OPERATING SYSTEM:

An Operating System is a set of programs that control and coordinates the use of computer
hardware among various application programs. It is a software which performs all the basic tasks
like file management, memory management, process management, handling input and output,
and controlling peripheral devices such as disk drives and printers. It provides an environment
within which user can execute programs.

Functions of an Operating System:

The various functions of the operating system are:
Controlling Input / Output devices (Keyboard, Mouse, Monitor, Printer, Plotter etc.)
Memory and File storage management
CPU Scheduling and controlling processes
Loading, initiating, executing and supervising user applications programs
Handling errors and restarting
Providing command interface between user and computer system

Windows:

Windows 8 was released on August. 1, 2012 and is a completely redesigned operating system that's been developed

from the ground up with touchscreen use in mind as well as near-instant-on capabilities that enable a Windows 8 PC

to load and start up in a matter of seconds rather than in minutes.

Windows 8 will replace the more traditional Microsoft Windows OS look and feel with a new "Metro" design system

interface that first debuted in the Windows Phone 7 mobile operating system. The Metro user interface primarily

consists of a "Start screen" made up of "Live Tiles," which are links to applications and features that are dynamic and
update in real time. Windows 8 supports both x86 PCs and ARM processors.