A couple of days ago Microsoft released the first pre-beta version of the coming Windows 8 under the name: Windows Developer Preview. Unlike earlier versions of Windows this pre-beta version is available for public download on the MSDN Network. The download is available in the following versions:
- Windows Developer Preview with developer tools English, 64-bit (x64)
- Windows Developer Preview English, 64-bit (x64)
- Windows Developer Preview English, 32-bit (x86)
All versions are in ISO format.
Windows 8 Developer Preview
System requirements
- 1 gigahertz (GHz) or faster 32-bit (x86) or 64-bit (x64) processor
- 1 gigabyte (GB) RAM (32-bit) or 2 GB RAM (64-bit)
- 16 GB available hard disk space (32-bit) or 20 GB (64-bit)
- DirectX 9 graphics device with WDDM 1.0 or higher driver
- Taking advantage of touch input requires a screen that supports multi-touch
- To run Metro style Apps, you need a screen resolution of 1024 X 768 or greater
Those specifications is pretty much the same as for Windows Vista and Windows 7. Microsoft has been making a big deal out of telling that the next version of Windows will be able to run on the same hardware as Windows 7. If you would like test the new version, but like me don’t have an extra PC for that kind of testing you can test it with Virtual software like Hyper-V server or VMware Player.
Some of the new big thing in Windows 8 will be the integrated support for touch-interface, a new Task Manager, Internet Explorer 10 and build in Explorer ribbon like the one we know from Microsoft Office.
Now it is your turn. Have you tested Windows 8? If you have what do you think about it so far? Please drop me a comment and let me know what you think about the upcoming Windows 8.
The only problem is the compatibility issue, specially when you have a very important programs that you have installed in your pc.
Well it is why Microsoft is offering this free developer edition. Now everybody have a change to test there software before it will be released. I think most programs that are running under Windows Vista/7 will be able to run under Windows 8.
It´s looking good. Can´t wait to try it out 🙂
I think Windows 8 is a big improvement. Especially that it has features designed to be compatible with smartphones and tablet. I think it is amazing and it answers to most of the consumers needs.
I agree with you Jason.
It is a very nice thing that they are making a system that also support Smartphone and tablet. I think that a lot of developers around the world love that 🙂
I tested windows 8 and i really like the log-on screen and it boots faster than windows 7. It also comes with Windows 8 app store which is a great way to compete with Apple’s iOS App Store.
Hi Bob
Faster boot speed and an App Store like the one we know from Apple might be the right way to go for Microsoft. I am really looking forward to see the final verison of Windows 8.
I’m excited to see how Windows 8 will turn out. Windows 7 has been pretty good, and I hope Windows 8 will be an improvement.
16gb just for the installation?! Jesus, where are they taking it? I remember when Windows 95 was only 200mb. Now you need at least 50gb for the Windows partition, since you’ll have Program Files in there also.
I think windows 8 have more restriction in terms of installing and running a program, like windows 7, many useful programs and apps that can’t be install or run, even if you “run it as administrator”.. But in-fairness with windows 8, it’s display and User Interface is Fantastic!
It is kind of a dilemma each time Microsoft comes with a new OS. They want to make a better, faster and more secure system, but if they don’t have backward compatibility for peoples old printers and apps people complains. Too keep up with old legacy drivers and settings are not optimal when it comes to speed and security.
Microsoft has been looking seriously Linux regarding windows 8, it has several Linux features such as 4d desktop and others, in fact a good and serious improvement
I think you are right about that and I think that it is nice that they have. The desktop have pretty much been the same since Windows 95. We have been waiting a long time for improvements on the desktop. It is not the first time they have been inspired from Linux/Unix. Back when Windows NT came they have also been inspired a lot from UNIX when it comes to Process id’s and the feature of killing a task.
After installing Windows 8, and exploring the same, I should say I’m pretty much convinced that Microsoft has got the equation right. They corrected the Tablet part of the equation, and got the entire “Cloud and all the screens” stack in place, with proper platforms and a nice set of developer tools. And without doubt, Windows 8 tablet devices are going to be a definite competitor for Android and iOS/iPad in the tablet market space.With Windows 8 in its kitty, Microsoft has officially entered the post PC era, and may pose some tough questions for Apple.
Hi Arafin
I think too that Microsoft has made a nice move with this one. I am looking forward to see a Release candidate of Windows 8.
I am so excited. I cannot wait until microsoft releases Windows 8. I love Windows 7 so I know I am going to love Windows 8 all the same if not more.
Hi Reese
I have heard that Windows 8 goes beta in the late February. I am looking forward to see the changes from the developer preview to the beta version.
whoa, you know what I like Windows 8. The first time I saw it I was amazed and I cant wait to have it. I dont have it now because I am still using Windows 7. Maybe next week I shout check it out. So excited. Thanks!
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I have used only Window XP,Window Vista and Window 7 and found window XP more user friendly than the other two but about windows 8 I can’t say anything because It is still to come in common people.
I’ve been using windows 98, xp, 7, vista, 8 and 8.1 as they’re been released. Windows 10 seems amazing and similar to 8.1 so I’ll surely try the preview first and than will go for final version. Thanks for sharing this.