The new Windows 8 update finally enhances user access and controls
We’re back with more news about the anticipated summer release of a Windows 8 update. We talked about a few things earlier this month, but have learned a great deal more since the platform has undergone recent tech trials. The Windows 8 update focuses on many critical back-end fixes that will surely enhance the Microsoft user experience.
Faster startup
New technical advances have finally been introduced to the Windows platform to boost reboot time, including:
- HybridBoot writes a copy of the disk to the drive before going into sleep mode.
- Upon restart, Windows reads the disk copy for instant startup.
- This feature can be easily disabled.
Managing and fixing disk errors
The new Windows 8 update establishes an advanced system for repairing New Technology File Systems (NFTS).
- NFTS disk errors can be targeted and repaired
- Instead of scanning the entire system, weak disk areas are isolated, targeted, and fixed
- This increases disk health, system speed and virus protection
Enhanced update management
The new Windows 8 update has tackled the aggravating task of managing updates. Windows only forces reboots for crucial security updates. All other updates are executed automatically at restart.
New task manager
Possibly the most exciting new feature on the new Windows 8 update, this update offers better user controls for dealing with task management, such as:
- Improved graphical interface for task management
- New graph feature visualizes disk, network, and memory usage
- Task manager has updated controls and one-click access to common features
Explorer updates
A new ribbon-based interface makes browsing cleaner, faster, and increases usability. With some nudges from the Apple platform, Windows is finally offering:
- New file history manager similar to Apple’s Time Machine
- 1-click zip will be added, similar to Apple’s control-click zip feature
- 1-click access to Computer, Network, and HomeGroup configuration
Data, storage and security
A new Storage Space Manager illustrates disk capacities and app storage. The new Windows 8 update has also enhanced data and security features to assist in higher data and security standards:
- Ability to combine drives, making storage management super easy
- BitLocker supports full disk encryption (FDE) for Windows Professional and Windows Business
New connectivity
Better integration of SkyDrive and DropBox are major selling points on the new Windows update. The majorly enhanced platform allows synchronization of multiple systems to duplicate content, features, and settings. App content can be automatically replicated across multiple devices for easy tablet-to-PC syncing.
Small business updates
New Windows To Go can copy an entire operating system (OS) to a USB or hard drive through an easy setup wizard. Users will be able to manage how information and data are cached. A one-click status check on all active domains can now actively predict disk propagation errors.
Phew!
You can anticipate the new Windows 8 update sometime this summer. With our team of Certified Microsoft IT Professionals, you can rely on trueITpros to deliver the latest news in IT and small business management.