Windows 8 is all set to release later this year and what’s makes it more interesting is that it will be one of the boldest overhauls of an operating system the world has seen to date. The Metro interface is not the only new addition to this operating system. This is the first time a Windows operating system will run on a variant of ARM’s hardware. This is expected to open up many avenues of development for Windows. However, aside from the many developments, Windows 8 may also put RT users at risk.
So what exactly is the risk that users are going to face? Windows users are always known to be on the receiving side of most phishing attacks and malware. This has conditioned most users to run the existent software on previous versions of the OS to counter such threats. The problem with the new OS is that legacy windows software will not be compatible with the ARM hardware. This implies that customers will have to purchase third party software if they wish to counter malware and even phishing attacks.
Despite these risks, the Windows 8 will certainly be a user friendly operating system. The platform will offer a lot to the developers. The need for malware protection will always enable developers to code necessary software for Windows 8 users. It almost seems a certainty that most features on Windows 8 will stray from its traditional predecessors. Another cause for concern is the fact that users will be limited to use Internet Explorer for their browsing needs. This is because other browsers won’t be compatible with the so called “Classic” mode on Windows 8.
Even developers will not be able to design one for the new Metro interface. Although the Internet Explorer is still a good browser, the restriction only increases the probability of malware attacks. In fact a member of Mozilla’s general counsel argued that such a restriction will only bring back the medieval period of the digital age, where neither developers nor users had choices.
Although these words are a little strong, the message conveyed is very clear. First, there exists the problem of getting acquainted with software that users have never used before. Added to this is Microsoft’s restriction, forcing users to use Internet Explorer, which only seems to be heading towards one conclusion; total monopoly in OS, browser markets and much more. There is no harm in a complete overhaul, but Microsoft must remember one thing: this is Windows, the OS most prone to malware attacks. Lack of preventive measures could spell doom for the company.
