What are the best Microsoft tools and programs pre-installed in Windows 8? List 2021

For no one is a secret that, Windows 8 one of the most relevant versions of Microsoft's operating system is contemplated. Since, compared to the others, this was a great transformation that marked a before and a later in the evolution of Windows, default. This, despite the fact that it was the target of various criticisms due to its modifications.

Thus, simply, it is distinguished as an OS that supports a high level of customization con el fin de proveer la mejor user experience viable. Al mismo tiempo, exhibits efficient behavior sin importar las prestaciones del hardware, tiene compatibilidad con diversos dispositivos externos, guarantees safety through its own antivirus and antimalware, at the same time that provides an interactive experience through the applications it contains.

In that sense, the new Windows 8 interface known as Modern UI or Metro, It stands for your various pre-installed Microsoft applications, tools and programs that complement each other to provide an optimal experience. Given its importance, it is important to highlight knowing which are the best of them and here, we will detail one by one.

List of Best Factory Installed Microsoft Tools in Windows 8

By nature, the operating systems of Microsoft contain certain applications, tools and software pre-installed or factory installed in order to proveer una buena experiencia de Username, desde el inicio.

Therefore, it is interesting to know which are these alternatives contained in Windows 8 that consider this OS as an efficient solution and that is why, here we will mention the best of all:

Windows Defender

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It is a security program that has the ability to detectar y analizar cualquier amenaza de malware o virus en tiempo real, monitoring the common areas of the operating system so that it does not show changes produced by spyware. At the same time, if there is such a risk, proceeds to quarantine him to protect the equipment.

For its part, it is a service that is part of the Activity Center and makes it possible to carry out different configurations, according to the user's requirements, in order to ensure real-time protection based on the following options:

• Auto Start: Monitors the programs that run when the computer starts automatically.
• Downloads in Internet Explorer: Since it is incorporated with said search engine, it can analyze the programs and / or files that are designed to work with it.
• System configuration: Detects dangers that can minimize security in Windows settings.
• Services and Drivers: You can also monitor the services that interact with Windows effectively.

Internet explorer

Of fabric, Windows 8 also includes Internet Explorer, even when its users choose to use browsers Web como Google Chrome or Mozilla Firefox, a modo de ejemplo. El cual, principalmente, exhibió una interfaz muy minimalista que no logró despertar la simpatía de los usuarios de esta versión de Windows. Razón por la cual, in its updates it acquired several changes of interest.

Among these modifications, we highlight that, has updated web standards basados en extensiones multimedia cifradas, extensiones de origen multimedia, API de pantalla completa, módulo de diseño de cuadro flexible CSS, etc. Al mismo tiempo, has a "companion mode" which avoids different compatibility problems related to web applications of this type and an "enhanced protected mode" to restrict malicious users from accessing confidential data in personal and corporate environments.

Windows Media Player

Also known as "Windows Media Player" or "WMP", is established as a multimedia player that was created by the same Microsoft company for its operating system. Thus, by default, it offers the opportunity to play different digital formats, such as: Audio CD, WMV, WMA, MP3, AVI, MPG, etc. Assessing that, for some formats, this tool depends on third party codecs.

Among other peculiarities, it can be embedded in the Windows taskbar to show the most common playback buttons, it is compatible with DirectX, has a mask mode To change the appearance of the program, you have 10-band graphic equalizer, supports the use of plugins that process the audio or video output, etc. But, in Windows 8, does not include DVD playback naturally and that is why, users must resort to certain solutions to add it in this edition of WMP.

Microsoft Skydrive

It is another tool pre-installed in Windows 8 that simply works as a service dedicated to remote storage that facilitates cloud management within the ecosystem of said operating system. Therefore, making use of Skydrive, you will be able to view your different files in the cloud, in the same way as upload, download, create new folders and manage them your way. Assessing that, in general, it provides a total of 7 GB of free storage.

For its part, it presents support for Microsoft Office-based files (Word, Excel, Powerpoint, Access, etc.) and even, for Google Docs and that way, you will also be able view and edit any file online. At the same time as this, he admits the opportunity to upload 5 files at once de forma estándar con cualquier browser.

Windows Calendar

This also it is called "Calendar" and it is estimated as a tool very equivalent to what it is Google Calendar. In that sense, it is established as a Microsoft activity management application that posibilita compartir un mismo calendario de eventos con otras persons and likewise, users can import calendar entries into this tool. In the same way that, synchronize the information saved with the calendars of Windows Live y Facebook.

For its part, we highlight that this solution has an interface that has been developed gracias a la tecnología AJAX in order to offer the opportunity to view and add events to the calendar, as well as to drag from one date to another without reloading the page. Valuing that, thus the event calendar is stored online and can be viewed through any location.

At the same time of it, by default, has daily, weekly, monthly and program view modes, to manage it in a more explicit way. In addition to this, it has a to-do list function to track the different actions to be completed in a given time. It is important to note that since it is stored online, it can sent as a read-only link and even made public.

