loading takes on average 10 seconds, which is also a very good result.

As for such an interesting move as combining in the new OS both a version for ordinary computers and a version for touch screens, it must be said that it was a great success. Thus, Microsoft was able to satisfy requests like ordinary users PCs and users of various touch screen devices, including mobile ones.

Now we need to answer the question: is it worth switching from Windows 7 to Windows 8?

Definitely difficult to answer. In terms of the technical part, Windows 8 is in no way inferior to Windows 7 and in terms of functionality too, on the contrary, it has quite interesting innovations, so those who like to install everything new, then for them the definite answer is YES! Windows 8 needs to be installed!

For those who wanted to see some revolutionary changes by switching to a new OS, then they should certainly refrain from switching to the new OS and wait for the next version.

The new Windows 8 OS is simply a successful combination of users of regular PCs using Windows 7 and users of devices with touch screens.

We recommend that you look at the note on how to install any version of Windows on a laptop (seven). This was a short review of Windows 8, the new operating system from Microsoft. How to install Windows 8 can be read in the article

Windows 8.1 (formerly known as "Windows Blue") is a comprehensive update to Windows 8. The new Microsoft versions does not deviate from the Modern UI interface (the correct name for the interface previously called Metro). Windows 8.1 adds a host of customizations to the user interface, along with some new and updated apps, all to help users enjoy the new Windows environment longer.

OS name: Microsoft Windows 8.1
Official website: www.microsoft.com
Developer:
Interface language: Russian, English, etc.
Treatment: Required.
System requirements: ()
Processor: 1 GHz or higher supporting PAE, NX and SSE2
RAM: 1 GB (32-bit) or 2 GB (64-bit)
Free place Hard disk space: 16 GB (32-bit) or 20 GB (64-bit)
Graphics card: Microsoft DirectX 9 with WDDM driver
Screen resolution min: 1024 x 768 pixels
Internet access (fees may apply)
Some features require a Microsoft account

Official way to download original ISO for free Windows image 8.1 from the Microsoft website.

Where can I download the original Windows 8.1 image for free?

For owners of genuine Windows 7, 8, 8.1 and 10.
Many users wonder - Where can I download the original Windows 8.1 image for free?
You can find it on many websites on the Internet Pirate builds of Windows, which have a modified theme, disabled, removed or changed functions, images built into the system, signatures of the authors of assemblies, pre-installed programs and other applications that the user will not need.

How to download the original Windows 8.1 image for free

Attention! Our instructions (read below) were released at a time when it was possible to download a Windows 8.1 image from the Microsoft website only in this way, namely “Download the tool”. Now it’s even easier, you don’t need to download anything first, just select the edition you need and download it to your computer!

• First, you need to go to the Microsoft website, to the download page software Window 8.1 download and click “Download tool” (Fig. 1).

Fig.1

• The file will be downloaded to your computer (Fig. 2) Media Creation Tool- This proprietary utility from Microsoft Corporation, allowing you to create boot images Windows 8.1 operating system directly from the company server.

Fig.2

This program has greatly simplified getting the version of Windows OS you need, without requiring complex settings and providing the ability to select the required architecture.

Fig.3

• After launching the utility, select the OS language (Fig. 3), edition type (home, Pro, etc.) (Fig. 4) and architecture (32-bit or 64-bit) (Fig. 5).

Fig.4
Fig.5

• Next, when we decided on the choice of operating system, in this case we chose, language - Russian, bit depth X-64. (Fig.6)

Fig.6

• Select the location on the computer where we save the operating system image. If you have a USB flash drive inserted, you can immediately write to it (Fig. 7). When selecting USB flash drive The bootable USB flash drive will be created without a preliminary ISO image. A bootable flash drive prepared in this way can be used at any time, on any computer, to update or.

