After many rumors of its release ever since the starting of the year, the pioneer in the next generation of operating systems, Windows 8, is finally here. Still only out as a developer version, the OS promises a User Interface (UI) never seen before.

After the last success of Windows 7, Microsoft has sought after useful changes in its UI, platform and compatibility architecture. Some of the enhancements include:

No more Start menu: After many generations of the windows operating system, the start menu has now been replaced by a start screen. The metro UI, which is responsible for this change, makes the display more functional, simpler and much more attractive.

New Windows 8 Interface: The lock screen is fully customizable right from changing the picture to the emails / unread messages shown on it. You can also pin applications or other shortcuts to the screen.

The Windows App Store: It supports two different kinds of applications; the conventional desktop software and the new metro style apps. What’s more, Windows has its own app store. Once you launch apps, gestures can be used to arrange them. Swipe from the left to go to the next app, but you can also swipe and drag to put two apps side by side having one as the windows desktop.

Hidden Security: The new Windows 8 finally has a built-in anti-virus software known as Microsoft Security Essentials. The combination of Windows Defender and Windows update manage and maintain your system automatically and efficiently.

Well arranged desktop: Microsoft has always emphasized the importance of having a tidy desktop. With its new version, the user can arrange icons belonging to the Start screen into groups with the option of pinning and unpinning programs from the list.

On the whole, the new OS is more of a universal OS which will probably gain more popularity among mobile and tablet devices. There is still some time for the final version of the software to hit the market and it’ll be interesting to see what changes are made to make this great OS even better.