Mail

It is an application that operates as a mail manager in order to replace Windows Live Mail, in Windows 8. For this case, it shows an interface that it is equivalent to the famous "web apps" and is distinguished by being light, clean and visually attractive, thanks to the pleasant colors that it exhibits and that avoid distractions. At the same time, said interface is very intuitive Because it makes it possible to use the controls with just a right click and in the same way, it provides the configuration menus.

In addition to this, Windows Mail use a full screen mode (as well as the applications of the tablets) and thanks to this, it is extremely easy to work with it. As if that were not enough, this factory installed application on W8 ayuda a administrar tus diferentes cuentas de Hotmail, Gmail, Exchange, etc. Desde un solo punto. It even shows the notifications of the latest emails or messages received in the new start menu of the operating system, just as if it were a mobile device.

Contacts

It simply refers to an application that was born as a new alternative to provide a social base of operations for W8 users. In other words, by means of this tool, each person will be able to contain their Microsoft account profile, in the same way that they can visit that of their family or friends and to manage other accounts or services that are linked (such as, by way of example, social media profiles).

Thus, even though it is not as advanced a tool as Hootsuite, the truth is It is totally useful to keep your social side up to date in the online environment. Whereas, since Contacts, it is feasible to update the status of Facebook, publish in Twitter or LinkedIn, as an example; check pending notifications, like and comment on articles, reply to other people, etc.

In that sense, Contacts is a Windows 8 integrated application that has the power to collect all the information about your email contacts and that of your social networks or other services, In one single place. This, in order to facilitate their access and synchronization while roaming, using cloud services that are kept updated in real time.

Messages

This is one of the newest applications in the Windows 8 interface. Which, was designed in order to unify the programs and services that are most hard-working by people in a Windows ecosystem and under this characteristic, it meets or consolidates the requirements of the users. depending on the instant messaging functionalities they need.

That is why, through the Messages application, people who make use of W8 will have the possibility of chat with your messaging and social media contacts, once the relevant accounts are linked with this powerful tool that is installed at the factory. So, it is a service that works in conjunction with Microsoft's Contacts app and thus, you will be able to send and receive messages through different chat channels, in the same way as manage and have these channels under control.

Skype

Corresponds to a software propietario distribuido por Microsoft which, for the first time, was included in the operating system through W8. Which works like an instant messaging application that makes it possible to make text, voice and video communications over the Internet (VoIP) for free.

In that sense, at the beginning, Skype was integrated into Windows Live Messenger or MSN Messenger in order to ensure a secure and reliable login with the same credentials that people on the previous network used to determine communication with other contacts in the form of text.

Thus, the instant messaging service has been focused on deliver a simpler and more user-friendly experience for users, directly from the Windows 8 interface. Taking into account that, in said OS, it makes it possible to anchor the favorite contacts as a mosaic to get more automatic access and even displays notifications and messages directly on the Home screen. At the same time, in W8, in addition includes calls to landlines from the computer, in the same way as video calls.

Store

Refers to the Windows Store or Windows Store that was presented with the transformation of the operating system carried out in Windows 8. Which, initially, I basically present some free apps in trial mode in order to begin to be the main source through which it is feasible to nourish software to Windows PCs. In other words, this is a tool that works like Google Play Store, Apple Store o Ubuntu Software Center.

In such a way, from the Windows store, just by using your account Microsoft, people may have a complete controlled ecosystem of software to find endless applications among different categories that claim to make the most of the user experience. Considering that, over time, has expanded its catalog to share with other similar solutions on the market.

Now, detailing its interface, it can be seen that its cover was designed in the style of Windows 8 to make it as easy as possible for users to discover and access the different applications, with great visibility. For its part, both in the category pages and in the search results, displays application lists in small rectangles y la página de cada aplicación, contiene la descripción, las características y las capturas de pantalla para darle más relevance visual.

Time

Is an application based on AccuWeather that has the ability to show you the weather that is going to be in your specific location, thanks to the fact that it can detect your location. At the same time of it, offers a weather forecast of up to 10 days, provides information by maps and by hours, apart from being fully configurable.

For its part, se evidencia como uno de los famosos widgets de Windows 7 and like the recurring weather apps on mobile devices, for example. Assessing that, in the case of Windows 8, has an associated tile directly on the desktop that changes according to the weather it is doing at a given moment, interactively.

In addition to this, this standard application in W8 makes it possible to quickly consult information based on meteorological maps of precipitation, cloud evolution, the general evolution during the day and including historical information about meteorological data of a certain locality in the world. In addition to this, it enables add zones to a list of favorite locations in order to be aware of the weather that will be in it, thanks to the geolocation that this application supports.

Maps

It consists of an application that emplea la tecnología de Bing Maps and because of this, it guarantees practically the same functions. In that sense, it has a conventional road map, a novel isometry view and a satellite aerial view to locate specific areas. Even, in various places, provee información del traffic en vivo para entregar un mejor servicio (only available in some countries).

As if that were not enough, it has a 3D map functionality that allows the user to see buildings in three dimensions and even rotate them with the angle that the user wishes, in the same way as tilt zoom and pan. Regarding its interface, we highlight that, facilitates agile and easy navigation, but the quality it exhibits is still below that provided Google maps.

