SolidWorks:Heard! - Episode 378 - SolidWorks on Windows 8

SolidWorks on Windows 8:

This podcast covers the new release of Windows 8 Consumer Preview, what is really different, what is the same, and how SolidWorks current lineup installed on the OS.  Topics covered:

- Downloading, installing and testing 

- More Windows8 resources

- Building Windows 8 (Steven Sinofsky's blog)

- WinSuperSite (Paul Thurrott's blog)

- AllAboutMicrosoft (Mary Jo Foley's blog)

- Windows Weekly (TWiT podcast)

- Major differences with Windows 8 vs. Windows 7

- What has stayed the same

- Installation experience of SolidWorks current product line

- Thoughts about how SolidWorks could use the new Metro UI

Last week Microsoft launched the consumer preview of their next operating system, Windows 8.  Since the launch of XP, I have installed early builds of these operating systems, testing the install of the current line up from SolidWorks for compatibility.  Back in October I installed the Developer preview of Windows 8 but the product was not as far along and much could still be tweaked so I opted to wait to test out SolidWorks.

With Windows 8 bringing the "touch first" approach to the user with the new Metro UI, this changes the experience and removes something many users have gotten used to since 1996, the Start button.  With the start menu being removed and replaced with a Metro Start Menu, there is a lot of potential to positively change the way we think about finding, launching and using applications in the new operating system.

The SolidWorks product line faired well, especially since it is considered a "classic" application and would run in the desktop mode, essentially feeling right at home as though it was Windows 7.  I talk about the install and the little differences as it installed into Windows 8. ~Lou

Remember to check out the SolidWorks: Heard! Blog and to follow me on Twitter, Facebook and THE HEaRD! 

SolidWorks:Heard! - Episode 349 - Windows 8, An Engineer's Perspective

Windows 8, An Engineer's Perspective:

This podcast covers the Windows 8 Developer Preview that was released during Microsoft's BUILD conference in Anaheim, California this past week. Topics covered:

- Installation Experience

- A first look (Login, Start streen, Search)

- Where's my Start menu?...Now THAT's a Start menu!!!

- Classic Desktop: What is the same?

- Metro Style UI: What is different?

- Possibilities for CAD apps in the Metro UI, Maybe SolidWorks V6 ?

- Skydrive integration - Sync service baked in

This week I was going to start the What's New series on SolidWorks 2012 but due to my schedule over the past month, I have not yet gotten sufficient time in the new build, except for EPDM, to really add more than what is in the PDF.  I will be digging in this week to get a hold on some of the really new features and what exactly has been improved so we can begin the journey on EP 350!

This pas week Microsft released a developer preview of the next OS succeed Windows 7 code named Windows8, go figure, right? Well, this release is the first attempt to bring together all the device operating systems (phone, tablet, desktop) and have one that is tied by the message "Touch First".  Although many of you are not running touch screens on your day-to-day workstation/laptop, the revamp of the start menu, now known as the Metro User Interface, will definitely turn your head.

Not to worry though, the core of Windows 8 still has access to the Desktop, Windows Explorer (now with a Ribbon Toolbar), Registry, Command Prompt and all the other goodies you are used to in Windows 7.  This should allow many CAD vendors to stick to their core while venturing into the Metro UI for other ancillary products. Oh, did I mention that it boots in 10 seconds too? ~Lou

Remember to check out the SolidWorks: Heard! Blog and to follow me on Twitter, Facebook and THE HEaRD!