The Student News Site of Marshfield High School

The Marshfield Times

The Student News Site of Marshfield High School

The Marshfield Times

The Student News Site of Marshfield High School

The Marshfield Times

Windows 8 lacking

Windows 8

By Sebastian Bartlett | Webmaster

In the past few months, we have seen the release of several new pieces of technology. This influx on the tech market includes Windows 8, the iPhone 5 and the iPad mini. Through a lot of testing and research, I have come to the conclusion many of these releases are not a major improvement over the last model. Companies such as Apple or Microsoft have a product that is reliable and does its job, but they must continue to release new products in order to keep making money.

The prime example of this is Microsoft’s latest operating system (OS), Windows 8. Windows 8 goes beyond an upgrade or elaboration of its predecessor, Windows 7. It is a complete redesign and an attempt to change the way people use personal computers. Windows 8 is an OS created with the assumption people will soon be using touchscreens in place of PC applications. This just is not the case yet.

Windows 8 has several downsides to it as well. Windows guarantees 10 years of support for its operating systems. This means not only is Windows 7 covered, so is Windows XP. Both of these work well and have proved their reliability over the years.

Perhaps the biggest downside is the learning curve that comes with Windows 8. Every OS previous to Windows 8 has worked off of a desktop with features such as the start menu. Windows 8 does away with this, utilizing a tablet like OS, and as a tablet OS, it still does not live up to the Android or Apple OS. Windows 8 presents a confusing, hard to navigate layout that is inaccessible and requires users to forget everything they know about Windows in order to begin.

Another issue with Windows 8 is a privacy concern. During the installation process, users are required to enter a zip code, email address and phone number. Information is also sent to Microsoft about every app users download. The app system presents a security issue for Windows 8 users. Since it is an app based system, users are required to download apps from the Windows app store to achieve the full potential of the program. The Windows app store has less apps than the Apple app store, so people may be tempted to download third party apps which could lead to a security problem since many apps have access to personal information.

Windows 8 is an attempt by Microsoft to be ahead of the game, trying to influence people to gravitate toward a touchscreen market. I believe the Android and Apple touch OS work better and more smoothly because they are made specifically for touchscreens. Windows 8 is designed to be used primarily on a touchscreen device, but it also has to work with non-touchscreen computers. If Windows 8 is successful, it will require computer manufacturers to completely revamp their production of computers. It will force manufacturers such as Dell and HP to begin producing touchscreen computers.

While companies such as Microsoft must sell products to make money, they should try to find other markets in which to perform their business. Constantly outdating something that everyone uses is not practical and serves only the interests of the company.

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Windows 8 lacking