Editor's note It's a big day for Windows folks, with Windows 8 due to appear on MSDN and TechNet today to usher the future of Microsoft operating systems into the wider world. The most controversial aspect of the new OS is its new Metro interface; Tony McSherry penned a piece on coming to terms with and embracing the new look. A large discussion has taken place at the end of the article, so be sure to have your say in the comments. With the recent spate of hacking leading to database dumping with plaintext passwords, we have a timely article on using the Blowfish algorithm (.NET devs can use the inbuilt AES algorithm instead, and it's better, too). If you are still using an md5 or sha hash with your authentication system, please move to a better algorithm now! Have a good week, everyone! --Chris Learning to love Windows 8 The future is coming whether you like it or not, and it's called Windows 8. Read more | |  |  | Connect with TechRepublic | | |