A CASE STUDY OF MICROSOFT WINDOWS 8.

By

Mr. Hanzala Arodiya

F.Y.B.Sc. I.T.
2018-19

M V M’s College of Commerce & Science

Andheri (West), Mumbai-400058.
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 SYNOPSIS

This term paper is intended for assessing the students, for the fulfillment of
semester continue assessment (CA). As suggested by the title above, this paper is
going to focus on the topic “A case study of Windows 8.1. However, the focus
ofthe term paper is going to be steered on evaluating Windows 8.1 as well as
analyzing the new features and trends in this version of windows. It will also discuss
on the various Editions of Windows 8.1 which include Windows RT, Windows 8.1
Professional, and Windows 8.1 Enterprises.

Henceforward, I will further my study on how Windows 8.1 differs from device to
device such as tables, mobile phones, as well as PC. Indeed, this study will review
the technical specifications that characterize this version of windows; these include
the new looks (Desktop customization), compatibility issues, deployment methods,
new approaches to security, recovery options, virtualizations using hyper V in the
Enterprises edition, as well as the applicability of mobile devices.

This study will end with the analysis as well as comparison of the various editions of
Windows from Windows 7 down to Windows 8.1. This I believe would help theusers
in making good choices with regard to their needs, requirements and specifications,
and would also serves as yard stick for developers to know which apps they should
develop for which windows edition and for which hardware.

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 AN OVERVIEW OF WINDOWS OPERATING SYSTEM

Windows operating system, according to Encyclopedia Britannica was developed by

Microsoft Corporation to run on personal computers. Featuring the first Graphical
User Interface (GUI) for IBM compatible PCs, the Windows OS soon dominated the
PC market. Approximately 90% of PCs run some versions of windows. Thus,
windows comes in various editions as well as versions to allow rapid changes in the
IT industry. These versions introduced greater functionalities such as a shift from
MS-Dos environment to a much better Graphical User Interface (GUI). These
changes were depicted in style and performance which fulfils various hardware
requirement depending on the needs of an organization. Subsequently with
the release of windows XP in 2001, Microsoft united its various Windows packages
under a single banner, offering multiple editions for consumers, businesses,
multimedia, developers and others. The success in Windows XP gave rise to the
invention of Vista and then to Windows 7, even though there was a hitch in the Vista
edition, therefore, Windows 7 substituted Vista.

Soon however, in August 2012, Microsoft announced the release of Windows 8

which is the predecessor of Windows 7. Windows 8 introduced major changes to
the operating system’s platform and user interface to improve its user experience
on tablets and other mobile devices. In contrast, these user experience includes
touch optimization, the start screen, a new platform for developing apps, windows
store, additional security features, and so on and so forth.

Synonymously, it is difficult to believe that Windows 8 was introduced only a year

ago, and yet today its successor, Windows 8.1, is ready for widespread adoption. By
Microsoft’s standards, that is warp speed. The Windows 8.1 however, a freeupdate
to Windows 8 and Windows RT, arrives mostly exactly a year after windows 8’s.

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 INTRODUCTION

Windows 8.1, as mentioned earlier on is a free update to windows 8 and Windows

RT, arrives almost exactly a year after Windows 8. The final version was released to
Microsoft’s hardware partners in late August, ensuring that a new wave of hardware
devices powered by Windows 8.1 would debut at the same time. Historically
speaking, new versions of Windows have come out roughly every three years with
one or more service packs released in the interim to roll up security and reliability
updates.

Windows 8.1 is by any

objective measure, a
major release. It includes
the historic changes that
were introduced in
Windows 8 and adds a
very long list of
improvement
refinements, and new
features, big and small, in
fact more than enough to discuss.

In contrast to the above, this paragraph will provide an overview of windows 8.1
and its changes with a special emphasis on the new features and capabilities.
Indeed, the biggest and most obvious changes in the initial release of windows 8
were a touch-enabled user experience designed for a new generation of mobile
hardware, such as tablets and support for new class of applications. Another issues
is that, Windows 8.1 involves features that might not be immediately obvious,

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perhaps we can say enhancement in security, improvement in management and
virtualization features for client PCs. In reference to that the Microsoft CEO says in
an interview

“We built Windows 8 to bring a modern computing experience to businesses and to

help professional stay connected to their colleagues and clients from anywhere,
anytime. Windows 8.1 advances this version and introduces new manageability,
mobility, security, user experience and networking capabilities”. – Satya Nadella

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 TECHNOLOGICAL BACKGROUND

In other to understand these changes clearly, let us start by asking this question
that “What is New in Windows 8.1”. In order to answer this question, let take a
look at the following:

1. Support for new device types

Windows 8.1 has the same device requirements as Windows 8 and will run on most
PC hardware that was originally designed for windows vista or windows 7. That
makes it possible to evaluate Windows 8.1 on a device that is not currently in
production. Thus, to see Windows 8.1 at its best, you really need to see it in action
on a variety of devices, including modern hardware with touchscreen and
processors and power management subsystems engineering specially to work with
Windows 8.1. However, the core design principles of windows 8.1 allows movement
to pervasive computing. Users are no longer tied to a desktop but instead can use
multiple devices, choosing each device for its suitability to the task at hand. With
proper management controls, these devices can switch easily between personal
files, digital media and enterprise resources and however combined with robust
online services.

