Windows 8, the new PC software that’s all about touch and tiles, will debut Oct. 26. at a five-hour event in New York, according to PCMag.com.
For a $39.99 upgrade from XP software to a $14.99 upgrade from Windows 7 software users can experience faster startup times, improved multi-monitor support and more, according to Microsoft.
Developers, IT professionals and certain businesses have had access to the software since Oct. 15, according to Tech Radar. They have reported that applications, which used to be difficult to use and frustrating, as being useful and captivating.
The updated Internet Explorer 10 will be equipped with a secure Adobe Flash Player and other features, according to Windows.
According to PCMag.com, the best way to experience the upgrade is with a tablet, due to its focus on touch technology.
An alternative is to simply upgrade your current PC’s software. Junior government and politics major Naomi Weisz plans to do just that.
“I’m usually really hesitant about upgrading any of my software because it can take a while to get used to. But after I saw the commercials and ads for the new Windows, I know I have to get it,” Weisz said.
All of the commercials for Windows 8 are filled with color and demonstrations of how user friendly the software is, convincing Weisz to make the switch.
But surprisingly, many of the new Windows 8 PCs are not touch enabled, according to Information Week. They point to the concern that PC buyers don’t want to pay the extra money, about $100 extra for touch ability.
The University of Maryland Office of Information Technology offers some Microsoft products as free downloads or at discounted prices at the UMD Software Center and Terrapin Technology Store.
“For Windows 8 the deal will be the same as it is for Windows 7, so it’s free for students to download it through the website,” said Tom White, program management specialist at the Office for Information Technology.
If students prefer the physical disk of the Windows 8 update, they are available at the Terrapin Technology Store for a discounted price of just $10.