The next generation operating system of Microsoft, Windows 8, is still in its development stages. Now on its pre-beta stage, it is different from the rest of the operating systems in the market today, Windows operating systems included. However, one subject that has somehow raised eyebrows from the Windows-using community is that a Windows 8 Media Center is not going to be available. And while this has already been cleared by Microsoft themselves that they are going to include it, its apparent absence has created quite a stir.
Just to gain perspective on the fracas that is the supposed disappearance of the Windows 8 Media Center, we are first going to take a look at a brief history of the Windows Media Center. In essence, the Media Center is a program that you can use to just about any kind of multimedia in your computer. A program that traces its roots in a limited version of Windows XP, this program allows you to watch TV via TV tuner devices. Not only that, you can play back and record TV shows using the same program. With CableCard support as well as connectivity with most smartphones, other devices can join in the fun. And just to top it off, in Media Center, you can do just about everything that you can do with the Windows Media Player.
Windows Media Center has made it into Windows 7, and it is available in just about every version of it with the exception of Starter and Home Basic. This is why it came as a surprise to many why Windows 8 Media Center, or any trace of a replacement, has not appeared in the latest developer preview of the Windows 8.
Sure, it may not be a necessary component for some, but the absence of Windows 8 Media Center has elicited all kinds of questions from the numerous fans of the Windows system. This has created quite a stir, but it is not only the Windows 8 Media Center that was missing in action on the first developer preview build. Other programs that missed out on an appearance are the DVD creator, Windows 7 games, upgrade setup, and .NET 3.5. Provided that this is not even the beta of the Windows 8, the fact that people are asking a lot of questions about this or that program is perhaps an evidence of the strong interest on Windows 8, which might feature some radical changes.
But back to the Windows 8 Media Center brouhaha, which has even led Steven Sinofsky, the Windows chief, to even speak about its disappearance. He confirmed that the Media Center is going to be back on Windows 8 after 2 separate but equally bizarre events: he receiving around 50 emails regarding Windows 8 Media Center, and a leak of some of the more advanced forms of the Windows 8 containing the Media Center spread out.
With that confirmation from the chief, those worried about a Windows 8 Media Center disappearance would not have to worry anymore. But the question is, are there any changes on the Media Center itself? Stay tuned.
http://windows8servicepack.com/windows-8-media-center/
Ref: http://www.articlesbase.com/software-articles/the-disappearance-of-the-windows-8-media-center-5865032.html
Friday, May 4, 2012
What Are Windows 7 Updates?
