Windows_8

context: Windows 8 introduced major changes to the operating system's platform and user interface to improve its user experience on tablets, where Windows was now competing with mobile operating systems, including Android and iOS. In particular, these changes included a touch-optimized Windows shell based on Microsoft's "Metro" design language, the Start screen (which displays programs and dynamically updated content on a grid of tiles), a new platform for developing apps with an emphasis on touchscreen input, integration with online services (including the ability to sync apps and settings between devices), and Windows Store, an online store for downloading and purchasing new software. Windows 8 added support for USB 3.0, Advanced Format hard drives, near field communications, and cloud computing. Additional security features were introduced, such as built-in antivirus software, integration with Microsoft SmartScreen phishing filtering service and support for UEFI Secure Boot on supported devices with UEFI firmware, to prevent malware from infecting the boot process.
qas: answers: Android and iOS
question: Who are Windows main operating system competitors?

answers: built-in antivirus software, integration with Microsoft SmartScreen phishing filtering service and support for UEFI Secure Boot
question: What new security features does Windows 8 have?

answers: 3.0
question: What USB version is Windows 8 compatible with?

answers: an online store for downloading and purchasing new software
question: What services does the Windows Store provide?

answers: displays programs and dynamically updated content on a grid of tiles
question: What can be found on the Start screen?

context: Windows 8 was released to a mixed critical reception. Although reaction towards its performance improvements, security enhancements, and improved support for touchscreen devices was positive, the new user interface of the operating system was widely criticized for being potentially confusing and difficult to learn (especially when used with a keyboard and mouse instead of a touchscreen). Despite these shortcomings, 60 million Windows 8 licenses have been sold through January 2013, a number which included both upgrades and sales to OEMs for new PCs.
qas: answers: its performance improvements, security enhancements, and improved support for touchscreen devices
question: What about Windows 8 was well received?

answers: being potentially confusing and difficult to learn
question: What were the perceived problems with the new Windows 8 user interface?

answers: 60 million
question: How many Windows 8 licenses were purchased by January 2013?

context: Windows 8 development started before Windows 7 had shipped in 2009. At the Consumer Electronics Show in January 2011, it was announced that the next version of Windows would add support for ARM system-on-chips alongside the existing x86 processors produced by vendors, especially AMD and Intel. Windows division president Steven Sinofsky demonstrated an early build of the port on prototype devices, while Microsoft CEO Steve Ballmer announced the company's goal for Windows to be "everywhere on every kind of device without compromise." Details also began to surface about a new application framework for Windows 8 codenamed "Jupiter", which would be used to make "immersive" applications using XAML (similarly to Windows Phone and Silverlight) that could be distributed via a new packaging system and a rumored application store.
qas: answers: Steven Sinofsky
question: Who is Windows division president?

answers: before Windows 7 had shipped in 2009
question: When did Microsoft start creating Windows 8?

answers: new application framework for Windows 8
question: What is jupiter?

answers: Consumer Electronics Show
question: Where were the Windows 8 plans initially announced?

answers: Steve Ballmer
question: Who is Microsofts CEO?

context: Three milestone releases of Windows 8 leaked to the general public. Milestone 1, Build 7850, was leaked on April 12, 2011. It was the first build where the text of a window was written centered instead of aligned to the left. It was also probably the first appearance of the Metro-style font, and its wallpaper had the text shhh... let's not leak our hard work. However, its detailed build number reveals that the build was created on September 22, 2010. The leaked copy edition was Enterprise edition. The OS still reads as "Windows 7". Milestone 2, Build 7955, was leaked on April 25, 2011. The traditional Blue Screen of Death (BSoD) was replaced by a new Black screen, although this was later scrapped. This build introduced a new ribbon in Windows Explorer. Build 7959, with minor changes but the first 64-bit version, was leaked on May 1, 2011. The "Windows 7" logo was temporarily replaced with text displaying "Microsoft Confidential". On June 17, 2011, build 7989 64-bit edition was leaked. It introduced a new boot screen featuring the same fish as the default Windows 7 Beta wallpaper, which was later scrapped, and the circling dots as featured in the final (although the final version comes with smaller circling dots throbber). It also had the text Welcome below them, although this was also scrapped.
qas: answers: Blue Screen of Death
question: What does BSoD stand for?

answers: April 12, 2011
question: When was Milestone 1 divulged?

answers: It was the first build where the text of a window was written centered
question: What was special about Milestone 1?

answers: April 25, 2011
question: When was Milestone 2 divulged?

answers: May 1, 2011
question: When was Build 7959 divulged?

context: The build was released for download later in the day in standard 32-bit and 64-bit versions, plus a special 64-bit version which included SDKs and developer tools (Visual Studio Express and Expression Blend) for developing Metro-style apps. The Windows Store was announced during the presentation, but was not available in this build. According to Microsoft, there were about 535,000 downloads of the developer preview within the first 12 hours of its release. Originally set to expire on March 11, 2012, in February 2012 the Developer Preview's expiry date was changed to January 15, 2013.
qas: answers: standard 32-bit and 64-bit versions, plus a special 64-bit version which included SDKs and developer tools
question: What 3 versions of the build did Microsoft first release?

answers: Visual Studio Express and Expression Blend
question: What developer tools did the build have?

answers: 535,000
question: How many downloads occured in the first 12 hours?

answers: January 15, 2013
question: When did the developer preview expire?

answers: March 11, 2012
question: When was the Developer preview initially intended to expire?

context: On February 29, 2012, Microsoft released Windows 8 Consumer Preview, the beta version of Windows 8, build 8250. Alongside other changes, the build removed the Start button from the taskbar for the first time since its debut on Windows 95; according to Windows manager Chaitanya Sareen, the Start button was removed to reflect their view that on Windows 8, the desktop was an "app" itself, and not the primary interface of the operating system. Windows president Steven Sinofsky said more than 100,000 changes had been made since the developer version went public. The day after its release, Windows 8 Consumer Preview had been downloaded over one million times. Like the Developer Preview, the Consumer Preview expired on January 15, 2013.
qas: answers: February 29, 2012
question: When was the beta version of Windows 8 made available to the public?

answers: Chaitanya Sareen
question: Who is the Windows Manager?

