Windows 8 Features and Terminology

Windows 8 Features and Terminology



As the author of several books about Microsoft platforms--Windows Phone 7 Secrets most recently, and of course the coming Windows 8 Secrets--I'm very concerned about documenting both the features of these platforms--applications, services, and so on--but also the terminology that Microsoft uses to describe them. These things have names, and need to be referenced properly.
Looking at Windows 8, I of course see a new opportunity for this kind of documentation, both in the coming book and here on the site. But I also see a challenge, since there's a lot of misinformation out there--it is "Windows App Store" or "Windows Store"?--both from Microsoft and the over-eager technology enthusiasts who follow the company.


Call it the fog of war, or whatever, but I'd like to cut through it. And while that effort will be ongoing and will extend at least through the end of this year as I plow through the writing of Windows 8 Secrets, this is my first stab and documenting this stuff and providing some clarity. As a first effort, it won't be complete, at least not at first. So I need your help. If you know of a Windows 8 feature that's not listed here, please email me and let me know. I'll update this article over the course of the week and then turn it into a series of Windows 8 Feature Focus articles down the road.
App. A tailored application, or "Metro-style" app, that runs in the new Windows Run Time (WinRT) environment and is launched from the Start screen. These apps are full-screen ("immersive") and written in HTML 5 or a .NET programming language.
App Bar. A toolbar user interface element in tailored "Metro-style" applications that is typically hidden until needed and houses commands, which are generally user interface elements like buttons and other graphical controls.
Charms. A set of five icons, available from the so-called Edge UI, which appears when you swipe into the interior of the screen from the right side of the screen. These icons include Search, Share, Start, Devices, and Settings.
Client Hyper-V. A hypervisor-based virtualization platform used to run entire OSes (and associated applications) in a guest environment under the Windows host. Hyper-V was previously available only in Windows Server and replaces Windows Virtual PC.
Connected Standby. A new power management mode for ARM-based versions of Windows 8 that allow the PC to operate in a very low power mode for very long periods of non-use.
Contracts. A new aspect of the WinRT (Windows Run Time) development model that provides communications capabilities between separately and independently developed (Metro-style) apps. Similar but more powerful to the Windows clipboard from two decades ago, Contracts provide a number of useful services including Search and Share.
Early Load Anti-Malware. A new security feature in Windows 8 that loads the OS's integrated anti-malware functionality into the boot process in order to prevent any malware to be injected into the OS during the boot process. This happens after secured boot.
Flip. The process by which you visually flip through the available running Metro-style apps and Windows desktop by flicking right from the leftmost edge of the screen. Flicking and holding will result in a Snap, and the division of the screen into two zones, Snap View and Fill View. (See Snap.)
Glyphs. The icons that appear on the new Windows 8 lock screen, including network, power, and so on.
Groups. Sections of tiles on the Start screen that are visually grouped and can optionally be named. You can move entire groups of tiles around the Start screen as needed.
Internet Explorer 10. The new version of Microsoft's web browser, which will be available in a tailored version (or Metro-style app), and in a traditional desktop version.
Lock screen. The Windows 8 welcome screen, which appears when the computer first boots. It features the time, date, and a series of notification glyphs.
Multi-monitor. Windows 8 provides new multi-monitor capabilities for both the Start screen and the classic Windows desktop.
Picker. A tailored app user interface that provides the capabilities of a File Open dialog in classic Windows. It incorporates a basket for holding multiple items, which can be derived from any number of sources, including the local file system and various online services.
Picture password. A new method of logging in to Windows that involves a photo and a series of touch gestures and swipes.
PIN password. A new method of logging in to Windows that involves a four digit numeric password, as per a Windows Phone handset.
Progress ring. The new Windows 8 progress indicator.
Refresh Your PC. A new service in Windows 8 that automatically backs up all of your photos, music, videos, and other personal files, your customizations, and your tailored ("Metro-style") apps, reinstall Windows from scratch, and then reapplies everything back to the system. This process only takes 4 to 5 minutes.
