It’s been a long time coming, but Windows 8 — and its low-power tablet-only cousin Windows RT — are finally here. With Windows 8, Microsoft is trying to propel Windows forward in this new era of mobile computing and touch-screen devices. Will the tile-based “Metro” Start screen be too confusing for consumers? Can Windows 8 tablets compete with the iPad? And what’s the difference between Windows 8 and Windows RT? CIO.com assistant managing editor Shane O’Neill will be live in New York City to bring you the answers to these questions and more during the Windows 8 event. Join us for the Windows 8 launch, Thursday, October 25, 11 AM Eastern / 8 AM Pacific. Related content Opinion Last Words Before Closing Eye on Microsoft By Shane O'Neill Jun 05, 2013 3 mins Small and Medium Business Tablets Windows Opinion With Rumored Reorg, Microsoft Tries to Simplify The mounting pressure on Steve Ballmer to streamline Microsoft is finally leading to some action. By Shane O'Neill Jun 03, 2013 3 mins IT Strategy Cloud Computing Computers and Peripherals Opinion What You Need to Know About the New Lync and Skype Integration Audio calls and instant messaging are officially integrated between Lync and Skype, but no video connectivity yet. Here are some key points for users and IT admins about the new Lync-Skype connection. By Shane O'Neill May 29, 2013 3 mins Small and Medium Business Internet VoIP Opinion Microsoft Should Leave the Competition Out of Ads Microsoft is in no position to disparage Google and Apple in TV ads, yet it keeps doing it. A new ad for Microsoft Surface turns inward and gets it right. By Shane O'Neill May 23, 2013 2 mins Small and Medium Business Tablets Internet Podcasts Videos Resources Events SUBSCRIBE TO OUR NEWSLETTER From our editors straight to your inbox Get started by entering your email address below. Please enter a valid email address Subscribe