How Windows 8 Affects Software Testing
The consumer launch of Windows 8 concentrates on the new tile system, which is very similar to the one already working on Nokia Lumia phones. This operating system is really designed for new devices, such as tablets and smartphones. To use the Windows 8 user interface for your desktop will be a difficult transition for some.
The actual new technologies in Windows 8 are more under the covers—for example, an update to support IPv4 and IPv6. Many of these changes are in Windows Server 12, which is where the real changes affect business environments. Windows 8 is really the support operating system for Windows Server 12. So unless your business application leverage's Windows Server, then you won't have too much to worry about.
The changes that will affect the most software testers are the visual updates in Windows 8. Software testers will have to ensure that the “app” under test works both in the tile system and in the desktop environment, which many people will probably still use.
Software test managers will need to plan more for testing how their applications install, uninstall, and integrate into Windows 8. This is not a “leave to the last minute” task in the project plan. Installation, integration, and interoperability will catch many new applications out. A user will not tolerate an app that doesn't meet their expectations of instant operation.
There is no risk-based approach to testing your application with Windows 8. You must do it. Building and testing on Windows XP or Windows 7 and hoping for the best with Windows 8 just will not work. It will add to your testing timeline for the future
There are so many other issues to think about with Windows 8. For example, even if you deliver your service through a website, your service needs to be tested against IE 10, Chrome, Safari, and Firefox in Windows 8.
Windows 8 is innovative in the way it brings information to users on their mobile platform and how it allows users to interact with the applications they use. Not everyone will like the transition.
Software testers don't have a choice. They will need to develop test plans to take into account how the user interface handles their app. Oh, there's one last thing—the program is now retired to pre-Windows 8. From now on, it's all app!
See a test of some popular programs—oops, I mean apps—with Windows 8 in the video below.
