1. INTRODUCING WINDOWS 8 Windows 8 is the current release of the Windows Operating System, produced by Microsoft. Windows 8 was released to manufacturing on August 1, 2012, and was released for general availability on October 26, 2012. Windows 8 is a new kind of device combining laptop, desktop and tablet operating system together.

2. Windows 8 is all about the Metro interface - a collection of tiles linked to programs. Simply sweep through the wall of information and images, then tap the program you want to run.

3. Technology Features Windows 8 includes features including: native USB 3.0 support Microsoft account integration Windows Store, the ability to boot from USB Flash drives with Windows to go Basic Navigation Windows 8 features a new lock screen, which includes a date and time display, along with the ability to display notifications from apps App groups Quick access Menu Easy access

4. Advantages a nifty app store much faster start-up Quick Installation Improved search function Much faster to boot and shutdown Windows 8 has a better interface than Windows 7 Low Price

5. Disadvantages Very difficult to move between screens Desktop Apps are hard to find There is no option to turn tiles into icons

6. System specifications for the Windows 8 technology Windows 8: system requirements Processor 1GHz or faster RAM 1GB (32bit) or 2GB (64bit) Hard disk space 16GB (32bit) or 20GB (64bit) Graphics card Microsoft DirectX 9 graphics device or higher

7. Summary of Business Expectations About 25% retailers said they are making plans to upgrade, with 17% saying they'll start their upgrade this year. Business Insider heard from one IT professional who manages 5,000 PCs and is in the process of upgrading to Windows 8.

8. Summary Windows 8 is basically a complete new look to Windows 7 The metro UI is fast fluid and does a great job of getting the information you need straight to you

9. Recommendations My recommendation is if you are happy with Windows XP, Windows Vista or Windows 7 then stay with that operating system. If you are buying a new computer, laptop or tablet with a touch-screen then consider upgrading to Windows 8. If you don’t own a touch-screen computer then you may find the new system to be a little fiddly to use.

10. Questions???? :)