Installing and Testing Windows 8 (Consumer Preview)

The geeky side of me wants to blog today. Hahaha.

You see, last weekend, my laptop went kaput. (Thanks to Adam)

I couldn't find the Windows 7 installer and remembered someone mentioned about Win 8 trial. So I thought I should give it a try:

1. I downloaded the ISO file from Windows website. If you're reading this blog as a reference/guide, make sure your computer meets the minimum system requirement (also available at the website). Fortunately, my almost five year old laptop is good to go!
2. Burn the ISO image (approximately 2.5G). I used free ISO burner for windows - just google and download (updated on 21st May 2012: you can use the live USB creator from Fedora Project -it's a free and reliable open source software)
3. Switch on the laptop and insert the DVD. Sounds good so far?

You see, the first challenge was my DVD wasn't working. Ahah! I knew this ain't gonna be that easy! If you have the same problem, solutions available:

• download the DVD driver from God knows where (need to identify manufacturer details etc and then google for the DVD driver). I wasn't even sure if the DVD is working, at all.

or take the much easier route:

• copy the ISO image into a bootable USB instead - easier for me (I used a Bootable USB utility - which can be downloaded from the internet)

I only have a 2G USB drive (which is pathetic, I know).
So I borrowed Zizi's 8G USB drive. (Thanks Zizi! You're awesome)

Now, with the Win 8 Bootable USB, continue with the installation:

1. Switch on the laptop and insert the USB drive
2. Make sure you boot from the USB drive (check your BIOS settings)
3. First you'll see the cute betta fish (I mean, betta for beta testing? That's cool)
4. Then, just continue with the usual windows installation process; click 'Install now', select the language and click next, enter the product key (get the key from the windows download page)
5. At window setup, you're gonna have to choose: upgrade or custom installation. I chose custom installation as my previous win 7 went kaput (beyond repair - trust me I tried! plus I don't have the win 7 installer). Don't choose custom installation if you do not have backup.
6. Choose the partition to install, then wait as windows being installed on your computer. (Note: patience is virtue)
7. Once completed, the computer will restart. I forgot about the USB drive still attached, hence I had to do the whole process again. Haha. After completing the installation, don't forget to eject the USB drive.
8. Continue with the usual setting up of your computer, name your computer etc.

First impression of the operating system (OS):

• Really cool and colorful
• User friendly - I picked up the GUI easily
• Installed a USB modem with ease and able to go to internet without any problems (so far so good)
• Loving the store app! I can see this as a great OS for touch screen computers.

In short, I am enjoying this preview. Will update more on usability and other productivity stuff. Excitement is in the air!

Read More