Fig.7

• To burn an image to DVD disc, or simply save the original image of Windows 8.1 on your computer, select step 2 - ISO file(Fig.8)

Fig.8

• Select where we want to save the ISO image (Fig. 9)

Fig.9

• Click “Save”, then the original image of Windows 8.1 will be downloaded (Fig. 10, 11, 12). It will take some time for the image to be completely downloaded from the Microsoft website to your computer, it all depends on your Internet speed. By the way, you can check your Internet speed.

Fig.10
Fig.11
Fig.12

• When the image is completely downloaded, the following window will appear (Fig. 13), where you can click “Finish”.

Fig.13

• You can insert a blank DVD into your drive to immediately burn Windows 8.1 to a disc (you need to click " Open DVD burner") (Fig. 14). Thus, the disc you record will be no different from a licensed disc purchased in a store.
  The only thing you will need during the installation process is key product to your version of Windows, and after installation Activation of the system itself.

Fig.14

• Now that you have original image of Windows 8.1 Professional recorded on disc or made Bootable USB flash drive, and of course the purchased key, plus activation in your name, you can safely install the fresh original Windows 8.1 operating system.

Attention! If you are installing the operating system for the first time, you will need a Windows product key (xxxxx-xxxxx-xxxxx-xxxxx-xxxxx), which you purchase from the Microsoft website (License Key).

System Description:

(formerly known as "Windows Blue") is a comprehensive update to Windows 8. In the new version, Microsoft does not deviate from the Modern UI interface (the correct name for the interface previously called Metro). Windows 8.1 adds a host of customizations to the user interface, along with some new and updated apps, all to help users enjoy the new Windows environment longer.

Additional Information:

Additional Information:
Windows 8.1 offers a familiar desktop with a taskbar and Start button, as well as a stylish new home screen, where you can add your favorite apps, people, and sites for one-tap access.

In addition, you will be able to use the built-in cloud storage, allowing you to access photos and files anywhere and anytime, enjoy convenient full-screen viewing with Internet Explorer 11 and an exclusive collection of built-in apps like Photos and Mail. More apps can be downloaded from the Windows Store.

• What's new:
  Quick Start: We've brought back the Start button to the desktop—tap or click to go to the Start screen. If you like, you can switch to the desktop immediately after you turn on your computer, or use the same background for your desktop and start screen. You can also go to the list of all downloaded applications.
• Smart Search:
  Bing Smart Search searches everywhere at once—the web, settings, files, and apps on your device—and lets you quickly jump to results. Play a song, call a friend, open an app or your favorite website. (Not all features are available in some regions.)
• Get more done:
  Chat while gaming, shop while watching a movie, and work while listening to music. Depending on your screen size, you can open up to four apps at once and easily switch between them.
• Download more apps:
  The updated Windows Store includes apps designed specifically for Windows 8.1 and new recommendations. This update also includes new pre-installed applications, for example, “Reading List” and “Cooking”. Now you can install apps on all your Windows 8.1 tablets and computers.
• All files at hand:
  Automatically save documents, photos and other files to SkyDrive so they're at your fingertips wherever you are, from any device. They will never be lost, even if something happens to your device.
• Enjoy surfing:
  Internet Explorer 11 loads sites faster, allows you to open two sites in full screen mode, place them side by side and view them simultaneously. The new browser also notifies you about updates to your favorite sites right on the home screen.

04.04.2014

In the updated version of the operating Microsoft systems There are many small improvements that give it significant advantages over Windows 8.

Brad Chacos. 25 hidden features in Windows 8.1. PCWorld, January 2014.

The big picture is made up of little things. And this fully applies to the updated version of Windows 8.1. Some interesting features of the OS are hidden from view, and it's time to end this! The article presented to your attention contains information that we had to spend quite a lot of time searching for, collecting fragmentary information bit by bit. So let's get started.

With a wave of your hand

One of the most interesting tricks used by the developers of Windows 8.1 is hidden deep in the Cooking application. It’s full of delicious recipes for every taste, but when preparing food, every now and then turning to touch display, is not a very good idea. What if you don't touch the screen at all?