answers: 100,000
question: How many things were altered after developer version release?

answers: over one million times
question: How many times was the Consumer Preview downloaded in the first 24 hours?

answers: January 15, 2013
question: When was the Consumer Preview set to expire?

context: Many other builds were released until the Japan's Developers Day conference, when Steven Sinofsky announced that Windows 8 Release Preview (build 8400) would be released during the first week of June. On May 28, 2012, Windows 8 Release Preview (Standard Simplified Chinese x64 edition, not China-specific version, build 8400) was leaked online on various Chinese and BitTorrent websites. On May 31, 2012, Windows 8 Release Preview was released to the public by Microsoft. Major items in the Release Preview included the addition of Sports, Travel, and News apps, along with an integrated version of Adobe Flash Player in Internet Explorer. Like the Developer Preview and the Consumer Preview, the release preview expired on January 15, 2013.
qas: answers: May 31, 2012
question: When was the Release Preview revealed to consumers?

answers: January 15, 2013
question: When was the release preview set to expire?

answers: addition of Sports, Travel, and News apps, along with an integrated version of Adobe Flash Player
question: What were the main components of the Release preview?

answers: 8400
question: What was the build number of the Windows 8 Release Preview?

answers: May 28, 2012
question: When was the Windows 8 Release Preview accidentally revealed?

context: On August 1, 2012, Windows 8 (build 9200) was released to manufacturing with the build number 6.2.9200.16384 . Microsoft planned to hold a launch event on October 25, 2012 and release Windows 8 for general availability on the next day. However, only a day after its release to manufacturing, a copy of the final version of Windows 8 Enterprise N (a version for European markets lacking bundled media players to comply with a court ruling) leaked online, followed by leaks of the final versions of Windows 8 Pro and Enterprise a few days later. On August 15, 2012, Windows 8 was made available to download for MSDN and TechNet subscribers. Windows 8 was made available to Software Assurance customers on August 16, 2012. Windows 8 was made available for students with a DreamSpark Premium subscription on August 22, 2012, earlier than advertised.
qas: answers: August 1, 2012
question: When did Windows 8 manufacturing begin?

answers: October 25, 2012
question: When was Microsoft supposed to officially launch Windows 8?

answers: 9200
question: What was the final build Microsoft decided to manufacture?

answers: August 16, 2012
question: When were Software Assurance consumers allowed access to Windows 8?

answers: a version for European markets lacking bundled media players
question: What version of Windows 8 is Enterprise N?

context: Relatively few changes were made from the Release Preview to the final version; these included updated versions of its pre-loaded apps, the renaming of Windows Explorer to File Explorer, the replacement of the Aero Glass theme from Windows Vista and 7 with a new flat and solid-colored theme, and the addition of new background options for the Start screen, lock screen, and desktop. Prior to its general availability on October 26, 2012, updates were released for some of Windows 8's bundled apps, and a "General Availability Cumulative Update" (which included fixes to improve performance, compatibility, and battery life) was released on Tuesday, October 9, 2012. Microsoft indicated that due to improvements to its testing infrastructure, general improvements of this nature are to be released more frequently through Windows Update instead of being relegated to OEMs and service packs only.
qas: answers: Relatively few
question: How many things did Microsoft alter after Release Preview?

answers: October 9, 2012
question: When was the General Availablity Cumulative Update provided?

answers: through Windows Update
question: How are system improvements released through Windows 8?

answers: File Explorer
question: What name did Windows Explorer change to?

context: Microsoft began an advertising campaign centered around Windows 8 and its Surface tablet in October 2012, starting with its first television advertisement premiering on October 14, 2012. Microsoft's advertising budget of US$1.5–1.8 billion was significantly larger than the US$200 million campaign used to promote Windows 95. As part of its campaign, Microsoft set up 34 pop-up stores inside malls (primarily focusing on Surface), provided training for retail employees in partnership with Intel, and collaborated with the electronics store chain Best Buy to design expanded spaces to showcase devices. In an effort to make retail displays of Windows 8 devices more "personal", Microsoft also developed a character known in English-speaking markets as "Allison Brown", whose fictional profile (including personal photos, contacts, and emails) is also featured on demonstration units of Windows 8 devices.
qas: answers: $1.5–1.8 billion
question: How much money was allocated to advertise Windows 8?

answers: $200 million
question: How much money was allocated to advertise Windows 95?

answers: Allison Brown
question: What is the name of the character Microsoft used to make Windows 8 seem more personable?

answers: October 2012
question: When did Microsoft begin promoting Windows 8?

answers: 34
question: How many pop up stores did Microsoft set up to help promote Windows 8?

context: In May 2013, Microsoft launched a new television campaign for Windows 8 illustrating the capabilities and pricing of Windows 8 tablets in comparison to the iPad, which featured the voice of Siri remarking on the iPad's limitations in a parody of Apple's "Get a Mac" advertisements. On June 12, 2013 during game 1 of the 2013 Stanley Cup Finals, Microsoft premiered the first ad in its "Windows Everywhere" campaign, which promoted Windows 8, Windows Phone 8, and the company's suite of online services as an interconnected platform.
qas: answers: June 12, 2013
question: When was the first game of the 2013 Stanley Cup Finals?

answers: the iPad
question: Who did Windows 8 mock in their television campaign?

answers: Windows Everywhere
question: What was the name of the Windows 8 advertising campaign?

answers: Windows 8, Windows Phone 8, and the company's suite of online services
question: What three things did the Windows Everywhere campaign emphasize on?

context: New features and functionality in Windows 8 include a faster startup through UEFI integration and the new "Hybrid Boot" mode (which hibernates the Windows kernel on shutdown to speed up the subsequent boot), a new lock screen with a clock and notifications, and the ability for enterprise users to create live USB versions of Windows (known as Windows To Go). Windows 8 also adds native support for USB 3.0 devices, which allow for faster data transfers and improved power management with compatible devices, and hard disk 4KB Advanced Format support, as well as support for near field communication to facilitate sharing and communication between devices.
qas: answers: hibernates the Windows kernel on shutdown to speed up the subsequent boot
question: What happens during Hybrid Boot mode?

answers: faster data transfers and improved power management
question: What are the benefits of USB 3.0?

answers: to facilitate sharing and communication between devices
question: What is the point of near field communications?

