Microsoft released the Windows 8 Developer Preview, which means anyone can download and test out Windows 8, and it looks like we have our first video of Windows 8 running on a netbook.
Brad from Liliputing decided to try out the Windows 8 Developer Preview on his Asus Eee PC 100H netbook. Have a look at the video of it in action below.
Windows 8 on Older Hardware
Running a modern operating system on older hardware can often be a challenge, but Brad’s experiment with the Asus Eee PC 100H netbook provides valuable insights. The Asus Eee PC 100H, a popular netbook from the late 2000s, features an Intel Atom processor and 1GB of RAM. These specifications are modest by today’s standards, yet the video demonstrates that Windows 8 can still function on such hardware. This is particularly noteworthy because it suggests that Windows 8 could be a viable option for users with older machines who are looking to upgrade their operating system without investing in new hardware.
Performance and Usability
In the video, Brad navigates through the new Windows 8 interface, showcasing the Start Screen, which replaces the traditional Start Menu with a grid of live tiles. This new interface is designed to be touch-friendly, but it also works with a mouse and keyboard. Despite the netbook’s limited processing power, the system appears to run relatively smoothly, with applications opening in a reasonable amount of time and the interface responding well to user inputs.
However, it’s important to note that while basic tasks such as web browsing and document editing may run smoothly, more demanding applications and multitasking could potentially strain the netbook’s limited resources. Users looking to run more intensive software might experience slower performance and longer load times.
Brad’s test also highlights the importance of optimizing the operating system for the hardware it runs on. Windows 8 includes several performance improvements over its predecessor, Windows 7, such as faster boot times and better memory management. These enhancements can make a significant difference on older hardware, providing a more responsive and efficient user experience.
Head on over to Liliputing for more details on how Windows 8 ran on this Asus Eee PC netbook.
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