Games

This is one of the most attractive applications of Windows 8, which can be accessed by just looking for the tile that shows a small icon with the shape of the silhouette of an Xbox 360 controller inside. Through this icon, it allows access to a wide world of games that, by nature, Microsoft has destined to ensure a much more fun user experience both in PC's, as well as in laptops and tablets.

Now fortunately this app supports syncing with Xbox Live accounts and in this way, once you install the operating system, it will let you access with that account without having to comply with other requirements. Thanks to this, your profile, your most recent games, your achievements and your Microsoft Points will be synchronized automatically to continue with the game experience.

Microsoft Mahjong

Another program pre-installed in Windows 8 that consists of a classic matching game which, in this case, has been renewed through intuitive controls, attractive images and various features that fans of this type of game can enjoy. Taking into account that, has three exclusive themes with unique tiles and settings that each user can choose and features relaxing sounds along with wonderful graphics.

Among other functions, we highlight that, offers up to three levels of difficulty which are suitable for both beginners and experienced amateurs alike. Apart from this, it has Xbox compatibility, includes Xbox Live and all its controls have support for touch screen, mouse and keyboard.

Fresh Paint

Over time, this has been listed as the best Windows 8 application, given its novelty. Thus, it refers to a tool that allows you to paint with just the use of your fingers, just as if it were oil on canvas. Which makes it extremely realistic on the W8 interface. In other words, simply is an application that enables users to draw on the screen with their fingers.

In this aspect, it provides four different brushes on the screen along with a color palette, in order to make the creations you want and achieve good results. So, Fresh Paint makes your "brush strokes" look like you are painting with oil on a textured canvas and thanks to that, it goes far beyond an updated MS Paint.

The best external programs you can install in Windows 8 to boost your experience

At the same time of the previously mentioned tools and others that are factory installed in Windows 8, users of this operating system they can also resort to other third-party solutions that fit their needs in order to make the most of your experience to the fullest.

Therefore, below, we present you 5 of the best external programs that you should install in W8 to get the most out of your computer:

Google Chrome

Without a doubt, this is an essential software on your PC to surf the net, valuing that, it is the application that has dominated world web browsing for years. Well, it is a solution that offers security against malicious software and different types of threats, apart from features high compatibility and is really fast, thanks to the fact that one of its main purposes is to ensure the best browsing speed.

Likewise, Chrome is designed to be as simple as possible and with that, it enables its users to focus on what they really need. Apart from that, guarantees an optimal level of productivity Because you can have access from any device and even expand the capacity of the browser thanks to the huge library of extensions it has. Even, contains a native PDF reader, a task manager and machine translation for websites.

Download Google Chrome Windows

Panda Free Antivirus

At the security level, this is one of the best antivirus programs that you can use on your Windows 8 computer. Considering that, its installation is easy to carry out and very fast, at the same time that is a free cloud-based solution It uses few system resources and reveals optimal performance, regardless of hardware performance.

For its part, it has the ability to update itself, guarantees protection against all types of malware y hasta contra amenazas desconocidas. De la misma forma, posibilita realizar una navegación segura por Internet, cuenta con un firewall propio para evitar y neutralizar ataques, manages an anti-spam filter, accepts remote access, makes backup copies of any information and has a parental control function.

Download Panda Free Antivirus Windows

VLC Media Player

Although it is true, this is the world's most popular free media player that has exceptional multiplatform support and thanks to that, at this moment, you can use it on your Windows 8 computer. Which is capable of play virtually all video and audio formats no need to install external codecs.

On the other hand, the VLC player It also supports UHD and 4K quality resolutions. Additionally, it refers to a DVD and BluRay player that, as if that were not enough, also works as an audio and video converter. Added to this, it can act as a graphic equalizer for your music and supports other functionalities or features by making use of certain plugins and extensions designed for VLC.

Download VLC Media Player Windows

Adobe photoshop

It has been cataloged as the most complete photographic editing and retouching program on the market and that is why it cannot be missing from your computer. Considering that, thanks to its various functions, it is also a program that It is used in various disciplines supported by the field of design and photography, in the same way as in digital styling, photocomposition, video editing, etc. Well, with its trained options, it enables perform optimal image processing and more digital items.

For its part, among its greatest advantages, we highlight that has an intuitive interface that makes it possible to obtain immediate and quality results. In addition to this, it has a lot of tools that users can handle with total freedom (basic or professional level), has numerous effects, enables 3D work, etc.

Download Adobe Photoshop Windows

CCleaner

Over time, Windows 8 It tends to accumulate different documents and data that take up space and thus slow down the computer, minimizing its performance to a great extent. This is why it is important to use a program like CCleaner that is distinguished as an excellent file cleaner which has various functions in order to improve PC performance. Therefore, it also takes care of disable programs that start at startup.

Thus, its main functions consist of disabling unnecessary programs, reducing system errors, guaranteeing your browsing, stabilizing your computer to provide more fluidity and updating your virus database. Thanks to this, in the Windows environment, manages to clean the browser, the default web browser and the system in general. So, thanks to CCleaner, you will get a team faster, protected, clean and recovered.

Download CCleaner Windows

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