answers: live USB versions of Windows
question: What is Windows to Go?

answers: clock and notifications
question: What features were added to the lock screen?

context: Windows Explorer, which has been renamed File Explorer, now includes a ribbon in place of the command bar. File operation dialog boxes have been updated to provide more detailed statistics, the ability to pause file transfers, and improvements in the ability to manage conflicts when copying files. A new "File History" function allows incremental revisions of files to be backed up to and restored from a secondary storage device, while Storage Spaces allows users to combine different sized hard disks into virtual drives and specify mirroring, parity, or no redundancy on a folder-by-folder basis.
qas: answers: a ribbon
question: What replaced the Windows Explorer comman bar?

answers: File Explorer
question: What is the new name of Windows Explorer?

answers: allows incremental revisions of files to be backed up to and restored from a secondary storage device
question: What does file history make possible?

answers: provide more detailed statistics, the ability to pause file transfers, and improvements in the ability to manage conflicts when copying files
question: What did the update of operation dalog boxes help with?

context: Task Manager has been redesigned, including a new processes tab with the option to display fewer or more details of running applications and background processes, a heat map using different colors indicating the level of resource usage, network and disk counters, grouping by process type (e.g. applications, background processes and Windows processes), friendly names for processes and a new option which allows users to search the web to find information about obscure processes. Additionally, the Blue Screen of Death has been updated with a simpler and modern design with less technical information displayed.
qas: answers: indicating the level of resource usage
question: What is the point of using different colors on a heat map?

answers: a simpler and modern design with less technical information displayed
question: What changes were made to the BSoD?

answers: applications, background processes and Windows processes
question: What are some of the process type groups Windows 8 implemented?

answers: search the web
question: How can users find out more about obscure Windows 8 processes?

context: New security features in Windows 8 include two new authentication methods tailored towards touchscreens (PINs and picture passwords), the addition of antivirus capabilities to Windows Defender (bringing it in parity with Microsoft Security Essentials). SmartScreen filtering integrated into Windows, Family Safety offers Parental controls, which allows parents to monitor and manage their children's activities on a device with activity reports and safety controls. Windows 8 also provides integrated system recovery through the new "Refresh" and "Reset" functions, including system recovery from USB drive. Windows 8's first security patches would be released on November 13, 2012; it would contain three fixes deemed "critical" by the company.
qas: answers: PINs and picture passwords
question: What new security features did Windows 8 provide?

answers: touchscreens
question: What were the new security features in Windows 8 geared at?

answers: allows parents to monitor and manage their children's activities on a device with activity reports and safety controls
question: What options do Parental controls provide?

answers: "Refresh" and "Reset" functions, including system recovery from USB drive
question: What new recovery options did Windows 8 implement?

answers: November 13, 2012
question: When was the first Windows 8 patch sent out?

context: Windows 8 supports a feature of the UEFI specification known as "Secure boot", which uses a public-key infrastructure to verify the integrity of the operating system and prevent unauthorized programs such as bootkits from infecting the device's boot process. Some pre-built devices may be described as "certified" by Microsoft; these must have secure boot enabled by default, and provide ways for users to disable or re-configure the feature. ARM-based Windows RT devices must have secure boot permanently enabled.
qas: answers: uses a public-key infrastructure to verify the integrity of the operating system
question: How does secure boot help avert boot process infections?

answers: must have secure boot enabled by default, and provide ways for users to disable or re-configure the feature
question: What requirements do Microsoft certified devices have?

answers: secure boot
question: What must always be enable in ARM-based Windows RT devices?

context: Windows 8 provides heavier integration with online services from Microsoft and others. A user can now log in to Windows with a Microsoft account, which can be used to access services and synchronize applications and settings between devices. Windows 8 also ships with a client app for Microsoft's SkyDrive cloud storage service, which also allows apps to save files directly to SkyDrive. A SkyDrive client for the desktop and File Explorer is not included in Windows 8, and must be downloaded separately. Bundled multimedia apps are provided under the Xbox brand, including Xbox Music, Xbox Video, and the Xbox SmartGlass companion for use with an Xbox 360 console. Games can integrate into an Xbox Live hub app, which also allows users to view their profile and gamerscore. Other bundled apps provide the ability to link Flickr and Facebook. Due to Facebook Connect service changes, Facebook support is disabled in all bundled apps effective June 8, 2015.
qas: answers: cloud storage service
question: What is SkyDrive?

answers: June 8, 2015
question: When was Facebook support turned off?

answers: allows users to view their profile and gamerscore
question: What features does Xbox Live hub offer?

answers: Xbox Music, Xbox Video, and the Xbox SmartGlass
question: What Xbox apps were bundled together?

answers: can be used to access services and synchronize applications and settings between devices.
question: What service options does Windows online now offer?

context: Internet Explorer 10 is included as both a desktop program and a touch-optimized app, and includes increased support for HTML5, CSS3, and hardware acceleration. The Internet Explorer app does not support plugins or ActiveX components, but includes a version of Adobe Flash Player that is optimized for touch and low power usage. Initially, Adobe Flash would only work on sites included on a "Compatibility View" whitelist; however, after feedback from users and additional compatibility tests, an update in March 2013 changed this behavior to use a smaller blacklist of sites with known compatibility issues instead, allowing Flash to be used on most sites by default. The desktop version does not contain these limitations.
qas: answers: a desktop program and a touch-optimized app
question: What forms is Internet Exploer 10 available as?

answers: a "Compatibility View" whitelist
question: What limitations were put on Adobe flash to begin with?

answers: most sites by default
question: Where can Adobe Flash now be used?

answers: increased support for HTML5, CSS3, and hardware acceleration
question: What improvements were made to Internet Explorer?

context: Windows 8 also incorporates improved support for mobile broadband; the operating system can now detect the insertion of a SIM card and automatically configure connection settings (including APNs and carrier branding), and reduce its internet usage in order to conserve bandwidth on metered networks. Windows 8 also adds an integrated airplane mode setting to globally disable all wireless connectivity as well. Carriers can also offer account management systems through Windows Store apps, which can be automatically installed as a part of the connection process and offer usage statistics on their respective tile.
qas: answers: disable all wireless connectivity
question: What does airplone mode do?