Reset Your PC. A new service in Windows 8 that returns your PC to its factory clean state by wiping it out and reinstalling Windows. This feature is also called Push Button Reset.
Search. A Windows 8 Contract that provides searching capabilities, be it for apps, settings, files, or whatever. Search is globally accessible from the Search charm in the edge UI on the right edge of the screen.
Secondary Tile. A special kind of Start screen tile that is created from within an app. For example, an address book app would have its own tile, but it could optionally provide you with the ability to create a secondary tile from any one of your contacts so that you could access that contact more easily and directly from the Start screen.
Secured boot. A new security feature of Windows 8 that requires a modern UEFI-style BIOS and checks the boot signatures of each hardware device before the PC will boot. If an unknown or compromised device is attached before boot time, the PC will not boot.
Semantic zoom. A process whereby the user employs two fingers on the screen of a Windows 8 PC to pinch onscreen elements (or "reverse pinch" them) to enable a secondary display. On the Windows 8 Start screen, you can use semantic zoom to view the entire (multiscreen) display on a single screen, and arrange and rename onscreen elements like groups.
Sensors. Windows 8 supports a wide range of device sensors, including accelerometer, inclinometer, gyrometer, compass, ambient-light, and orientation/simple orientation.
Share. A Windows 8 Contract that allows one app to share information with another. For example, a photo app might use Share to provide a way to share pictures online. Share is globally accessible from the Share charm in the edge UI on the right edge of the screen.
SmartScreen. A Windows 8 security technology that prevents malware from infecting your system using behavioral and manual, reputation-based methods. Microsoft previously provided this functionality in its IE browser, but is extending it to the Windows Explorer in Windows 8.
Snap. The process by which two apps can be displayed, or docked, side-by-side in Windows 8. These apps can consists of two Metro-style apps or one Metro style app and one legacy Windows app. When in this mode, the leftmost app, which is said to occupy the Snap View, takes up about 30 percent of the onscreen real estate, while the rightmost app, said to occupy the Fill View, takes up the rest. You can change the space each occupies by dragging on the dividing line between them and flip their positions, so that the Fill View is on the left and the Snap View is on the right.
Start screen. The new Windows 8 shell, or user experience, which involves an immersive, full-screen user interface, tailored full-screen apps, and a new runtime environment called Windows Run Time (WinRT).
Task Manager. An update to the application, processes, services, performance, networking, and user management tool from previous Windows versions that provides startup app management and other new features.
Tiles. User interface elements found in the Windows 8 Start screen that replace icons and represents applications and other items. Windows 8 tiles can be small (square) or large (rectangular) and present "live" information to the user. They are thus sometimes called Live Tiles. Tiles are said to be "pinned" to the Start screen; when removed they are "unpinned." (This does not delete the application.)
Windows Defender. An upgraded version of the Defender tool that provides anti-virus functionality in addition to its previous anti-malware functionality. (Thus, this tool now effectively replaces Microsoft Security Essentials as well.)
Windows Run Time (WinRT). A new runtime environment for tailored ("Metro-style") apps that launch from the Windows 8 Start screen.
Windows Store. Microsoft's online store for Windows 8 applications, which will consist of both Metro-style apps and traditional applications. Users can install Metro-style apps on up to five Windows PCs. But for legacy applications, the Windows Store will not enforce a licensing model on app developers, and Microsoft will not demand a fee for each sold app. Trial versions of Metro-style apps will be available.
Windows To Go. A new method of running Windows 8 from a USB key (or other external memory) rather than from a fixed hard drive. This allows for a portable version of Windows, and corporations can use this feature to create temporary Windows installs that return to a clean state when the user logs off.
Windows Update. Microsoft's software updating service is updated in Windows 8 to not interrupt users and try to avoid unnecessary reboots.
There's more, of course, and Microsoft alluded to as much with the following slide during its Windows 8 BUILD keynote. So there's much more to do.
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Computer Housekeeping 101 - Outside and Inside

