Windows 8 is available in four major editions: Windows 8, Windows 8 Professional, Windows 8 Enterprise, and Windows RT 8, Windows Phone 8. The last of these has stirred controversy. Windows 8 also features a new start screen, Internet Explorer 10, native support for USB 3.0, a new Windows Defender that combats malware (instead of only spyware), Windows To Go, and support for UEFI SecureBoot.
Windows 8 is built based on Metro design language and introduces a new form of 'Windows 8-style software', which may only be obtained through Windows Store.
Windows 8 is slated for general availability on October 26, 2012. On August 1, 2012, Windows 8 graduated from the development stage and was released to manufacturing. During its development and test phases, Microsoft released three pre-release versions: Developer Preview (September 13, 2011), Consumer Preview (February 29, 2012), and Release Preview (May 31, 2012). Its existence was first announced in January 2011 at Consumer Electronics Show. It is part of the Windows NT family of operating systems, succeeds Windows 7 and precedes Windows 8.1 and Windows 10.ĭevelopment of this operating system started before the release of its predecessor in 2009. Windows 8 is an operating system produced by Microsoft for use on personal computers, including home and business desktops, laptops, and tablets. Users must install Windows 8.1 in order toĬontinue receiving updates and support until
