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Beta version ready to download and try out
Microsoft has released a download of a beta version of its next operating system (OS), Windows 8.
The Windows 8 Consumer Preview will let people play with the trial version of the new OS to test out and review its capabilities and some of the features. This includes connection to the cloud using Windows-based PCs and phones to services such as email, calendar and contacts.
People can also try out Microsoft's browser for Windows 8 devices, Internet Explorer 10. The preview also marks the beta opening of the Windows Store, which offers a variety of apps from both third-party developers and Microsoft free to use during the trial period.
Steven Sinofsky said: "With Windows 8, we reimagined the different ways people interact with their PC and how to make everything feel like a natural extension of the device, whether using a Windows 8 tablet, laptop or all-in-one. The Windows 8 Consumer Preview brings a no-compromises approach to using your PC."
The new OS is compatible with touch screens as well as keyboards and mouse and can be downloaded onto any PC running Windows 7.
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Windows 8 Preview
This is a con as you will not let us download unless we do a registry scan which then tells us we have loads of problems which we know we haven't and then tries to brow beat us into buying it
Posted by Thomas Thorneycroft, 03 Mar 2012