Windows 8 is an operating system released by Microsoft in 2012 as a successor to Windows 7. It was designed with touchscreens in mind, and features a new interface called the Start screen, which replaces the traditional Start menu.
The Start screen is made up of live tiles, which are interactive icons that display real-time information such as news headlines, weather updates, and social media notifications. It also includes a range of touch-friendly apps, such as the Photos app and the People app, which are optimized for use on tablets and other mobile devices.
In addition to the new interface, Windows 8 includes several other features and improvements over its predecessor, including better support for multi-monitor setups, faster boot times, and improved file management tools. It also includes a range of new security features, such as Secure Boot and Windows Defender, which help protect against malware and other threats.
However, Windows 8 was met with mixed reviews, as some users found the new interface difficult to navigate with a mouse and keyboard. As a result, Microsoft released an update called Windows 8.1, which brought back some of the traditional Windows features and made the interface more customizable.