More than 500,000 downloads of the preview of Microsoft's new Windows 8 operating system were made with 12 hours of its launch Tuesday, the company says.

Windows 8 vs. Windows 7 vs. other operating systems

There are drastic changes on the interface of Windows 8, which is its main feature, compared to the Windows 7. Windows 8 is designed to fit touchscreen gadgets and comes with a new "Start" screen that is very similar to the Windows Phone 7. The new interface is specially designed for 16:9 screen resolutions and to larger screens.

Windows 8 features a new Desktop tile. However, users may opt to choose the traditional desktop-based application. The "Start" screen features the user's name and avatar. The latest operating system also features a lock screen that shows date and time and notifications and features a background that can be customized based on user's preferences.

The new Windows comes with exclusive Hyper-V virtualization software. The software was previously offered in Windows servers but will now be available in client versions

Microsoft boasted that Windows 8 will utilize the new OEM Activation 3.0 that will make it less susceptible to cracks.

For its part, Apple recently revealed its vision of the future by releasing Mac OS X "Lion" system software, which was patterned on the company's mobile platform, iOS. Remarkably, the software is primarily made to be used with physical keyboard and normal monitors, which either become its advantage or disadvantage.

The Windows 8 developer preview needs the system requirements similar to Windows 7. However, Windows 8 requires higher computer and gadget specs. Having a multi-touch screen apparatus is beneficial to take advantage of the touch input of the new OS.

According a post by Microsoft Vice President Bill Laing on the Windows Server blog, Windows Server 8 delivers high availability and disaster recovery at a better price.