In contactless mode, you simply wave your hand in front of the screen, which has already been stained with sauce, and the built-in camera of the device, recording your movements, gives the program a command to move to the next stage and display the next portion of instructions on the display. As a result touch screen remained clean, the dish was prepared, and you got acquainted with a new technology (very practical, I must admit), which even contains something magical.

SkyDrive App: Modern File Explorer

SkyDrive (renamed OneDrive in February 2014) is tightly integrated into the Windows 8.1 environment, as evidenced by the prompt to save all your photos and files to the cloud that appears on the screen immediately after the OS update, as well as the presence of SkyDrive elements in the Desktop File Explorer table.

At the same time cloud service has an important role in the modern interface's File Explorer, which allows you to manage files with finger movements.

One application, several windows

The ability to dynamically change the aspect ratio of application windows when placed next to each other is a small but important improvement introduced in Windows 8.1. But the new OS also supports one more feature that few people know about. Windows 8 allowed each application to display only one window on the screen at a time. The user did not have, for example, the ability to place two instances of Internet Explorer on the screen at once.

IN Windows environment 8.1 this feature is supported - at least in relation to the Internet Explorer 11 browser, for which this function is most in demand.

Reading, viewing

Internet Explorer 11 is one of the few browsers that is fully compatible with the touch interface. It also has a “Reading Mode” that makes web browsing even more enjoyable. By activating this feature, all unnecessary clutter (including advertising) is removed from the screen, and the page presentation takes on an attractive horizontal scrolling appearance.

Automatic application updates

To update applications with a modern interface in Windows 8, you will have to go to Windows Store and perform all manipulations manually. When the appropriate mode is activated, Windows 8.1 automatically initiates all necessary operations.

Restarting applications

In Windows 8, apps close when they are dragged to the bottom of the screen. In Windows 8.1, in this case they are simply minimized - the application continues to run in the background.

Mail app settings

Unlike other built-in applications, quite serious changes have been made to the Mail program. When you click on a hyperlink in an email, the corresponding web page automatically opens in Internet browser Explorer 11. As a result, the user can browse the site without leaving the Inbox (this happens when IE is set as the default browser and is allowed to run in the modern interface). Perhaps such changes may not seem too significant to some, but the ease of working with the program, due to them, increases noticeably.

Bulk Application Configuration Tools

Customizing apps and Live Tiles in Windows 8 was not for the faint of heart. Users had to uninstall and resize each application manually, individually. Windows 8.1 supports group configuration. On the Start screen, go to Settings mode (right-click on an empty area of ​​the Start screen and click the Settings button in the panel that appears at the bottom). You can now select multiple apps at once and move them to a new location, change tile sizes, or delete them completely.

Additional settings options are found in the Search and Apps section, which opens after clicking the Settings charm and selecting Change PC settings. Go to "App Size". Here you will see how much memory is allocated to each application, and if you wish, you can remove the main memory hogs.

Apps on the lock screen

Some new features are available even when Windows 8.1 is actually not working. If you need to take a photo quickly, you can access the Camera app right from the lock screen. This is unlikely to be useful for PC users, but for owners of tablets and mobile devices this function can be very useful.

Library support for removable media

By default, libraries are disabled in Windows 8.1, but you can easily enable them again. And that is not all. In Windows 8.1 libraries support removable media, which was not the case in Windows 8.

The fact is that the Windows 8.1 operating system is often installed on portable, hybrid and tablet computers, equipped with flash memory or small-capacity solid-state drives. If you plan to watch movies on a tablet running Windows control, a removable flash drive becomes virtually a mandatory attribute. Thanks to the new features of Windows 8.1, movies recorded on a flash drive will be displayed in the Video library when it is connected to a computer.

Camera app improvements

Using the Camera app, you can now create panoramas in the style of Microsoft programs Photosynth. However, this function, even if you have a webcam, is not supported by all equipment. If your device is compatible with the new technology, a corresponding icon will appear on the screen.

