REDWOOD CITY, Calif., June 4, 2012 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Microsoft has pulled back the curtains on Windows 8 by making the Consumer Preview freely available. According to Microsoft, the new operating system will "change the way you interact with your PC, with improved functionality, speed and performance." The Personal Technology Experts at Support.com (Nasdaq:SPRT - News), a provider of technology support services and software for consumers and small business, have been testing the preview edition and have identified seven features that deliver on that promise:

1.

The new "Metro" User Interface: the "Start" button and desktop shortcuts have been replaced with Windows Phone Metro-style tiles that both launch common applications and display notifications (like received email). You can "pin" any application to the Start screen to create a tile or group common applications into a single tile by dragging them together.

2.

New Authentication Methods: there are now four authentication methods, three of which are new: PIN, Windows Live(R) ID, Picture Password, and the traditional User ID and Password. If you choose a Windows Live ID you have an option to sync your settings between multiple devices running Windows 8. Additionally, with SkyDrive(R) you can easily share files between all of your devices.

3.

Faster Boot Times: Microsoft has introduced a hybrid shutdown and boot process that will take less than 10 seconds for a Windows 8 PC with a SSD (solid-state drive) to go from powered down to the start screen, which is 30% to 70% faster than Windows 7.

4.

Refresh and Reset: reinstalling the OS or returning the PC to its original state is easier than ever. Microsoft has introduced an easy-to-use, step-by-step wizard to 'Reset' and 'Refresh' PC configurations. The 'Reset' feature helps users go back to the original state (default install) of their PC, which removes all data and apps while the 'Refresh' feature will restore default settings without losing any data or applications.

5.

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Personal Technology Experts(R) at Support.com Discuss Seven Great Features That Make Windows(R) 8 PCs Deliver Improved ...