Windows 8 test drive: Hardware is a challenge

[JMH]

Hardware will remain a key to satisfaction in Windows 8 based on a quick drive-through of the Release Preview version of the new Microsoft operating system.
While Microsoft says Windows 7 machines are adequate for running Windows 8, there are shortcomings that can arise that would frustrate users, particularly as they relate to the touchscreen.


MORE: Windows 8: No touch, no fun


RELATED: The Windows 8 Quiz


Specifically, the screens include hot corners where mousing into them causes navigation features to pop up. Bottom right: Charms bar. Top left: open applications. Bottom left: Start tile.

http://www.itworld.com/node/279807

 

[JMH]

Oz sysadmin says Windows 8 not ready for business

My week with Windows 8

I decided over the weekend to install Windows 8 on my Dell XPS 15z. It's no Precision Workstation, but it’s definitely up to the task of running Windows 8. After resizing my main partition and readying my machine for Windows 8, I embarked on journey that is the new Windows 8 install process.

Not much seems to have changed between Windows 7 and 8’s install process: both look very similar, just a different shade of green-blue. Win 8 It was marginally quicker than Win 7 to install, so that’s always a bonus. Everything went through fine, I was asked to either set up an account using my “Windows Live!” ID, create a new one, or to create a local only account. It’s refreshing to see that Microsoft hasn't forced people to use Live! accounts.

http://www.theregister.co.uk/2012/06/04/sysadmin_windows_8_test/

 

[zigzag3143]

Hardware is the key. I have seen RC run with 512Mb or ram after some serious contortions, but most mid range machines will work (if not perfectly). On my oldish HP RC even found the fingerprint reader driver by itself.