answers: Windows Store apps
question: Where can Carrier account management systems be found?

answers: APNs and carrier branding
question: What are some connection settings in Windows 8?

answers: the operating system
question: What registers the insertion of a SIM card?

context: Windows 8 introduces a new style of application, Windows Store apps. According to Microsoft developer Jensen Harris, these apps are to be optimized for touchscreen environments and are more specialized than current desktop applications. Apps can run either in a full-screen mode, or be snapped to the side of a screen. Apps can provide toast notifications on screen or animate their tiles on the Start screen with dynamic content. Apps can use "contracts"; a collection of hooks to provide common functionality that can integrate with other apps, including search and sharing. Apps can also provide integration with other services; for example, the People app can connect to a variety of different social networks and services (such as Facebook, Skype, and People service), while the Photos app can aggregate photos from services such as Facebook and Flickr.
qas: answers: Microsoft developer
question: Who is Jensen Harris?

answers: Facebook, Skype, and People service
question: What apps can one expect the People app to match with?

answers: Facebook and Flickr
question: What apps can one expect the Photos app to match with?

answers: apps are to be optimized for touchscreen environments and are more specialized than current desktop applications.
question: What makes Windows Store apps unique?

answers: collection of hooks to provide common functionality that can integrate with other apps
question: What are contracts?

context: Windows Store apps run within a new set of APIs known as Windows Runtime, which supports programming languages such as C, C++, Visual Basic .NET, C#, along with HTML5 and JavaScript. If written in some "high-level" languages, apps written for Windows Runtime can be compatible with both Intel and ARM versions of Windows, otherwise they are not binary code compatible. Components may be compiled as Windows Runtime Components, permitting consumption by all compatible languages. To ensure stability and security, apps run within a sandboxed environment, and require permissions to access certain functionality, such as accessing the Internet or a camera.
qas: answers: C, C++, Visual Basic .NET, C#, along with HTML5 and JavaScript
question: What programming languages does Windows Runtime work with?

answers: If written in some "high-level" languages
question: What makes Windows apps binary code compatible?

answers: permitting consumption by all compatible languages
question: What does compiling components as Windows Runtime make possible?

answers: sandboxed environment
question: What kind of environment provides Windows apps extra security?

context: Retail versions of Windows 8 are only able to install these apps through Windows Store—a namesake distribution platform which offers both apps, and listings for desktop programs certified for comparability with Windows 8. A method to sideload apps from outside Windows Store is available to devices running Windows 8 Enterprise and joined to a domain; Windows 8 Pro and Windows RT devices that are not part of a domain can also sideload apps, but only after special product keys are obtained through volume licensing.
qas: answers: Windows Store
question: Where can Windows 8 install apps from?

answers: sideload apps
question: How do devices with Windows 8 Enterprise attain apps outside of the Windows Store?

answers: Windows 8 Pro and Windows RT devices
question: What other devices can sideload apps?

context: The term "Immersive app" had been used internally by Microsoft developers to refer to the apps prior to the first official presentation of Windows 8, after which they were referred to as "Metro-style apps" in reference to the Metro design language. The term was phased out in August 2012; a Microsoft spokesperson denied rumors that the change was related to a potential trademark issue, and stated that "Metro" was only a codename that would be replaced prior to Windows 8's release. Following these reports, the terms "Modern UI-style apps", "Windows 8-style apps" and "Windows Store apps" began to be used by various Microsoft documents and material to refer to the new apps. In an interview on September 12, 2012, Soma Somasegar (vice president of Microsoft's development software division) confirmed that "Windows Store apps" would be the official term for the apps. An MSDN page explaining the Metro design language uses the term "Modern design" to refer to the language as a whole.
qas: answers: the apps prior to the first official presentation of Windows 8
question: What does immersive app stand for?

answers: Metro-style apps
question: What are apps after the introduction of Windows 8 called?

answers: vice president of Microsoft's development software division
question: Who is Soma Somasegar?

answers: September 12, 2012
question: When did Windows Store apps become the real term for the apps?

context: Exceptions to the restrictions faced by Windows Store apps are given to web browsers. The user's default browser can distribute a Metro-style web browser in same package as the desktop version, which has access to functionality unavailable to other apps, such as being able to permanently run in the background, use multiple background processes, and use Windows API code instead of WinRT (allowing for code to be re-used with the desktop version, while still taking advantage of features available to Windows Store apps, such as charms). Microsoft advertises this exception privilege "New experience enabled" (formerly "Metro-style enabled").
qas: answers: API code instead of WinRT
question: What code did Windows 8 change to?

answers: New experience enabled
question: What term did Microsoft give to its exception privilige for web browsing?

answers: able to permanently run in the background, use multiple background processes, and use Windows API code
question: What different options did the desktop version have?

context: The developers of both Chrome and Firefox committed to developing Metro-style versions of their browsers; while Chrome's "Windows 8 mode" uses a full-screen version of the existing desktop interface, Firefox's version (which was first made available on the "Aurora" release channel in September 2013) uses a touch-optimized interface inspired by the Android version of Firefox. In October 2013, Chrome's app was changed to mimic the desktop environment used by Chrome OS. Development of the Firefox app for Windows 8 has since been cancelled, citing a lack of user adoption for the beta versions.
qas: answers: Chrome and Firefox
question: Which two browsers promised to develop Metro-style versions of their browsers?

answers: uses a full-screen version of the existing desktop interface
question: What does Chromes version for Windows 8 do?

answers: uses a touch-optimized interface
question: What does Firefox's version for Windows 8 do?

answers: September 2013
question: When was Firefox's version of Windows 8 made accesible?

context: Windows 8 introduces significant changes to the operating system's user interface, many of which are aimed at improving its experience on tablet computers and other touchscreen devices. The new user interface is based on Microsoft's Metro design language, and uses a Start screen similar to that of Windows Phone 7 as the primary means of launching applications. The Start screen displays a customizable array of tiles linking to various apps and desktop programs, some of which can display constantly updated information and content through "live tiles". As a form of multi-tasking, apps can be snapped to the side of a screen. Alongside the traditional Control Panel, a new simplified and touch-optimized settings app known as "PC Settings" is used for basic configuration and user settings. It does not include many of the advanced options still accessible from the normal Control Panel.
qas: answers: a customizable array of tiles linking to various apps and desktop programs
question: What is found on the Start Screen?

