Things are changing fast and a lot of new stuff is being released these days. One of the most exciting events has been the consumer preview release of Windows 8 during the Mobile World Congress on February 29th; it registered one million downloads during the first 24 hours. Good acceptance, considering that Windows 7 registered eight million downloads of its Release Candidate during the 3 months where it was available for download (June to August 2009).
Downloading the Windows 8 Consumer Preview ISO and having a look at it using VirtualBox (for x64 version; x86 can be hosted on Virtual PC) is a good way to start with the new OS; I recommend you to check Walkthrough Windows 8 Consumer Preview installation (Windows Setup) step-by-step; a very detailed post that guides you through the installation process.
What you get, is a Metro UI as one of the relevant features of this edition, with a very fast response and a cool look. Interesting new applications like Maps, Messaging, and Camera; which unveil the clear mobile device oriented style of this new OS. Microsoft reinvented Windows to combine mobile device and standard computing environments into a single platform.
Has been nice to see the incredible integration with Live account (contacts, pictures, calendar, and so on) like on my Windows Phone 7. Also, after messing a little bit with it you quickly notice some hidden changes introduced like the missing Start button on the Desktop, the re-stylized Task Manager, the new VHDX virtual disks that support more than 2 TB, and the new Internet Explorer 10.
Windows Server 8 “Beta” is also available for download here.
Worth to have a look at it!
