Windows 8 for IT pros Microsoft Windows 8 is optimized for making your life as an IT pro easier.

Incre ased functionality and innovative new features distinguish Windows 8 from all other previous operating systems. Windows 8 provides reimagined system applications, expanded user customization, new tools such as Windows PowerShell 3.0, and new functionality, such as integrated mobile broadband suppo rt. These additions, alongside redesigned Windows Server 2012 remote management features, make Window s 8 one of the most advanced operating system offerings from Microsoft ever. IT pros that have experience in Windows 7 will have no problem quickly learning to navigate through Windows 8. Its enhanced usability and new features make everything you need read ily available. In addition to feature upgrades, accessibility, and expanded functionality, significant impr ovements have been made in areas such as startup and shutdown times and general performance. This chapter e xplains some of the key improvements and added features for the Windows 8 operating system that are spec ifically important to IT pros. Reimagined system applications For IT pros, Windows 8 is just like Windows 7 but better. Features that were great in Windows 7 were redesigned to be even more efficient and provide more functionality. Windows 8 p rovides a flexible platform for a wide variety of applications and devices. Most of the familiar application s that IT pros use are exactly the same but with a renewed, simplified layout. Many system features such as Per formance Monitor or Windows Services, look nearly identical to their Windows 7 predecessors. Some ap plications have gained increased functionality. For example, Windows Defender now offers malware protec tion as well as spyware protection. If you were a Windows 7 expert, then Windows 8 is going to be simple for you to learn and implement. Making the transition from Windows 7 to Windows 8 is much easier than transition ing from Windows XP to Windows Vista or 7. Windows 8 is packed with new features that make your life as an IT pro easier. Some quick access and navigation features that are heavily used as an IT pro are stil l the same, such as Window key + R to open the Run dialog box. Also, many new quick access features have been a dded for convenience (e.g., Windows key + X to open a menu of administrator tools). Throughout this c hapter are tips on new quick access features that make navigating Windows much quicker. Additionally, i n an effort to improve Windows functionality, two of the most commonly used applications Windows Task Manag er and Windows