Editor’s Note: Change is inevitable

With the release of Windows 8, major changes come to the world of Windows. What are your plans regarding the new OS?

Lafe Low

“The only thing that is constant is change,” said the Greek philosopher Heraclitus. “Upon those who step into the same rivers flow other and yet other waters. All things … are in flux like a river.” That change is inevitable certainly comes as no surprise to those of us in the veritable “river” of the technology world. Change is often measured not in years or months, but in minutes and even instants.

Windows 8 is the biggest change most of us have seen in quite some time. Enhancing UX is one of the primary goals of Windows 8, so there are significant changes to the interface that are well-suited for tablets and touchscreen devices. What you’ll notice immediately when you first fire up Windows 8 is the tile-based Start screen. It will look familiar if you’re already using a Windows Phone. You’ll see a grouping of tiles that will link you to your Windows apps. We begin what’s sure to be extensive coverage of Windows 8 with a rundown on what to expect in the significantly new and improved Task Manager. Check out Ryan Haveson’s piece, “Task Manager retuned.” [[PRODUCTION NOTE: Please add link to article when ready]]

Windows 8 is a revolutionary step ahead in its interface, design and operational model—but it’s still Windows. While it will do a great many new things, it will still run your Windows applications. It will still coexist within your Windows environment. You can still operate your old Windows with your new Windows. So to quote another great philosopher Paul Simon, “After changes upon changes we are more or less the same” (from “The Boxer,” by Paul Simon and Art Garfunkel).

Windows is not the only time-honored platform receiving an update. Keep your eyes on TechNet Magazine and the TechNet community as a whole. We’re making big changes to how we deliver and integrate Microsoft technology content. You can expect the TechNet Magazine content and the TechNet community pages to be more tightly integrated, and the content to be more accessible and more frequently updated. Let us know what you think.

What’s your plan?

What are your plans when it comes to a Windows 8 upgrade? This is a bigger step than usual. Are you an early adopter? Are you going to wait until it’s proven and stable? Are you the type to wait until the first service pack is released? Let us know your plans with respect to this new version of Windows. Also let us know what you think of what we’re covering in TechNet Magazine. We want to be sure we’re delivering what you need. Sign up for our LinkedIn group, send us an e-mail at <tnmag.microsoft.com> or e-mail me directly.

Lafe Low

Lafe Low is the editor in chief of TechNet Magazine*. A veteran technology journalist, he’s also the former executive editor of 1105 Media’s* Redmond magazine.