Computerworld - Microsoft's free previews of Windows 8 will expire next month, giving users about three weeks to upgrade to a paid copy or face hourly restarts.

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Windows 8 retained many of the key artifacts that were present in earlier versions, however, its immersive experience also leans itself to artifacts nonexistent in previous releases.

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Everyone wants to try Windows 8 Consumer Preview. You've downloaded the software and installed it leaving just one task left: actually using the thing.

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A touch screen, touch mouse, touch pad, but no touch keyboard? Seriously? Hey Microsoft (& others), I think you missed the forrest because of all of the trees.

It's simple really: why move my hands from the keyboard to further interact when I shouldn't have to? Let's place a small touch area in the keyboard right beneath the space bar, where it can be accessed by the user's thumbs as they type.

Any actual products born from this idea shall donate 50% of their profits to a reputable charity. You're welcome.

When Windows 8 launches later this year you'll be able to upgrade to the pro version of Microsoft's newest desktop OS for just $40 for a limited time. The deal will apply to a broad base of current Windows users including those running Windows XP, Vista and Windows 7. Microsoft had a similar offer during the launch of Windows 7 but this one is cheaper than its predecessor. (Windows 7 upgrades ranged from $50-$100 at launch.)

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Windows 8 will introduce a slew of interesting features, but will they benefit you?

Upgrades, system migration, support headaches -- IT folks are probably dreading the next major Windows rollout. Yet Windows 8, which is scheduled to move to the beta stage in late February and will likely launch in the fall, does offer several compelling new features for both IT and end users.

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1. What is File History
File History is a new backup service introduced in Windows 8. By default this feature is off and to turn it on, user has to select a backup location – either a network drive or external storage media. Thus, it does not allow user to use the same disk. File History backs up files of the Libraries, Desktop, Contacts and Favorites folders. There is an option to exclude any folder(s) that users don’t want to backup. Notice that File History is unable to backup your folders synced with cloud storage service(s). According to Microsoft, “File History doesn’t back up files on your PC that you have synced with SkyDrive, even if they’re in folders that File History backs up.” Once turned on, File History automatically backs up the folders after every hour by default; however this interval can be changed easily in advanced settings. In addition, at any time, user can manually run the service. File History appears as fhsvc in the Task Manager and some associated dlls are fhcfg.dll, fhcpl.dll and fhsvcctl.dll.

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So, I ditched Windows 8 Consumer Preview for Windows 8 Release Preview Friday night, and so far, so good.  I've even noticed that I've actually started using some the Metro style apps included by default, which I hadn't used at all in the Consumer Preview really.

If you're interested in checking out the new Windows 8 Release Preview visit http://preview.windows.com/

There have been many, many rumors about Windows 8.1 this past couple of months. A couple of days back Microsoft finally unveiled some of the new features that this update is going to bring. Today at the Tech-Ed conference Microsoft detailed some additional features. Windows 8.1 has now been confirmed to support Miracast streaming. For Miracast to work, both display and PC manufacturers will have to ensure that their devices are compatible with this format.

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