Intel's Edge for Windows 8

You've heard me rave about Windows 8 before.  The raving continues.  I am so very excited about the prospect of a newer, faster, better Windows.

Not that there's anything wrong with Windows 7.  It was the highest grossing pre-order in the history of Amazon.  It featured a boatload of new features, including a faster boot time than previous iterations.  Minor criticisms include some security flaws.

Windows 8 is likely to be something completely different, since it is created for tablets as well as traditional PCs.  Not only will the interface be very different, it is being released for both Intel and AMD as well as ARM - a processor more commonly used for mobile devices, as it is ideal for low-power products.  Adding an ARM version of Microsoft Windows 8 further stresses the fact the Microsoft is looking to move more strongly into the tablet and mobile markets with this OS.  While ARM will be more functional for low-power, mobile items, it will also support full PC systems.  However, the ARM processor version of Windows 8 will not be backward compatible with all older programs, like the Intel version will be, and as all previous Intel and AMD versions of Windows were.  That one feature will probably ensure Intel's continued success in the processor market.

Windows 8 is expected to be available to consumers in Fall 2012.