Silent notifications

With the release of Windows 8, Microsoft combined elements desktop computers and mobile devices into a single whole. Such mobile elements also include pop-up application notifications accompanied by a sound signal. Overall, these notifications are quite useful (although, of course, it would be nice for developers to integrate a common notification center into the system). But if the tablet or PC does not turn off even at night, then such signals soon become very annoying.

Windows 8.1 introduced Do Not Disturb mode, which mutes notification sounds when notifications occur at certain times of the day.

Shutting down the computer from the Desktop

It would probably be possible to refuse altogether t modern interface, but to complete the work you need to call the miracle panel. Is not it? But no.

Tidying up the interface

While on the Desktop, right-click on the Taskbar, select “Properties” from the context menu and go to the “Navigation” tab. On it you will find a number of options that allow you to disable pop-up panels in the corners of the screen, display the Desktop after the boot procedure is completed, and make other settings.

Sorting apps

One of the hidden features of the Desktop allows you to automatically open the Applications view when you go to the Start screen. In Windows 8.1, you can open the Apps view by clicking the arrow in the lower left corner of the Start screen, or by swiping up from the bottom of the screen on a touchscreen device.

In the “Applications” itself, settings have also appeared that users have been waiting for a long time.

Photo editing

The Camera app may have lost its former connection to Facebook and Flickr, but it has gained a range of image editing tools. Of course, this is not Photoshop, but you can still crop the edges of the picture, adjust colors and sharpness, and add numerous effects.

Miracast wireless standard support

Now the image generated by applications with a modern interface can be displayed on a wireless display. True, this possibility is realized only when the device running Windows 8.1 and the display connected to it support the standard wireless communication Miracast, such as the Surface Pro tablet. By the way, you can purchase one compatible with this technology set-top box, in particular Netgear Push2TV.

At the forefront of printing technology

Windows 8.1 introduces 3D printing support, making it as easy to print real objects as it is to print images on paper. However, Microsoft is striving to keep up with life in the world of two-dimensional printing. Windows 8.1 supports NFC printing and Wi-Fi technology Direct. And who will need local networks now?

New sync options

The introduction of the SkyDrive service (since February 2014 - OneDrive) was a big step forward for Windows 8, and in Windows 8.1 it became part of the “one system on many devices” concept. Windows 8.1 supports synchronization of the application list, Start screen layout, and even Internet Explorer 11 tabs.

General wallpaper

The shortcomings of Windows 8 were largely due to the dual nature of this OS. The desktop and the modern interface resembled two opposing camps, between which there was competition for the user's attention.

Essentially, the same thing continues in Windows 8.1, but the system developers have made a number of changes to help the two different interfaces get along better with each other. These include the ability to transfer wallpaper from the Desktop to the Start screen. (And why not do it from the beginning?)

Sharing screenshots

This small addition to Windows 8.1 will be very useful for tech journalists and all those users who want to show colleagues or friends the image presented on their screen.

Slideshow on lock screen

Are you bored with the static look of your lock screen? Then you can turn your monitor into a digital photo frame. Click the Settings charm and go to the Change PC settings Computer and devices Lock screen section. Switch the “Show slideshow on lock screen” switch to the on position, and you will see the entire wealth of images available on the device.

Device encryption by default

Like Windows RT, Windows 8.1 supports storage encryption. However, unlike tablets, not all PCs are compatible with this function. To do this, they must support technology Secure Boot, Trusted Platform Module 2.0 and Connected Standby, which, in turn, also have their own requirements.

If your computer supports all this, the encryption settings will be in the “Change computer settings” section, which opens after clicking the “Settings” charm.

Access point

The mobile nature of Windows 8.1 is not limited to the modern interface alone. If you are using a PC or tablet that supports mobile router functionality (ASUS VivoTab with LTE or Nokia Lumia 2520), you can configure the device as a hotspot Wi-Fi access and connect up to ten other devices to it.

