The reign of Windows over?

Is the reign of Windows over? With improvements in cloud-based computing and mobile tablets storming the market, many pundits have been ready to write its eulogy. Nevertheless Microsoft doesn't see it that way.

Recent news conference

At a recent news conference, Microsoft CEO Steve Ballmer boldly insisted that Windows is on the whole a cornerstone of Microsoft's rich personal computing business. And he said the impending Windows 8 innovation will be part of Microsoft “re-imagining” itself.

That's why Windows 8 won't be just another iteration of the original. Windows 1 came on the scene clear back in 1985, and each change since at that time has been little more than a bold tweak.

This new system will bear little resemblance to what's gone earlier. It will integrate personal computers, cloud-based computing and the mobile market. How will it do that?

Windows 8 will be much lighter and more versatile than 7. It will run on regular desktop processors from Intel and AMD. Nevertheless it will additionally run on ARM processors. ARM is the processor innovation used in most tablets and smartphones.

Startup time for the developer's Windows 8 test units is a speedy eight to 10 seconds. A typical Windows 7 startup time is anywhere from 30 seconds to two minutes or more, so that's a dramatic improvement. Plus, once it's running, Windows 8 uses fewer resources for snappier performance.

The system is being designed with mobile gadgets

The system is being designed with mobile gadgets, like tablets, in mind. Several tablets already run Windows 7, however it isn't a good fit. It's as a rule slow, clunky and the interface doesn't work then with a touch screen.

That's why Windows 8 features a dramatic new layout. It is now based on the excellent Metro interface from Windows Phone 7.

Microsoft's solution was not to scuttle the Windows 7 interface. A tweaked version of the Windows 7 interface, called Desktop, is available on demand within the new operating system. Both interfaces can run together. You can even choose to split the screen and view both then.

Desktop is for running existing Windows programs like Microsoft Office. Windows 8, in the meantime, will support apps from a Microsoft app store, similar to Apple's existing Mac App Store.

Now, you might be thinking Microsoft can't make all these changes without some downsides. You'd be right. Windows 8 may turn off some longtime Windows users.

Speaking of apps, they'll always stay open. This is good for picking up where you left off. Nevertheless, it could drain system resources. It remains to be seen how then Windows 8 can balance instant availability with resource limitations.

The Desktop interface

You can switch to the Desktop interface, however you won't find it to be specifically like Windows 7. The Start Menu, a Windows sacred cow from day one, is virtually useless. It only serves to switch you back to the Metro interface.

Some users will find having two interfaces confusing. And there will be two versions of Internet Explorer 10 installed. The Metro version won't support Adobe Flash, nevertheless the Desktop version will. That's one more possibility for frustration.

Windows 8 is for all that in development, and many of these issues could be addressed in the interim. Microsoft isn't even hinting at an unveiling date, however mid-2012 looks likely.