It happens easily, someone sneezes or coughs, many eat right at their computer, play with pets, scratch, or use the washroom and not wash (scary, but it happens). So let's have a Computer Cleaning Boot Camp.

The product we used is a specialty solution you will not be able to get. So let's use what you have around your home.

Keyboards

First, be sure your computer is turned off. Many people tend to turn the keyboard upside down and shake it. One client did this before I got to clean her station, and something got disconnected. She didn't want me to see all the crumbs, so that is not a great idea. Better to use a can of compressed air. Hold your keyboard on an angle downwards so that as you blow, debris can fly out and away from your keyboard, and not further in under keys.

We have vacuum attachments that look like a Barbie doll set, but blowing with compressed air is better. If something was loose, it could get sucked up by the vacuum.

The old keyboard keys could be removed for deeper cleaning if they were sticky, but most have the newer keyboards which are very easy to keep up.

Now to wipe it, our local computer technician said they use Fantastic or Windex on a cloth. Be sure you spray the cloth and not the keyboard. A lint free cloth is best. I use a very diluted solution of H202 and water I keep in a spray bottle which also disinfects the surface. Again, spray it on the cloth. If you need to get into tight areas, use a damp Q-Tip.

LDC Screens

The LCD flat-panel display is not made of glass; therefore requires special cleaning procedures. It is important not to spray any liquids onto the screen directly and to use a lint free cloth like a micro-fiber cloth so it will not scratch the surface. You can use a Swiffer duster if you are only removing dust. The factory uses Rubbing Alcohol to clean the LCD before it leaves the factory, so you can use that, or just a damp cloth.

Glass Monitor

A glass monitor screen can be cleaned with any household or window cleaner. Spray your cloth lightly or dampen with water. If your screen has any anti-glare protection, it is best to only use water so as not to remove any of this special surface.

Mouse

Don't forget to clean your mouse as well. The older ones have a removable bottom. You will need to blow that out with air and wipe the ball. The newer ones have an optical sensor that you can wipe. Also wipe the bottom to keep it free of debris so it will move freely.

THE INSIDE

Now that you are in the computer cleaning mode, let's do some inside work too. It would be good to get into the habit of cleaning old files off your hard drive that you no longer need. Also to clean up your emails. Don't forget to empty the trash too, when you delete something, it is still taking up space on your hard drive, so clear that out too.

MAC

ANTIVIRUS PROTECTION

If you have a Mac, your life is pretty easy. I do not have to worry about any anti-virus protection, everything is built in. But for extra security, and only for my own sense of well-being, I purchased ESET Cybersecurity for Mac. It just added another layer of security to give me peace of mind now that I am running an Internet Business.

CLEAR YOUR HISTORY

Especially if you make any financial or banking transactions online, get into the habit of clearing the Webpage History.

To Do This: Make sure your Internet Browser is Open

Safari

Click on "History" on the top Bar

Then Click on "Clear History"

and "Clear" on the popup

Firefox

Click on "Tool" on the top bar

Click on "Clear Recent History"

EMPTY YOUR CACHE

Your Cache is a collection of temporary data stored on your computer so the computer can access this information quickly rather than it going to the original source all of the time. It is basically duplicating the information and storing it in a separate memory. If you are a computer technician you can laugh at my explanation, but don't bother writing me. I like to explain things simply. If you clear the cache on a regular basis, this improves the overall speed of your computer.

To do this on your Mac, make sure your Internet Browser is open:

Safari:

Click on the Word "Safari" on the top Bar

Click on "Empty Cache"

Firefox:

Click on the Word "Firefox" on the top bar

WINDOWS PC

ANTIVIRUS PROTECTION

This is an absolute must if you have a Windows PC. My computer technician recommends you have both antivirus protection and a scanning software. Here is what he recommended, and both are free:

Microsoft Security Essentials provides real-time protection for your home or small business PC that guards against viruses, spyware, and other malicious software for free. You can download that here: Microsoft Security Essentials

Malware Bytes protect your computer by completely removing all forms of malware including viruses, trojans, spyware, adware and rootkits. You should update it and scan your computer about once a month.

DEFRAGMENT

If your PC is new or Windows 7, my computer technician said it should automatically be scheduled by default to defrag your computer once a week. If your computer is older, you can do this manually. Here's how:

Click on the "Start" button

Select "All Program"

Click on "Accessories"

Click on "System Tools"

Click on "Disk Defragmentor"

Click on "Defragment disk"

Click on "Preferences"

Select the "Advanced" tab

Click on the "Network" tab

Under "Offline Storage" click on "Clear Now"

EMPTY YOUR CACHE & CLEAR HISTORY

Open Internet Explorer

Click on "Tools" (or the icon that looks like a sun)

Click on "Internet Options"

On the "General" Tab

Under "Browsing History"

Click on "Delete"

Then Select

-Temporary Internet Files 
- Cookies 
- History

Click on "Delete"

UPDATES

Run system updates on a regular basis if they are not configured to run automatically.

Following these steps should keep your computer running smoother and faster for much longer.

