Today we are going to be talking about the newest operating system from Microsoft:
Windows 8. This will be the first in a series of articles on Windows 8.


What is Windows 8?

Windows 8 is an operating system which means it is the main link between the user and the
physical components of the computer. If your current computer runs Windows you
will probably be using Windows XP, Windows Vista or Windows 7. Windows 8 has
just been released in the last few months by Microsoft.

Windows 8 is the most radical change to Windows since the turn of the century.
Microsoft has taken a risk in designing a touch friendly operating system. This
was in response to challenges to Microsoft from Google and Apple mobile options
stealing sales from Microsofts home computing base. Microsoft has acted quickly
to try to capitalise on the burgeoning touch screen market by releasing an
operating system designed to be used on a touch screen. However, Windows 8 is
still fully functional with the traditional keyboard and mouse setup.


Purchasing

There are numerous ways to obtain Windows 8. If you buy a new laptop or PC, it will
often be installed. Be careful as a lot of new machines are still being released
with Windows 7 installed. If you have an older machine that you want to upgrade
to Windows 8, buying an upgrade package is a lot cheaper than buying the
non-upgrade version. If you have a fresh PC that you have built you will need to install Windows 8 from scratch. That is, install the OEM version, not the upgrade.

Installing

The setup process for Windows 8 is similar to Windows 7 but
there are some new features. With Windows 8 it is obvious that Microsoft wants
people to be using their cloud products and these are pushed on you from the
setup process.

Microsoft encourages users to create a cloud based Microsoft account that syncs your
settings, history and appearance whenever you sign into a Windows 8 computer
with that account. This can be useful because no matter what physical computer
you are on, you can always feel a little bit at home when you are signed into
your account. You also can use this account to use other Microsoft services in
the same way you might use an Apple ID to purchase things from the App Store.
You can create create a traditional local account if you like instead of a
Microsoft account.


As you are creating your account a tutorial video plays that helps user learn
how to use the operating system. This video will loop if it finishes before your
account creation finishes so you have ample time to watch it over. This video
will be your first introduction to Windows 8 and it helps prepare you for the
use of the new and completely redesigned user interface.

In our next article, we will cover the new Windows 8 User Interface and how to use
Windows 8 to its full potential.

The IT industry is evolving with the rapid changes in technology these days. With this evolution come transformations to careers in IT. IT professionals need to move with these changes or they will fall behind.

Let’s have a look at some key roles for IT professionals in the future.

1: IT Consultants

Aside from large corporations that can afford to have IT professionals on staff, most businesses will outsource IT work to external consultants. These companies will thus get IT services on an as needed basis. This helps cut down costs as the company only has to pay IT staff when they need them. Companies can thus afford to pay for experts who they could not afford to be on a regular payroll. The company still received 24/7 support from their IT consultants.

2. Project Managers

In the future, a large number of permanent IT staff will work in the role of project manager. . These individuals spread out throughout different departments and provide guidance on projects. Their main role is to work as business advisers to help managers make the right technological decisions. Part of their job will be to keep on the lookout for new technologies that can help the business. These people also act as a liaison between the company, technology suppliers and external IT consultants.

3. IT Developers

The largest number of IT professionals will be employed as software developers.  . Although IT support used to focus on deploying and maintaining hardware and software, the future of IT is in web-based applications that that are largely user-friendly and maintained by the client. The role of the IT professional is thus largely moving away from computer repairs and deployment to the creation of web-based applications and utilities. More and more companies are demanding the services of largely web-based application development.