Microsoft Windows 8 Consumer Preview download crossed 1M in one day.

Windows8 Logon Screen

Microsoft announced a beta version of it's latest operating system Windows 8 is now available for consumer preview. The latest OS gained a large attention in all technology forum worldwide and now the Windows 8 download crossed 1M mark in one day. Microsoft announced this on its twitter page. Windows 8 Consumer preview available for download on same day after preview at MWC 2012.

Windows 8 beta release, consumers will be able to download the ‘pre-release' OS onto their systems. On their blog, www.windowsteamblog.com, he Microsoft team urges only advanced users to try out the beta as there are bound to be some bugs and glitches. Kent Walter of the Windows team writes: “If you're used to running pre-release (beta) software, you're OK with a little troubleshooting. If you don't mind doing a few technical tasks here and there, then you'll probably be OK giving the Windows 8 Consumer Preview a spin.”
Now we hoping Microsoft will not allow PC makers not to ruin this most awaited OS.

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          Requirements of Windows 8.

• 1 GHz or faster processor
• 1 GB RAM (for the 32 bit version)/ 2 GB RAM (64 bit)
• 16 GB hard-disk space (32 bit) or 20 GB (64 bit)
• DirectX 9 graphics device with WDDM 1 or higher driver
• A minimum screen resolution of 1024 X 768 pixels.

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Let's give a look at some top features available on Windows 8.

• Windows To Go allows secure USB booting.Windows To Go allows secure USB booting.Windows To Go allows businesses that develop their own custom Windows 8 deployment, often referred to as an “image”, to install it on a bootable flash drive. The image can contain all of the apps and settings normally used on the desktops and laptops within the business. A remote worker can then use this drive to boot their home or other non-business-owned Windows 7 or 8-compatible PC and still access all work-related functions without endangering the safety of the business data.
• Windows 8 was designed with mobile devices in mind, and a number of features should make it more mobile-friendly. Beyond Windows To Go, features like Direct Access will allow businesses that use Windows 8 Server to create a VPN-like secure connection between the user's device and work resources, such as business apps and internal websites. Built-in support for mobile broadband are meant to make working over a 3G or 4G connection similar to using Wi-Fi.
• Windows 8 includes Internet Explorer 10, which Microsoft refers to in two ways. “Internet Explorer” is the touch-based version of the browser that runs on the Metro interface, while “the desktop version of Internet Explorer” looks like IE9 and runs in the desktop interface. While most of the security, management, and performance features from past versions of IE are still available to both, the Metro version is “plug-in free”. Business applications that rely on Active X controls, now described as “legacy”, will only work in the desktop version.
• Direct Connect provides a VPN-like secure connection.Direct Connect provides a VPN-like secure connection.Windows 8 brings new features to help protect against malware and viruses. The new “Trusted boot process” uses Secure Boot to load antimalware early in the startup process to prevent rootkits from taking control. When installed on hardware with a Trusted Platform Module, the entire startup process can be “measured, signed and stored”, and even evaluated by a remote service so the PC's integrity can be validated. While using a computer, AppLocker can control which apps a worker can run and which files those apps have access to, which can prevent malware from accessing private business data.
• Management and security features from Windows 7 are also available in Windows 8, though tools like Application Compatibility Toolkit and User State Migration Tool promise to make deploying Windows 8 faster and easier. Windows System Restore feature has been updated and renamed Refresh, and can restore a non-functional PC to working condition without losing a user's settings and data. A similar new feature called Reset will allow companies to wipe their data and apps from the machine, making it easier to repurpose, sell or surplus it.

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