Users and businesses excited about the arrival of Windows 8 next year, but worried about its compatibility with existing computers, need not fret any longer. Citing the lessons it learned from the unpopular Windows Vista, Microsoft (NASDAQ: MSFT) confirmed last week that its upcoming Windows 8 operating system will not require users to purchase a new PC.

Microsoft executive Michael Angiulo was quoted as saying: "We've extended the trend we started with Windows 7, of keeping our system requirements either flat or reducing them over time. So Windows 8 will be able to run on a wide range of machines because it will have the same system requirements [as Windows 7] or lower."

Angiulo also said that Windows 8 will "adapt itself for your hardware," so users without touch-enabled hardware will still be able to use Windows 8 via the keyboard and mouse. Newer frills that utilize motion and proximity sensors will obviously not work though. In an unusual move, Microsoft also publicly stated that the optimal screen for the upcoming OS would be a display with a 16:9 aspect ratio and a minimum resolution of 1366 by 768 pixels. Lower-resolution displays will still work, but will operate in standard desktop mode.

For more:
- check out this article at Network World

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