Windows 8- a fast and reliable operating system for desktop computers, laptops or tablets. Windows 8 has a new Metro interface, which appears first after system startup and has application tiles. Scrolling in the Metro interface is horizontal. Instead of the Start menu, Windows 8 uses a “hot corner”, clicking on which opens the start screen.

What's New in Windows 8

• Added support for USB 3.0, Bluetooth 4.0, DirectX 11.1 and NET.Framework 4.5.
• Internet Explorer 10.
• Conductor . Includes a Ribbon similar to the Ribbon in Microsoft Office.
• New task manager. New performance graphs have been added, management of running applications, background processes and services has been optimized on a single “Performance” tab.
• System Restore. Two new functions - Recovery and Reset. Restore brings everything back system files to its original state, while maintaining all settings, user files and applications. A reset returns the computer to factory settings.
• Windows Store App Store. Purchasing and downloading Metro applications.
• Ability to log into Windows 8 using Live ID. This will allow you to log into your user profile and download settings online, and also adds OneDrive integration.

Windows 8 free download

Download Windows 8 for free Russian version from the official website. Our website monitors all software updates so that you have latest version Windows.

Attention!
Currently, you cannot download Windows 8 for free from the official website. Download your free 90-day trial Windows version 8.1 Corporate.
Download the new version - Windows 10.

Windows 8.1 download 32-bit- Corporate, English

Windows 8.1 download 64-bit- Corporate, English

Windows 8.1 may take several hours to load. The exact download duration will depend on your ISP, connection speed and traffic. If the download is interrupted, it will start again from where it stopped.

Download Windows 10 Official Russian version

A new version of Windows 8.1 Professional has been released and at the moment you can already download Windows 8 activation on our portal for free and test it yourself. This is already a significant plus, since the user will be able to appreciate all the innovative changes in the operating system. In addition, the updated version has a built-in antivirus for Windows 8, a more advanced task manager, etc.

And these are just the major updates. In addition, the updated version has a built-in antivirus for Windows 8, a more advanced task manager, etc. You can download Windows 8.1 Professional for free, create bootable USB flash drive windows 8 and transfer it to a flash drive and use this OS on different computers. Installation will take little time. You can download and install right now, free and activated.

Windows 8.1 Professional overview

➤ Innovative tiled style start screen called “Modern UI”.
It replaced the standard start button menu and is essentially the same “Metro UI”, only renamed. “Modern UI” is a whole system with its own programs. It has a standard design and is as user-friendly as possible. This system has a new installation method - the App Store.
➤ Updated “Aero”, from which some powerful functions were removed. Thanks to this, the load on the video card and processor is reduced, and PCs respond and work many times faster.
➤ Now you can download Windows 8 from the new account, which allows you to have the same settings and programs on different devices. This is done using SkyDrive virtual storage.
➤ Ability to work with the Xbox LIFE service
➤ Innovative OS diagnostics and recovery system.
➤ Updated video player for windows 8. Using Flash is one of major updates. Microsoft and Adobe have collaborated to create a new version of Flash that works with Internet Explorer. Thanks to it, Flash works when you need it (for example, when watching videos)
➤ Fixed a number of stability issues that were found in pre-release versions. Also appeared new feature, which many users may be looking forward to: the Scroll Forward feature.

System requirements Windows 8.1 Professional

— Processor: 1(GHz) or more.
- RAM: 1 (GB) for 32-bit or 2 GB for 64.
— Free hard disk space: 16 GB for 32 or 20 GB for 64.
— Graphics adapter: graphics device Microsoft DirectX 9 or higher.

Version:	Windows 8.1 Pro
License:	Free
Update:	08-12-2018
Developer:	https://www.microsoft.com/ru-ru/
Language:	Russian English
OS:	Windows 10/8/7/Vista/XP: (32/64-bit)
File size:	3 / 3.9 / 4.3 GB