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Windows 8
Part of the Microsoft Windows family
Screenshot of the Start Screen in the Windows 8 RTM (Build 9200)
Developer
Microsoft Corporation
Website	windows.microsoft.com/en-US/windows-8/release-preview
Releases
Release date	October 26, 2012; 2 months' time (2012-10-26) [info]
Current version	6.2.9200.16384 (RTM) (August 1, 2012; 10 days ago (2012-08-01)) [info]
License	Proprietary commercial software
Kernel type	Hybrid
Update method	Windows Update
Platform support	IA-32, x86-64, and ARM[1]
Preceded by	Windows 7

Windows 8 is an operating system produced by Microsoft for use on personal computers, including home and business desktops, laptops, tablets, and home theater PCs. It is part of the Windows NT family of operating systems and succeeds Windows 7.

Development of this operating system started before the release of its predecessor in 2009. Its existence was first announced in January, 2011 at Consumer Electronics Show. During its development and test phases, Microsoft released three pre-release versions: Developer Preview (September 2011), Consumer Preview (March 2012) and Release Preview (May 2012). On 1 August 2012, Windows 8 finally graduated from the development stage and was released to manufacturing.

Windows 8 is built based on Metro design language and introduces a new form of "Windows 8-style software" which may only be obtained through Windows Store. Windows 8 also features a new start screen, Internet Explorer 10, native support for USB 3.0, a new Windows Defender that combat malware, Windows To Go and support for UEFI SecureBoot, which has stirred controversy.

Windows 8 is available in four major editions: Windows 8, Windows 8 Pro, Windows 8 Enterprise and Windows RT. The first three have almost the same hardware requirements as that of Windows 7. The latter however, runs on tablet computers with ARM architecture. Hardware vendors willing to receive Microsoft's certification for such devices need to adhere a list of certification requirements. Windows 8 Enterprise and Windows RT are not available at retail outlets

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