answers: display constantly updated information and content
question: What do live tiles do?

answers: used for basic configuration and user settings
question: What is the primary function of the PC Settings app? 

answers: Control Panel
question: Where can advanced settings options be found?

answers: Microsoft's Metro design language
question: What is the new System User interface built on?

context: A vertical toolbar known as the charms (accessed by swiping from the right edge of a touchscreen, or pointing the cursor at hotspots in the right corners of a screen) provides access to system and app-related functions, such as search, sharing, device management, settings, and a Start button. The traditional desktop environment for running desktop applications is accessed via a tile on the Start screen. The Start button on the taskbar from previous versions of Windows has been converted into a hotspot in the lower-left corner of the screen, which displays a large tooltip displaying a thumbnail of the Start screen. Swiping from the left edge of a touchscreen or clicking in the top-left corner of the screen allows one to switch between apps and Desktop. Pointing the cursor in the top-left corner of the screen and moving down reveals a thumbnail list of active apps. Aside from the removal of the Start button and the replacement of the Aero Glass theme with a flatter and solid-colored design, the desktop interface on Windows 8 is similar to that of Windows 7.
qas: answers: A vertical toolbar
question: What is charms?

answers: provides access to system and app-related functions, such as search, sharing, device management, settings, and a Start button
question: What is the purpose of charms?

answers: Pointing the cursor in the top-left corner of the screen and moving down
question: How is an active list of apps accessed?

answers: allows one to switch between apps and Desktop
question: What does swiping from the left edge of the screen do?

answers: via a tile on the Start screen
question: How is the traditional desktop evironment opened?

context: Several notable features have been removed in Windows 8, beginning with the traditional Start menu. Support for playing DVD-Video was removed from Windows Media Player due to the cost of licensing the necessary decoders (especially for devices which do not include optical disc drives at all) and the prevalence of online streaming services. For the same reasons, Windows Media Center is not included by default on Windows 8, but Windows Media Center and DVD playback support can be purchased in the "Pro Pack" (which upgrades the system to Windows 8 Pro) or "Media Center Pack" add-on for Windows 8 Pro. As with prior versions, third-party DVD player software can still be used to enable DVD playback.
qas: answers: the cost of licensing the necessary decoders
question: Why was the ability to play DVD-Video taken off of Windows Media Player?

answers: upgrades the system to Windows 8 Pro
question: What does the Pro Pack do?

answers: the traditional Start menu
question: Which main feature was removed in Windows 8?

context: Backup and Restore, the backup component of Windows, is deprecated. It still ships with Windows 8 and continues to work on preset schedules, but is pushed to the background and can only be accessed through a Control Panel applet called "Windows 7 File Recovery".:76 Shadow Copy, a component of Windows Explorer that once saved previous versions of changed files, no longer protects local files and folders. It can only access previous versions of shared files stored on a Windows Server computer.:74 The subsystem on which these components worked, however, is still available for other software to use.:74
qas: answers: Backup and Restore
question: What backup element is still found on Windows 8?

answers: through a Control Panel applet called "Windows 7 File Recovery"
question: How is Backup and Restore opened?

answers: access previous versions of shared files stored on a Windows Server computer
question: What does :76 Shadow Copy do?

answers: other software
question: What is :74 used for? 

context: Microsoft released minimum hardware requirements for tablet and laplet devices to be "certified" for Windows 8, and defined a convertible form factor as a standalone device that combines the PC, display and rechargeable power source with a mechanically attached keyboard and pointing device in a single chassis. A convertible can be transformed into a tablet where the attached input devices are hidden or removed leaving the display as the only input mechanism. On March 12, 2013, Microsoft amended its certification requirements to only require that screens on tablets have a minimum resolution of 1024×768 (down from the previous 1366×768). The amended requirement is intended to allow "greater design flexibility" for future products.
qas: answers: to allow "greater design flexibility" for future products
question: Why did Microsoft decrease the required resoultion for tablets?

answers: a standalone device that combines the PC, display and rechargeable power source with a mechanically attached keyboard and pointing device in a single chassis
question: What is a convertible form factor? 

answers: attached input devices are hidden or removed leaving the display as the only input mechanism
question: How does a convertible become a tablet?

answers: 1024×768
question: What did Microsoft change the tablet resolution requirements on March 12, 2013?

context: Windows 8 is available in three different editions, of which the lowest version, branded simply as Windows 8, and Windows 8 Pro, were sold at retail in most countries, and as pre-loaded software on new computers. Each edition of Windows 8 includes all of the capabilities and features of the edition below it, and add additional features oriented towards their market segments. For example, Pro added BitLocker, Hyper-V, the ability to join a domain, and the ability to install Windows Media Center as a paid add-on. Users of Windows 8 can purchase a "Pro Pack" license that upgrades their system to Windows 8 Pro through Add features to Windows. This license also includes Windows Media Center. Windows 8 Enterprise contains additional features aimed towards business environments, and is only available through volume licensing. A port of Windows 8 for ARM architecture, Windows RT, is marketed as an edition of Windows 8, but was only included as pre-loaded software on devices specifically developed for it.
qas: answers: three
question: How many Windows 8 editions are there?

answers: BitLocker, Hyper-V, the ability to join a domain, and the ability to install Windows Media Center as a paid add-on
question: What extras does Windows 8 Pro have?

answers: features aimed towards business environments
question: What extras do Windows 8 Enterprise have?

answers: as pre-loaded software on devices specifically developed for it
question: How would one get Windows RT?

context: Windows 8 was distributed as a retail box product on DVD, and through a digital download that could be converted into DVD or USB install media. As part of a launch promotion, Microsoft offered Windows 8 Pro upgrades at a discounted price of US$39.99 online, or $69.99 for retail box from its launch until January 31, 2013; afterward the Windows 8 price has been $119.99 and the Pro price $199.99. Those who purchased new PCs pre-loaded with Windows 7 Home Basic, Home Premium, Professional, or Ultimate between June 2, 2012 and January 31, 2013 could digitally purchase a Windows 8 Pro upgrade for US$14.99. Several PC manufacturers offered rebates and refunds on Windows 8 upgrades obtained through the promotion on select models, such as Hewlett-Packard (in the U.S. and Canada on select models), and Acer (in Europe on selected Ultrabook models). During these promotions, the Windows Media Center add-on for Windows 8 Pro was also offered for free.
qas: answers: $39.99 online, or $69.99 for retail box
question: During it's launch how much was a Windows 8 upgrade?

