The Windows 8 debut party is Oct 26. The new OS is radically different than previous versions of Windows. The task faced by Microsoft designers was to create a user experience that works as well on devices with touchscreens as it does on conventional PCs operated with keyboard and mouse. Most reviewers think Microsoft did an admirable job meeting this goal.
The new OS looks and feels different. I think Windows 7 and MacOS have more in common that Windows 8 does with Windows 7. Most people will require some studying and practicing to become comfortable using the new environment. Here's a good description of how the basic features of Windows 8 work. http://www.theverge.com/2012/10/23/3537710/windows-8-review
Some Windows applications by Microsoft and third parties have been modified to match the aesthetics and touchscreen function of the new OS. Microsoft has created a new Windows Store to sell the new applications. By Oct. 26, there will be some 5000 applications in the Windows Store. The Microsoft Office suite of programs and Internet Explorer have been updated to the new Windows 8 style.
It will take some time for third party application developers to migrate to the new OS environment. In the meantime, older applications will run in a Windows compatibility box that looks mostly like a Windows 7 screen.
Widespread adoption of Windows 8 will take time. Microsoft's customers have invested enormous amounts of resources and time in learning how to use the legacy Windows OS and its applications. Migrating to the new Windows 8 world is not something that will happen overnight. (Just look at the large number of companies that still run Windows XP, which was superseded in 2006.)
The new OS looks and feels different. I think Windows 7 and MacOS have more in common that Windows 8 does with Windows 7. Most people will require some studying and practicing to become comfortable using the new environment. Here's a good description of how the basic features of Windows 8 work. http://www.theverge.com/2012/10/23/3537710/windows-8-review
Some Windows applications by Microsoft and third parties have been modified to match the aesthetics and touchscreen function of the new OS. Microsoft has created a new Windows Store to sell the new applications. By Oct. 26, there will be some 5000 applications in the Windows Store. The Microsoft Office suite of programs and Internet Explorer have been updated to the new Windows 8 style.
It will take some time for third party application developers to migrate to the new OS environment. In the meantime, older applications will run in a Windows compatibility box that looks mostly like a Windows 7 screen.
Widespread adoption of Windows 8 will take time. Microsoft's customers have invested enormous amounts of resources and time in learning how to use the legacy Windows OS and its applications. Migrating to the new Windows 8 world is not something that will happen overnight. (Just look at the large number of companies that still run Windows XP, which was superseded in 2006.)