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What is Windows RT? – An easy-to-understand explanation of the basic concepts and features of the OS for tablets
Windows RT is an operating system developed by Microsoft that was specifically designed for tablets and other portable devices. It is a lightweight version of Windows and is based on the same codebase as Windows 8. However, there are some key differences that set it apart.
One of the primary differences between Windows RT and other versions of Windows, such as Windows 8 or Windows 10, is that Windows RT is designed to run on devices with ARM-based processors instead of x86 or x64 processors. ARM processors are commonly used in smartphones and tablets due to their energy efficiency and performance in low-power scenarios.
The Purpose of Windows RT
The main goal of Windows RT is to provide a smooth and seamless user experience specifically tailored to the tablet form factor. It aims to strike a balance between usability, performance, and battery life.
With Windows RT, Microsoft introduced a touch-optimized interface, which is now known as the Modern UI or the Metro UI. The interface includes live tiles that display real-time information such as weather updates, social media notifications, and news headlines. The overall interface of Windows RT is visually appealing and easy to navigate with touch gestures.
Limitations and Compatibility
As Windows RT is designed for devices with ARM processors, it has some limitations compared to full versions of Windows. One major limitation is that Windows RT cannot run traditional desktop applications that were built for x86/x64 processors. However, it can run apps specifically designed for the Windows Store, known as Windows Store apps.
Windows Store apps are lightweight, touch-optimized applications that can be downloaded and installed directly from the Microsoft Store. These apps cover various categories such as productivity, entertainment, education, and more. While the selection of Windows Store apps was somewhat limited in the early days of Windows RT, it has expanded over time.
Another compatibility consideration is that Windows RT does not support running older versions of Internet Explorer or plugins like Adobe Flash. However, it does come with its own version of Internet Explorer that is optimized for touch-based browsing.
Conclusion
In summary, Windows RT is a lightweight operating system developed by Microsoft for tablets and other devices with ARM-based processors. It aims to provide a user-friendly interface, touch-optimized experience, and improved battery life compared to full versions of Windows. While it does have limitations in terms of compatibility, Windows RT offers a range of Windows Store apps that cater to various user needs on the tablet platform.
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