10 Things We Want to See in Windows 8

by Don Reisinger

Microsoft has done a fine job of improving security in Windows 7. But the chances of security not being an issue in three years are, well, zero. Microsoft needs to spend that time improving the security of its platform to ensure that when Windows 8 hits store shelves, it will improve upon the advances the company has made with Windows 7.

Microsoft has made significant strides online. Bing is a great search engine with several neat features. Bing Maps is arguably better than Google Maps. And that all fails to mention Microsoft’s fine e-mail offering. In Windows 8, all those strong online services should be integrated into the operating system. I think it will add a lot more value to the OS.

One of the big disappointments in Windows 7 is the general lack of social networking built into the operating system. Considering the impact it has on most users’ lives, Microsoft should do a better job of integrating social networking software into its operating system. Whether that comes in the form of widgets or desktop software is unimportant—it just needs to be there.

Now that Google has made it clear that it intends to capitalize on the Web with Chrome OS, Microsoft can’t allow the search giant to gain the upper hand on the Internet. Windows 8 should have a Web-only version to make it appeal to those looking for that.

Windows’ file system has seen better days. It’s simply not as efficient as it once was. Windows 8 should be Microsoft’s chance to show the world a new and improved file system that adequately responds to the demands that today’s users place upon an operating system. Yes, it’s costly. But it’s also necessary.

Although Microsoft should offer an online-only version, the company needs to stop selling so many different versions of Windows. When it releases Windows 8, it should offer a single solution for PCs. It simplifies the buying process. Plus, both consumers and the enterprise will be happy that Microsoft followed such a strategy.

Although I realize that Microsoft has a vested interest in seeing OS piracy vanquished, its battle against pirates is making it annoying to the rest of us. In Windows 8, Microsoft should work to improve its anti-piracy efforts, while making them as innocuous for honest users as possible.

Windows 7 Starter Edition is abysmal when compared with standard Windows 7 editions. When Microsoft releases Windows 8, it needs to ensure that the more capable version of the operating system works with netbooks. Those looking for a revolutionary Windows experience on netbooks right now have been awfully disappointed.

One of the main complaints about Windows 7 is that networking in mixed environments is still too difficult. In Windows 8, Microsoft needs to do a better job of appealing to the increasing number of people who own a Mac, a Windows-based PC and other products that can network with PCs.

Although I’d like to see a Web-only version, I also want Microsoft to stay true to the desktop in Windows 8. Yes, Web-based operating systems are exciting, but they’re not ideal for most people. Just because Google has tied its future to Web-only operating systems, Microsoft can’t follow suit. It’s simply not a good idea.