 

n emerging markets it might be hard to find the money to start up a business. Could cloud computing be a game changer in these markets?

The emerging markets are definitely interesting to cloud developers and providers. Cloud computing is popular because of the low running costs and low need of knowledge, but for the emerging markets, there are still obstacles to overcome.

Advantages.

One of the main advantages with cloud computing is the low cost of implementation. You don't necessarily need a server, but can instead use of one of the many cloud providers out there. Most small and medium businesses will find that the cloud has a solution to suit their needs. Furthermore this also means that you won't have to pay for an expensive license. As we've seen in both webOS's and dedicated cloud OS's most of the software bundled with an OS is included in the monthly subscription or even free. Furthermore if developers need more resources cloud servers are easy scalable, due to the fact that many of the providers offer pay-as-you-go solutions.

Another advantage is, that the cloud can be set up anywhere with an internet access. Since it is possible to store everything in the cloud, you can practically access your systems from a bamboo hut in the jungle. Furthermore if you provide your employees with a cheap netbook, you actually don't need to provide an expensive office. This also means that if you require a person with certain competences, but such a person isn't available in your region, you can still collaborate on projects over vast distances. As we saw in LotusLive communication and collaboration isn't a problem since these functions often are integrated in cloud interfaces.

Then what about finding clients? Well, since your business is already using the internet on a daily basis it is even easier for you to bring it online and by this making your services available to customers worldwide.

Basic issues.

To be productive in the cloud requires some sort of a computer device. One obvious example could be a chromebook, but they are still as expensive as an ordinary laptop. Netbooks are much cheaper and it's easy to install a hybrid OS or use a webOS. Simmtronics have tried to make use of this and are now selling their 199$ netbook in emerging markets. This is of course positive since several organizations have stated that 200$ is the point where computers becomes widely available to the public in poor countries. It can still be done cheaper. Raspberry Pi, a UK-based nonprofit organization, are currently working on a computer of the size of a credit card. The expected price for their device is 25$. The cheapest monitor on Bestbuy.com is sold for 80$, and then you'll need a keyboard and a mouse which is 20$. This way you'll have a full set-up for 125$. Their system runs on Ubuntu, but another Linux distribution, TinyCore, could be configured to start up directly in the web browser.

In developing countries and also emerging markets power isn't always stable. Since power is necessary for a computer to work, then this is definitely an obstacle. The solution to this problem could be solar power since many of the emerging markets are located in sunny locations.

Another problem is connectivity. In quite a few emerging markets the access to broadband connections is very limited. The reason why the advanced economies are so well connected is that they had a huge density of preexisting phone lines which were easy to convert in to broadband connections. But digging cables in to the ground is expensive. Wireless internet access is much more interesting for small and medium businesses in emerging markets. VSAT was one of the first solutions, but with low bandwith and high pricing it isn't a viable solution. Instead 3G and Wimax could be the solution for these countries, but of course wireless as well as wired connections requires investments.

Each year the World Economic Forum publishes a report on the global ICT (internet and communication technology) and measures the network readiness of each country. In this statistic education plays an important role. Education must be prioritized in emerging markets for them to evolve in to an advanced market. In relations to cloud computing the question is if they know about this great concept. Is information available to entrepreneurs in emerging markets?

Three ways to evolution.

The development in the countries which are emerging markets moves to a more urbanised society. Therefore cloud computing knowledge centers need to be established in the biggest cities in these countries. By doing this both providers, developers and users can benefit from the concept. IBM is a huge player in the cloud industry and seems to spend a lot of time on developing new markets. They could be a great provider of such a facility.

To reduce costs and improve connectivity, new businesses could start out in a shared office facility. That way the firms could share a wired broadband connection, which is often more stable and faster than a wireless connection. There are obvious advantages for governments supporting such a facility. If you make it easier to start up new companies, then even if only a small percentage of these grow bigger over the years, these companies create jobs, income, export and in the end an increase of the annual GDP.

Of course we can't just invest in the main cities. If a country's leading communication providers don't continuously work to expand the country's communication infrastructure, the government has to step in. It must not act as a service provider itself though. It would be far better to present the providers with a reward as for example an exemption of taxes on new network areas within a limited period of time.

Network and education are the biggest barriers for cloud computing, but if providers work together with the governments, they can provide a perfect environment for businesses and benefit from it as well. By doing this, cloud computing can be a game changer in emerging markets.