answers: $119.99
question: What is the Windows 8 price?

answers: $199.99
question: What is the Windows 8 Pro price?

answers: PCs pre-loaded with Windows 7 Home Basic, Home Premium, Professional, or Ultimate
question: Which PC owners could purchase a Windows 8 Pro uprgrade for $14.99?

answers: free
question: How much was the Windows Media Center add-on during the original Windows 8 promotion?

context: Unlike previous versions of Windows, Windows 8 was distributed at retail in "Upgrade" licenses only, which require an existing version of Windows to install. The "full version software" SKU, which was more expensive but could be installed on computers without an eligible OS or none at all, was discontinued. In lieu of full version, a specialized "System Builder" SKU was introduced. The "System Builder" SKU replaced the original equipment manufacturer (OEM) SKU, which was only allowed to be used on PCs meant for resale, but added a "Personal Use License" exemption that officially allowed its purchase and personal use by users on homebuilt computers.
qas: answers: require an existing version of Windows to install
question: What restrictions do Windows upgrade licenses have?

answers: specialized "System Builder" SKU
question: What did Windows offer in place of a full version of the software?

answers: (OEM) SKU
question: What did the System Builder SKU take the place of?

answers: original equipment manufacturer
question: What does OEM stand for?

answers: purchase and personal use by users on homebuilt computers
question: What did the Personal Use License allow?

context: Retail distribution of Windows 8 has since been discontinued in favor of Windows 8.1. Unlike 8, 8.1 is available as "full version software" at both retail and online for download that does not require a previous version of Windows in order to be installed. Pricing for these new copies remain identical. With the retail release returning to full version software for Windows 8.1, the "Personal Use License" exemption was removed from the OEM SKU, meaning that end users building their own PCs for personal use must use the full retail version in order to satisfy the Windows 8.1 licensing requirements. Windows 8.1 with Bing is a special OEM-specific SKU of Windows 8.1 subsidized by Microsoft's Bing search engine.
qas: answers: Windows 8.1
question: What replaced Windows 8?

answers: 8.1 is available as "full version software"
question: What is the primary difference in Windows 8.1? 

answers: Personal Use License
question: What exemption was removed from Windows 8.1?

answers: a special OEM-specific SKU of Windows 8.1 subsidized by Microsoft's Bing search engine
question: What is Windows 8.1 with Bing?

context: The three desktop editions of Windows 8 support 32-bit and 64-bit architectures; retail copies of Windows 8 include install DVDs for both architectures, while the online installer automatically installs the version corresponding with the architecture of the system's existing Windows installation. The 32-bit version runs on CPUs compatible with x86 architecture 3rd generation (known as IA-32) or newer, and can run 32-bit and 16-bit applications, although 16-bit support must be enabled first. (16-bit applications are developed for CPUs compatible with x86 2nd generation, first conceived in 1978. Microsoft started moving away from this architecture after Windows 95.)
qas: answers: 32-bit and 64-bit
question: What architecture types does Windows 8 support?

answers: CPUs compatible with x86 2nd generation
question: What is 16-bit support intended for?

answers: 1978
question: When was x86 2nd generation created?

answers: automatically installs the version corresponding with the architecture of the system's existing Windows installation
question: How does the online Windows installer know which version to install?

context: Windows RT, the only edition of Windows 8 for systems with ARM processors, only supports applications included with the system (such as a special version of Office 2013), supplied through Windows Update, or Windows Store apps, to ensure that the system only runs applications that are optimized for the architecture. Windows RT does not support running IA-32 or x64 applications. Windows Store apps can either support both the x86 and ARM architectures, or compiled to support a specific architecture.
qas: answers: Windows RT
question: What Windows version is compatible with ARM processors?

answers: only supports applications included with the system
question: What apps work on Windows RT?

answers: to ensure that the system only runs applications that are optimized for the architecture
question: Why does Windows RT only work with apps included with the system?

context: Following the unveiling of Windows 8, Microsoft faced criticism (particularly from free software supporters) for mandating that devices receiving its optional certification for Windows 8 have secure boot enabled by default using a key provided by Microsoft. Concerns were raised that secure boot could prevent or hinder the use of alternate operating systems such as Linux. In a post discussing secure boot on the Building Windows 8 blog, Microsoft developer Tony Mangefeste indicated that vendors would provide means to customize secure boot, stating that "At the end of the day, the customer is in control of their PC. Microsoft's philosophy is to provide customers with the best experience first, and allow them to make decisions themselves." Microsoft's certification guidelines for Windows 8 ultimately revealed that vendors would be required to provide means for users to re-configure or disable secure boot in their device's UEFI firmware. It also revealed that ARM devices (Windows RT) would be required to have secure boot permanently enabled, with no way for users to disable it. However, Tom Warren of The Verge noted that other vendors have implemented similar hardware restrictions on their own ARM-based tablet and smartphone products (including those running Microsoft's own Windows Phone platform), but still argued that Microsoft should "keep a consistent approach across ARM and x86, though, not least because of the number of users who'd love to run Android alongside Windows 8 on their future tablets." No mandate is made regarding the installation of third-party certificates that would enable running alternative programs.
qas: answers: free software supporters
question: Who condemned Microsoft for requiring devices to have secure boot enabled by default?

answers: vendors would be required to provide means for users to re-configure or disable secure boot
question: What resolution did Microsoft come to in their certificiation guidelines?

answers: Microsoft developer
question: Who is Tony Mangefeste?

answers: to provide customers with the best experience first, and allow them to make decisions themselves
question: What ideology does Microsoft follow?

