If you are in the market for a new PC, then all of the news about Microsoft’s latest operating system offering, Windows 8, may be making your purchase decision a little confusing.  After all, what if you buy a new Windows 7 PC now and Windows 8 is as great as all the rumors would have it?  Should you wait to purchase a computer until Windows 8 is out, so that you can have the new operating system on your new PC?  Is Windows 8 worth waiting for?  Of course, that’s a personal decision, but knowing the details can help you decide for yourself.  Here are some things about Windows 8 that you should know:

User interface.  With Windows 8, Microsoft will be introducing its first-ever “touch-first” user interface.  Just like it sounds, this means you will be able to interact with Windows 8 with a touch of your finger.  What’s more is that Internet Explorer 10, for use with Windows 8, will be optimized as a touch browser, bringing the touch-screen capacity of a Windows 8 PC full circle.

Windows 8 Apps.  The Windows 8 User Interface (called Metro Style) is a complete overhaul of previous Windows user interfaces.  Metro Style is app-based.  That’s right – your Windows 8 desktop will be full of apps (as opposed to program shortcuts) that are specifically developed and optimized for Windows 8.  These apps can communicate with each other, making multi-tasking and navigation a snap.

Cloud service.  The “cloud” is the network of computers that store your information, via the Internet, so that you don’t have to use your PC’s memory to store it.  The Windows 8 cloud system, called SkyDrive, allows you to save photos, videos, files, music, and any other type of digital information, on the Internet from your desktop.  This information can then be accessed and maintained using your desktop apps, or via any other computer or mobile device you are using.

Enhanced features.  Basically, developers claim that Windows 8 takes the best of what Windows 7 has to offer, relating to security, performance, reliability and privacy, and makes it better.  One especially helpful feature is the reduced memory footprint, which means all of your apps will run faster and better, no matter how low end (or low memory) the device is that you access them from.

Is Windows 8 worth waiting for?  Well, it depends on what’s most important to you.  Consider these Windows 8 features, and also consider the fact that Windows 8 is rumored to be released in less than a year, and it might be worth it for you to put off that new PC purchase until you can buy one equipped with all the bells and whistles Windows 8 has to offer.

About the Author: Kelsie Delatorre loves computers and technology in general and can’t wait to get her hands on a copy of Windows 8. She runs her business from her home and frequently uses online fax services and other online programs to streamline her daily tasks.