Windows did a big booboo with the Vista edition wherein it forced users to purchase laptops with Vista  built in rather than allowing them the option to choose between XP and Vista. It learnt from mistakes with Vista and implemented a better package with the Windows 7 edition. Now, its that time of the year when Windows is readying its latest and most powerful version yet, Windows 8 for launch. Question is whether you should be thinking of upgrading to this platform or staying back with the 7 edition. Yes, you get the option to choose with the Win 8 whether you want Windows 7 or Windows 8!

Windows 7 is an excellent personal user platform just as its professional and ultimate editions are great for professionals and offices. However, the real parameter to decide on whether Win 8 is essential or not is the cost of upgrading. For small business owners and those looking to purchase a new machine in the fall of 2012, it is not at all a consideration as all new machines shall come with Windows 8. For others already operating Windows 7, it is a matter of pricing. Large institutions may not immediately upgrade but personal users should find the newest Windows a better deal.

Here is why Win 8 will be better in SEVEN different ways from Win 7

1. Intel Ivy Bridge Processors Highly Compatible With Win 8

Each time Windows goes for a new launch, Intel is never far behind. This time around things are changing as the latest generation of processors from Intel, the Ivy Bridge shall launch before Win 8 does, somewhere in April to June. This means that those who are looking to upgrade their laptops, machines better wait till April and then take up a single package with Ivy processors and Win 8 – the performance boost shall be noticeable.

2. Metro Interface Of Win 8 With Touch Capability

No more icons fixed on the desktop, no start button, no task bar and nothing. The new Windows shall have a desktop similar to that of Mango phones (Inspired from the now defunct Zune players). The Metro interface will have a lot of tiles customizable according to the user making it easier to access files and looking great at the same time. Some might find this irritating but most personal users shall love the idea of a simplistic desktop design that is attractive at the same time. Moreover, since the Metro interface shall grace all Windows products; using phones, tablets and computers shall become easier.

The Metro interface is fully configurable with a touchscreen monitor or device meaning that users get the full experience of finger touch operations on a powerful OS.

3. Exit NTFS Enter ReFS

Windows dropped its FAT32 file system back with XP and brought in NTFS that has been stable on over three platform changes. Now, the latest Windows shall boast of a newer file system for servers and eventually for personal users called the ReFS (Resilient File System). It is based on the similar premises to that of Linux OS called the LVM (Logical Volume Manager), which allows many physical drives to pile together and perform as a single drive. This should increase Microsoft’s server market share and also means increased storage space for home users.

4. Better Hardware Support

Each new edition of Windows drops many old hardware support suites and introduces support for next gen hardware. Windows 8 is no different as AMD’s latest processors shall once again get better support that is lacking in Win 7 along with the latest Intel processors due to be released.

5. Resource Optimization Protocol

Unlike Vista that managed to eat more space and resources than XP, Win 8 shall in fact eat less resources than Win 7 as it is being designed to work on ARM processors found in smartphones and tablets. This means that normal computer users shall get the full advantage of faster boot, loading and shutdown times with more free memory than ever before. Moreover, imagine what companies might be able to do with this version of Windows as it can operate on tablets seamlessly.

6. Multi-tasking Enhanced

Desktop and laptop users will not feel much difference between Win 7 and Win 8 multitasking features but tablet and phone users are sure to get a boost as this OS for handhelds will become the only one capable of active real time multitasking allowing two apps to run side by side. A simple swipe of the fingers will allow users to switch programs instantaneously.

7. Windows To Go Feature

The most anticipated feature of Windows 8 is its Windows to Go. This will allow users to pre-load their apps and user settings onto a pen drive. When you plug the drive into your office computer running Win 8, it shall effectively boot up like your home PC or your laptop providing a homely feeling with your favourite apps running instantaneously.

You can check out Windows 8 consumer preview edition for free by downloading it from the internet.  You can also check our Hand’s on review of Windows 8 .

While personal users shall get a lot of benefit from the new Windows, companies and businesses should check beforehand the compatibility of their CRM and ERP software with Win 8 as many of them may not even be upgrading their programs to run on the new Win 8 platform. For all others, the Win 8 sure does provide much more than the current edition.