Will METRO be the new word in your techie repertoire?
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Many know METRO as a shortened form of the word Metropolis. Superman protects Metropolis from super-villains who are beginning their world domination from a city known to be the home of the world's most powerful superhero. Oh yes, metros are also large cities that are home to millions of people. So what does the new term of METRO stand for in techie language, and why does Windows look like a really bad website?
As a computer and network technician, I am always on the look out for digital super-villains in the form of mal-ware and viruses. I've won more than I've lost as many superheros have, and what is now known as METRO will most likely have me working overtime in my cyber-cape and cyber-spandex. METRO is the term being thrown around for the newest layout of the Microsoft operating system lines. You have already seen it with Windows Mobile 6 & 7, but Microsoft is slated to release it's newest desktop OS Windows 8. It is a hybrid of the classic Windows 7 and Windows mobile. The picture above shows you an example of what the start screen in Windows 8 will look like. It is a menagerie of applications similar to mobile phones and tablets (Microsoft's exploded version of Google's chrome app store and the Android OS). So why are techies going to be donning their superhero costumes for yet another Microsoft release?
Many of you are familiar with the World Wide Web - more commonly known as the internet. Some of you already know that Internet Exploder - oops Explorer - is the most commonly attacked and manipulated web browser on the market. The reason being that it is the most commonly used with Firefox coming in a very close second (which makes it the 2nd most attacked web browser). The web pages that you browse use a programming language called HTML as a base language. From there Javascript is used to add dynamic content such as drop boxes and split screens. There are many other forms of programming languages but that would get boring so I will just continue on. Windows 8 Metro uses HTML, CSS, and Javascript for the programming - making it very lightweight use on PC hardware. This could be a great thing right? Yes, but these are also some of the most common forms of programming language that are attacked to spread viruses and mal-ware. My prediction on this will be an onslaught of malicious attackers going after this new OS within hours of its release. Microsoft has given free reign for beta testers to start programming features and apps for Metro - so the hackers get a head start - woohoo! What can the general public do to protect themselves, their online purchases, and their bank accounts?
Looking over the past 3 years of Mobile operating systems, the major anti-virus companies are keeping ahead of the game with their systems. For the Android market AVG, Kapersky, Norton, and McAfee have all stayed up to date on malicious attacks. This bodes will for Microsoft, and I'm sure Microsoft will have their own anti-virus program up to date for their new OS. Yet, I am very leery about the magnitude of virus developers around the world, and the head start they have. My suggestion is to hold off on the hype of Windows 8 for your security. WAIT! Security is not the only issue here is it?
Security is always a major concern, but let's look at another obvious problem. Microsoft's transformed operating systems have always been flawed. Do you need proof? OK, Windows ME the first of Microsoft's OS that was independent of DOS which was the precursor to Windows 2000 - both heavily flawed. Then Windows XP (one of Microsoft's crowning achievements) was the golden child of those three. Then came Mojave or better known as Windows Vista is still the thorn in the side of Microsoft and every technician around the world - this was the precursor to Windows 7 (the next best thing for businesses since the invention of the calculator). So, as we see the history of Microsoft, I don't expect Windows 8 to be anything more than a flawed attempt until the next big success - which will include another renaming of the Windows series; something like Windows Clear or Windows Bob.
Though METRO will be a new techie term that will confuse most of the baby boomers who have hit retirement, my suggestion is not to wait for the 1st service pack, but to wait for the next operating system. I will publish another article in the new future after I have finished my beta testing and abandoned my mild mannered alter ego - donning my superhero guise to ward off the evils of the giant Microsoft bugs.