2. User Experience
This new generation of hardware benefits greatly from the Windows 8 user
experience. Touchscreen functions as the primary form of input on a mobile devices;
on more traditional PC from factors, touch becomes an equal partner to the
keyboard and mouse. Here is a partial list of important changes in the windows 8.1
user experience:

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a. Two new tile sizes on the start screen are available in addition to the two sizes
used in windows 8.
b. Customizing the start screen is much easier and new Apps view let you quickly sort
and arrange the list installed Apps.
c. Enhancements to the Touch Keyboard make it possible to type fasters and more
accurately.

3. User Account and Synchronization

One of the most significant changes in Windows 8 is support for a third user account
type in addition to the familiar local and domain accounts. Signing in with a
Microsoft account instead of a local account provides tightly integrated support for
cloud-based files storage (worth 7GBs of free SkyDrive storage).
Windows 8.1 expands the list of settings that can be synchronized, including the
layout of the start screen, and it can automatically download and install windows
store apps when you sign in with a Microsoft account on a new devices. It also adds

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 the ability to automatically back up settings that cannot be synced. This feature
makes it possible to roam easily between devices, with personal settings, apps, and
browser tabs, history and favorites from each derives.
4. Support for Apps
Windows 8 includes support for virtually all desktop programs that are compatible
with Windows 7. It also supports a new programming model design for immersive
touch enable apps that are secure, reliable and optimized for mobility. For Windows
8.1, the windows store has been completely redesigned, with the goal of making it
easier to discover useful apps. Windows 8.1 also includes a handful of new first
party (Microsoft authored) apps as well as a complete refresh of the apps included
with a default installation of windows 8.
5. Security enhancements.
Microsoft’s commitment to securing Windows is substantial, and it includes some
ground breaking advanced features. As part of the ongoing effort to make computing
safer, windows introduced major new security features and windows 8.1 adds still
more improvement. Perhaps, aside from the major security features introduced by
Windows 8 such as Trusted boot (the feature that protects the integrity of the
remainder of the boot process, including kernel, system files, boot-critical drivers
etc.), Windows Defender (a full feature antispyware), for the first time in Windows
8.1. Defender includes network behavior monitor; Windows Smart Screen (is a
safety feature that uses application reputation based tech to help protect windows
users from malicious software that require users names, password and billing data).
Notwithstanding, Windows 8.1 adds significant new security capabilities to that
already robust features of Window 8, let us take a look:
a. Improved Biometric feature: All windows 8.1. Editions end to end biometric
feature enable authenticating with your biometric identity anywhere in Windows
including Windows sign-in, remote access, user account control and so on. Windows

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 8.1 is optimized for fingerprint based biometrics and includes a common fingerprint
enrollment experience that works with various touch-based readers.
b. Remote Business data Removal (RBDR): Here, administrator can mark and
encrypt corporate content to distinguish it from ordinary user data. When the
relationship between the organization and the user ends, the encrypted corporate
data can be wiped on command using exchange ActiveSync.
c. Pervasive Device Encryption: Device encryption is now available in all editions of
windows 8.1 it is enabled out of the box and can be configured with additional
BitLocker protection and management capability on the Pro and Enterprises edition.
6. Deployment and migration:
Windows 8.1 in an organization is faster and easier than in windows 7. Enhanced
tools help you make the right decisions with minimal downtime for users. A new
version of the application compatibility toolkit helps you understand potential
application compatibility issues by identifying which apps are or not compatible
with windows 8. In those days, migrating user data from windows installations can
be automated with the user state migration tool.
7. AppLocker:
Now available in Windows 8.1, this tool is a simple and flexible mechanism that
allows you to specify exactly which apps are allowed to run on user’s PC. Here, an
administrator creates security policies through group policy that prevent apps from
running unless they are on an approval list.
8. Virtualization
Window 8 is the first desktop version of windows to include a robust built in
virtualization platform known as Hyper-V. Client Hyper-V uses the same hypervisor
found in Windows server allowing user to create virtual machines capable of
running 32 bit and 64 bit version of windows. With the advent of Windows 8.1, VMs
can be migrated easily between a desktop PC running Windows 8 or 8.1 and a
Hyper-V environment on windows server.

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Finally, numerous features are integrated in the Windows 81. Which I have not
mentioned, not because they are less important but because the features mentioned
above are the major features and most obvious. However, we can say in a nutshell
that other features such as Workplace join, work folders, open MDM, Mobile device
management, Web application proxy, RDS enhancements, NFC Tap-to-pair printing,
Wi-Fi direct printing, Native Miracast wireless display, Auto triggered VPN,
broadband tethering and many others exist in the windows 8.1.

