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The Daily Tar Heel
Tar Heel Tech

Windows 8: Microsoft Finally Catches Up To The Herd

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Photo Credit: www.Techradar.com

Since it was first announced in 2011, Microsoft’s newest operating system has been both highly anticipated and under a great deal of pressure. Microsoft, the leader in computer and software sales, has fallen behind its competitors over the past few years. Despite the passing of Steve Jobs, Apple has remained competitive with Microsoft’s wide selection of products; the iPhone remains a colossal titan in the mobile phone industry, while the iPad has all but monopolized the tablet market. Windows has since struggled to find its niche in the new computer and mobile landscape. However, Windows 8 brings hope to loyal Microsoft users who have yet to make the switch to the main competitor, and early reviews of the product call it a sizable upgrade from the previous installment.

Windows 8 will launch to consumers on Friday, October 26th and offers a wide range of new features. Differences from Windows 7 include the removal of the Start menu, more integration of social and entertainment applications, and better coordination with tablets and mobile devices. This release correlates with OS X Mountain Lion, which was released by Apple this past July. Mountain Lion was Apple’s most successful Mac OS release to date, selling 3 million units in its first four days of release. Microsoft hopes to clearly outpace that mark on the heels of several positive reviews from numerous respectable critics.

This new release also affects UNC students who want to have the latest software on their laptops. When Mountain Lion was released, Apple had a request form for those who had purchased a MacBook, 45 days before Mountain Lion was released. After 30 days, that form was nullified and students were left to purchase the new operating system for its retail price. Any student looking for the Microsoft upgrade will have the opportunity to get Windows 8 for free from ITS. The retail price of Windows 8 is as low as $14.99 in some circumstances, a sharp contrast from previous Windows installments.

Overall, Window’s 8 could very well allow Microsoft to catch up to the herd in terms of software quality. Windows will continue to dominate the market share, but also be able to compete artistically in the” niche market”:http://www.businessweek.com/news/2012-10-24/microsoft-windows-8-surfaces-as-challenge-to-apple-mobile-tech with Apple and its Mac products. If you’re a Windows user with a PC, be on the lookout for locations and times to get your free copy of Windows 8.

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