Chapter 1: What’s New in Windows 8 and Windows 8.1

     In some ways, Windows 8.1 is a radical departure from Windows 7, as well as the other versions of Windows that preceded it. In other ways, Windows 8.1 isn’t much different from Windows 7. Both possibilities are good ones, both from a technology standpoint and for the user. The differences mean an expanded set of features, richer experience, broader platform support, performance improvements, and much more. The similarities mean that if you’re familiar with previous versions of Windows, you can put Windows 8.1 to work right away without a steep learning curve.
     In this chapter, we focus not on those familiar features, but rather on many of the new and changed features in Windows 8.1. You’ll find an overview here of those features, with deeper explanation in other chapters. We can’t cover every new feature here, but we hope to give you a good overview of the key features and conceptual changes introduced in Windows 8 and Windows 8.1.
     In this chapter, we also focus on Windows 8 as a whole, rather than Windows 8.1 specifically. So, if you’re looking for information on how Windows 8 is different from Windows 7, you’ll find it in this chapter. We also highlight the differences and improvements in Windows 8.1 versus Windows 8. So, you get a holistic view of the Windows 8 family in this chapter.
     Now, whip out that new Windows 8.1 tablet or PC, start reading, and start taking advantage of the great new features that Windows 8 and Windows 8.1 have to offer.