context: Several notable video game developers criticized Microsoft for making its Windows Store a closed platform subject to its own regulations, as it conflicted with their view of the PC as an open platform. Markus "Notch" Persson (creator of the indie game Minecraft), Gabe Newell (co-founder of Valve Corporation and developer of software distribution platform Steam), and Rob Pardo from Activision Blizzard voiced concern about the closed nature of the Windows Store. However, Tom Warren of The Verge stated that Microsoft's addition of the Store was simply responding to the success of both Apple and Google in pursuing the "curated application store approach."
qas: answers: video game developers
question: Who criticized Microsofts closed platform Windows Store?

answers: Markus "Notch" Persson
question: Who created Minecraft?

answers: Gabe Newell
question: Who developed Steam?

answers: Activision Blizzard
question: What company is Rob Pardo associated with?

answers: responding to the success of both Apple and Google in pursuing the "curated application store approach."
question: What was the main reasoning behind the creation of the Windows Store?

context: Reviews of the various editions of Windows 8 have been mixed. Tom Warren of The Verge said that although Windows 8's emphasis on touch computing was significant and risked alienating desktop users, a "tablet PC with Windows 8 makes an iPad feel immediately out of date" due to the capabilities of the operating system's hybrid model and increased focus on cloud services. David Pierce of The Verge described Windows 8 as "the first desktop operating system that understands what a computer is supposed to do in 2012" and praised Microsoft's "no compromise" approach and the operating system's emphasis on Internet connectivity and cloud services. Pierce also considered the Start Screen to be a "brilliant innovation for desktop computers" when compared with "folder-littered desktops on every other OS" because it allows users to interact with dynamic information. In contrast, an ExtremeTech article said it was Microsoft "flailing" and a review in PC Magazine condemned the Metro-style user interface. Some of the included apps in Windows 8 were considered to be basic and lacking in functionality, but the Xbox apps were praised for their promotion of a multi-platform entertainment experience. Other improvements and features (such as File History, Storage Spaces, and the updated Task Manager) were also regarded as positive changes. Peter Bright of Ars Technica wrote that while its user interface changes may overshadow them, Windows 8's improved performance, updated file manager, new storage functionality, expanded security features, and updated Task Manager were still positive improvements for the operating system. Bright also said that Windows 8's duality towards tablets and traditional PCs was an "extremely ambitious" aspect of the platform as well, but criticized Microsoft for emulating Apple's model of a closed distribution platform when implementing the Windows Store.
qas: answers: David Pierce
question: Who equated windos 8 as the first desktop operating system that understand what a computer is supposed to do?

answers: because it allows users to interact with dynamic information
question: Why did Pierce give the Start Screen such glowing reviews?

answers: File History, Storage Spaces, and the updated Task Manager
question: Which improvements were most well regarded?

answers: Apple
question: Who else uses a closed distribution platform?

context: The interface of Windows 8 has been the subject of mixed reaction. Bright wrote that its system of hot corners and edge swiping "wasn't very obvious" due to the lack of instructions provided by the operating system on the functions accessed through the user interface, even by the video tutorial added on the RTM release (which only instructed users to point at corners of the screen or swipe from its sides). Despite this "stumbling block", Bright said that Windows 8's interface worked well in some places, but began to feel incoherent when switching between the "Metro" and desktop environments, sometimes through inconsistent means. Tom Warren of The Verge wrote that the new interface was "as stunning as it is surprising", contributing to an "incredibly personal" experience once it is customized by the user, but had a steep learning curve, and was awkward to use with a keyboard and mouse. He noted that while forcing all users to use the new touch-oriented interface was a risky move for Microsoft as a whole, it was necessary in order to push development of apps for the Windows Store. Others, such as Adrian Kingsley-Hughes from ZDNet, considered the interface to be "clumsy and impractical" due to its inconsistent design (going as far as considering it "two operating systems unceremoniously bolted together"), and concluded that "Windows 8 wasn't born out of a need or demand; it was born out of a desire on Microsoft's part to exert its will on the PC industry and decide to shape it in a direction—touch and tablets -- that allows it to compete against, and remain relevant in the face of Apple's iPad."
qas: answers: the lack of instructions provided by the operating system on the functions accessed through the user interface
question: What makes the Windows 8 interface difficult to use?

answers: Adrian Kingsley-Hughes
question: Who said the Windows 8 interface was clumsy and impractical?

answers: mixed
question: What kind of feedback has Windows 8 received?

context: However, according to research firm NPD, sales of devices running Windows in the United States have declined 21 percent compared to the same time period in 2011. As the holiday shopping season wrapped up, Windows 8 sales continued to lag, even as Apple reported brisk sales. The market research firm IDC reported an overall drop in PC sales for the quarter, and said the drop may have been partly due to consumer reluctance to embrace the new features of the OS and poor support from OEM for these features. This capped the first year of declining PC sales to the Asia Pacific region, as consumers bought more mobile devices than Windows PCs.
qas: answers: market research firm
question: What is IDC?

answers: consumers bought more mobile devices
question: What is the decline in PC sales attributed to?

answers: 21 percent
question: How much of a decrease in sales have Windows devices experienced?

answers: Apple
question: While Windows sales went down, which company experienced an increase in sales?

context: Windows 8 surpassed Windows Vista in market share with a 5.1% usage rate according to numbers posted in July 2013 by Net Applications, with usage on a steady upward trajectory. However, intake of Windows 8 still lags behind that of Windows Vista and Windows 7 at the same point in their release cycles. Windows 8's tablet market share has also been growing steadily, with 7.4% of tablets running Windows in Q1 2013 according to Strategy Analytics, up from nothing just a year before. However, this is still well below Android and iOS, which posted 43.4% and 48.2% market share respectively, although both operating systems have been on the market much longer than Windows 8. Strategy Analytics also noted "a shortage of top tier apps" for Windows tablets despite Microsoft strategy of paying developers to create apps for the operating system (in addition to for Windows Phone).
qas: answers: 7.4
question: What percent of tablets were running Windows in Q1 2013/

answers: 43.4%
question: What was Androids market share in 2013?

answers: 48.2%
question: What was teh iOS market share in 2013?

answers: top tier apps
question: What does Strategy Analytics say Windows tablets are lacking?

answers: July 2013
question: When did Windows 8 surpass Windows Vistas market share?

