Gallery > Windows 8 DP1
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Windows 8 DP1 - Installer
The installation process. As you can see I am installing the Windows 8 Developer Preview (x64) as a virtual machine on VMware Fusion 4.0.1. This did not require any custom configuration and simply selected the "Windows 7 x64" profile.
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Windows 8 DP1 - Language Selection
Just like with Windows 7, the first thing you are asked is to select your language, etc.
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Windows 8 DP1 - Installer
Click "Install now" to begin the installtion process.
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Windows 8 DP1 - Terms and Conditions
The usual Microsoft terms and condistions.
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Windows 8 DP1 - Installation
Now the Windows 8 installtion will begin. Just like Windows 7 it's completly automated, with a couple of reboots. The entire process takes approximatly 30mins to complete.
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Windows 8 DP1 - Device Name
As always with Windows you will need to name your device.
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Windows 8 DP1 - Use Express Settings
You now have the option to custoimse your install. I ecommend clicking "Use express settings". You can always go back and change these settings later from the Control Panel.
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Windows 8 DP1 - Live ID Setup
Once the installation is complete you will be greeted by the new "Metro Style" user interface. The first thing you are asked to enter is your Windows Live ID. This actually links the operating system account to your ID so that settings can be downloaded and synchronised with the cloud (Microsoft SkyDrive) and across devices.
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Windows 8 DP1 - Live ID Credentials
Enter your Windows Live ID credentials to be validated.
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Windows 8 DP1 - Live ID Setup
Your Windows Live ID settings are now donwloaded and synchronised.
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Windows 8 DP1 - Desktop Setup
Once your Live ID is setup your desktop will be prepared.
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Windows 8 DP1 - Please Wait
Finally the setup is complete and you are transitioned to the Windows 8 Start Screen.
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Windows 8 DP1 - Lock Screen
The new Windows 8 Lock Screen. Similar to Windows Phone 7 it displays small notifications in the bottom left corner (battery and wireless networking status). You simply slide up to unlock.
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Windows 8 DP1 - Start Screen
The new Windows 8 Start Screen. Those familiar with Windows Phone 7 will be right at home.
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Windows 8 DP1 - Charms
When using the keyboad and mouse you will have access to the "Charms" in the bottom left corner. These are a set of five icons that offer shortcuts to your most used features, such as the Start Screen, Devices and Search, etc. When using a touch based device you can access the Charms from the Edge UI, by swiping from the right side of the screen.
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Windows 8 DP1 - Search
To find an application from the Start Screen you simply start typing to invoke the search function.
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Windows 8 DP1 - Search
As you continue to type your search term the results will automatically be narrowed.
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Windows 8 DP1 - Control Panel
The new Control Panel provides easy access to your most used settings, while still offering access to the traditional Control Panel (as found in Windows 7).
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Windows 8 DP1 - Internet Explorer 10
The new Internet Explorer 10 is available from the Start Screen and has a beautiful "full screen" view. This would be perfect for tablet devices, but a little strange when using a keyboard and mouse. Thankfully the traditional Internet Explorer view is still available as well.
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Windows 8 DP1 - Internet Explorer 10
When in the full screen view you can access the address bar and tabs by right clicking at the top of the screen. This is handled by a swipe when using a touch based device.
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Windows 8 DP1 - Tweet@rama
Windows 8 comes with a number of new custom applications, accessed directly from the Start Screen. The first one is a new Twitter client.
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Windows 8 DP1 - Feeds
There is also a new feed (RSS Reader) application.
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Windows 8 DP1 - Remote Desktop
The other new application worth noting is remote desktop. This works well as a Start Screen appication.
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Windows 8 DP1 - Windows Store
The Windows 8 Store is not available in the developer preview, but will provide access to the both Metro Style applications and traditional win32 applications (similar to the Mac App Store).
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Windows 8 DP1 - The Traditional Desktop
By clicking the desktop tile from the Start Screen you can access the traditional desktop. This looks and operates exactly like Windows 7, with the exception that the Start Menu has been replaced by the Start Screen.
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Windows 8 DP1 - Charms
Charms are always available, even when using the traditional desktop.
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Windows 8 DP1 - Explorer
The new Windows Explorer, utilising the Ribbon user interface. This brings Windows into alignment with Microsoft Office suite.
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Windows 8 DP1 - Personalize
The Personalize options remain similar to Windows 7, however there is now an extended desktop theme that allows one background and an extended task bars across multiple monitors (about time Microsoft).
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Windows 8 DP1 - Task Manager
The new Task Manager shows all of you running applications as well as which applications are suspended. Applications automatically suspend when not in use to reduce power consumption and free up resources.
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Windows 8 DP1 - Task Manager
You can also get a more detailed view of your system resourced from Task Manager. This is similar to how Windows 7 works today.
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Windows 8 DP1 - Split Screen
As the Start Screen is always running it is possible to drag applications to run side by side. This includes the traditional desktop.