WINDOWS 8.1 EDITIONS

Starting with Windows RT 8.1, though an edition of Windows 8.1 designed

specifically for mobile devices (primarily tablet computers) that uses 32 bit ARM
architecture (ARMv7). Microsoft intended for devices with Windows RT to take
advantage of the architecture’s power efficiency to allow for longer battery life, to
use system-on-chip (SoC) designs to allow thinner devices and to provide a reliable
experience over time.

In the other hand, windows 8, Microsoft simplified the number of editions available
to consumers and businesses. Windows 8.1 continues that lineup with no changes.
For deployment in enterprise environments or personal use, you will want to

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 choose one of the two windows editions designed expressly for business use or
home use. Here are the major additions of Windows 8.1 below:
a. Windows 8.1 Pro: This edition is available preinstalled on new PCs, as a retail
package, and as an upgrade direct from Microsoft. It is also available via volume
licensing.
b. Windows 8.1 Enterprise: This edition is available only to enterprises customers
who purchase software assurance for windows as part of a volume-license
agreement.
In order to differentiate the two editions, let us take a survey of their various
features.
Features Windows 8.1. Windows 8.1
Pro Enterprise
BitLocker and Bitlocker To Go  

Encryption file system  

Boot from VHD  

Client Hyper V  

Group Policy  

Remote Desktop (Host)  

DirectAcess 

BranchCache 

App Locker 

VDI Enhancement 

Windows 8.1 App deployment 

Start Screen control 

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 TECHNICAL SPECIFICATIONS FOR WINDOWS 8.1

As far as technical specifications for windows 8.1 are concern, we have to really
understand them because they matter a lot. Previous windows operating systems
came with a more complicated requirements if compared with Windows 8.1,
especially when it comes to deployment. Previously, it takes at least 30-40 mins
deploy a windows OS, but with the coming of Windows 8.1 deployment takes less
than 20 mins depending on the hardware. To understand the requirements, let us
carefully take a look at the below table.

Component Recommendation
Processor 1 GHz or more
Memory 32-bit PCs: 1 GB
64-bit PCs: 2 GBs
Hard Disk space 32-bit PCs: 16 GB
64-bit PCs: 20 GBs
Graphics Card Microsoft DirectX 9 graphics device with
WDDM driver

In order to use a suitable deployment strategy, Windows 8.1 comes with numerous
strategies that would be suitable for any organization as well as the hardware used
in that organization. However, Microsoft recommends a few targeted strategies for
deploying windows 8.1. Hence, for client PCs that are already running Windows 8,
an in-place upgrade is the fastest, simple and most reliable alternative,
accomplished either by installing the windows 8.1 update package or by refreshing
the operating system. As for enterprise that wish to deploy Windows on new or
existing hardware that is not already running windows, the following list described
the four recommended deployment strategies:

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a. High Touch with retail media: This is simply the deployment where you install
windows on each client by using retail installation media and then manual configure
it.
b. High touch with standard image: Here, similar to high touch with retail media,
but it uses an operating system image that includes your customizations and
application configurations.
c. Life Touch, High-Volume deployment: This method requires limited interaction
during deployment. Interaction occurs at the beginning of the installation, but the
remainder of the process is automated.
d. Zero Touch, High Volume deployment: This strategy requires no interaction
during deployment. The process is fully automated by using system center
configuration manager.

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 SUMMARY

It is obvious that Windows 8.1 has one of the most amazing platform especially from
the application point of view. Though, not much will be discuss on this due to lack of
sufficient evidence to support any claim to be made. However, the following
figure/image will give the reader an over view of the platform architecture.

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 CONCLUSION

To this end, Windows 8.1 underwent a series of changes in order to improve its
reliability, performance, the user experience, security and flexibility. However,
research shows that there are more than enough evidence to offer as far as new
features are concern. For Microsoft to meet the requirement of the latest
technology today, they have to invent and create new features in more upgrades to
come. Perhaps, Windows 10 is now forging through, it is coming with unimaginable
experiences that the users would never imagine. A snap through of the new features
include a new task view that will replaces the tile view in Windows 8.1. Another
feature is continuum, the continuum is an on-the-fly mode for 2 in 1 devices that can
automatically change mode if it detects there us suddenly no keyboard attached.
Then finally, Windows 10 Universal apps which will give the user an option to install
from android apps as well as windows apps. This is to bridge the barriers between
users having multiple devices which are to work on the same platform.

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 BIBLIOGRAPHY

o Bott, ED. (2013). Introducing Windows 8.1 for IT Professionals: A Technica

lOverview. First published by Microsoft Press, 2013. Washington DC.
o Tathbone, A. (2013). Windows 8.1 for Dummies: Dell pocket edition. Publish
ed byJohn Wiley & Sons, Inc. 111 River Street.
o Francis C. (2013). A comparison of Windows 7, Windows 8 and Windo
ws8.1. First published by Winners Group, 2013.
o William Stallings. (2012). The Windows Operating System. Documentext
racted from Operating System: Internal and Design Principles, 5edition.

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