context: In March 2013, Microsoft also amended its certification requirements to allow tablets to use the 1024×768 resolution as a minimum; this change is expected to allow the production of certified Windows 8 tablets in smaller form factors—a market which is currently dominated by Android-based tablets. Despite the reaction of industry experts, Microsoft reported that they had sold 100 million licenses in the first six months. This matched sales of Windows 7 over a similar period. This statistic includes shipments to channel warehouses which now need to be sold in order to make way for new shipments.
qas: answers: amended its certification requirements to allow tablets to use the 1024×768 resolution as a minimum
question: What changes did Microsoft make to its certification requirements in March 2013?

answers: to allow the production of certified Windows 8 tablets in smaller form factors
question: Why did Microsoft change the tablet resolution minimum? 

answers: 100 million
question: How many licenses did Microsoft sell in the first six months?

answers: Android-based tablets
question: What controlled the small form tablet market at this time?

context: In February 2014, Bloomberg reported that Microsoft would be lowering the price of Windows 8 licenses by 70% for devices that retail under US$250; alongside the announcement that an update to the operating system would allow OEMs to produce devices with as little as 1 GB of RAM and 16 GB of storage, critics felt that these changes would help Windows compete against Linux-based devices in the low-end market, particularly those running Chrome OS. Microsoft had similarly cut the price of Windows XP licenses to compete against the early waves of Linux-based netbooks. Reports also indicated that Microsoft was planning to offer cheaper Windows 8 licenses to OEMs in exchange for setting Internet Explorer's default search engine to Bing. Some media outlets falsely reported that the SKU associated with this plan, "Windows 8.1 with Bing", was a variant which would be a free or low-cost version of Windows 8 for consumers using older versions of Windows. On April 2, 2014, Microsoft ultimately announced that it would be removing license fees entirely for devices with screens smaller than 9 inches, and officially confirmed the rumored "Windows 8.1 with Bing" OEM SKU on May 23, 2014.
qas: answers: May 23, 2014
question: When did Microsoft make the existence of Windows 8.1 with Bing OEM SKU official?

answers: April 2, 2014
question: When did Microsoft remove license fees on device screens less than 9 inches?

answers: February 2014
question: When did Windows 8 decrease the price of Windows 8 for devices that cost less than $250?

answers: cheaper Windows 8 licenses to OEMs in exchange for setting Internet Explorer's default search engine to Bing
question: What was the benefit of Windows 8.1 with Bing?

context: In May 2014, the Government of China banned the internal purchase of Windows 8-based products under government contracts requiring "energy-efficient" devices. The Xinhua News Agency claimed that Windows 8 was being banned in protest of Microsoft's support lifecycle policy and the end of support for Windows XP (which, as of January 2014, had a market share of 49% in China), as the government "obviously cannot ignore the risks of running OS [sic] without guaranteed technical support." However, Ni Guangnan of the Chinese Academy of Sciences had also previously warned that Windows 8 could allegedly expose users to surveillance by the United States government due to its heavy use of internet-based services.
qas: answers: May 2014
question: When did the Chinese government ban the purchase of Windows 8 products?

answers: in protest of Microsoft's support lifecycle policy and the end of support for Windows XP
question: Why did the Chinese government ban Windows 8 based products?

answers: 49%
question: What market share did Windows XP have in Chine?

answers: Ni Guangnan
question: Who claimed that the Windows 8 would allow the US Government to spy on its users?

context: In June 2014, state broadcaster China Central Television (CCTV) broadcast a news story further characterizing Windows 8 as a threat to national security. The story featured an interview with Ni Guangnan, who stated that operating systems could aggregate "sensitive user information" that could be used to "understand the conditions and activities of our national economy and society", and alleged that per documents leaked by Edward Snowden, the U.S. government had worked with Microsoft to retrieve encrypted information. Yang Min, a computer scientist at Fudan University, also stated that "the security features of Windows 8 are basically to the benefit of Microsoft, allowing them control of the users' data, and that poses a big challenge to the national strategy for information security." Microsoft denied the claims in a number of posts on the Chinese social network Sina Weibo, which stated that the company had never "assisted any government in an attack of another government or clients" or provided client data to the U.S. government, never "provided any government the authority to directly visit" or placed any backdoors in its products and services, and that it had never concealed government requests for client data.
qas: answers: China Central Television
question: What does CCTV stand for?

answers: Sina Weibo
question: What is the name of the Chinese social network?

answers: Ni Guangnan
question: Who claimed that the Window 8 OS could gather sensitive user information?

answers: Fudan University
question: Where did Yang Min practice as a computer scientiest?

context: An upgrade to Windows 8 known as Windows 8.1 was officially announced by Microsoft on May 14, 2013. Following a presentation devoted to the upgrade at Build 2013, a public beta version of the upgrade was released on June 26, 2013. Windows 8.1 was released to OEM hardware partners on August 27, 2013, and released publicly as a free download through Windows Store on October 17, 2013. Volume license customers and subscribers to MSDN Plus and TechNet Plus were initially unable to obtain the RTM version upon its release; a spokesperson said the policy was changed to allow Microsoft to work with OEMs "to ensure a quality experience at general availability." However, after criticism, Microsoft reversed its decision and released the RTM build on MSDN and TechNet on September 9, 2013.
qas: answers: May 14, 2013
question: When was Windows 8.1 introduced?

answers: June 26, 2013
question: When did Microsoft release the beta version of Windows 8.1?

answers: September 9, 2013
question: When did MSDN and TechNet users gain access to Windows 8.1?

context: The upgrade addressed a number of criticisms faced by Windows 8 upon its release, with additional customization options for the Start screen, the restoration of a visible Start button on the desktop, the ability to snap up to four apps on a single display, and the ability to boot to the desktop instead of the Start screen. Windows 8's stock apps were also updated, a new Bing-based unified search system was added, SkyDrive was given deeper integration with the operating system, and a number of new stock apps, along with a tutorial, were added. Windows 8.1 also added support for 3D printing, Miracast media streaming, NFC printing, and Wi-Fi Direct.
qas: answers: Bing-based unified search system
question: What search engine was added in Windows 8.1?

answers: ability to boot to the desktop instead of the Start screen
question: How did the Windows 8.1 upgrade enhance desktop startup?

answers: a visible Start button
question: What main feature was added back to the desktop?

answers: up to four
question: How many apps did the WIndows 8.1 update allow to be snapped onto a signular display?