In October 2012, Microsoft will release the commercial version of its next operating system, presently called "Windows 8." This version represents a significant departure from the past. Microsoft wants this operating system to meet user needs regardless of physical platform (e.g., desktop, notebook, tablet, mobile phone). As part of this mission, the company has created a new, touch-oriented user interface that has already appeared on new Windows phones. What will the release of this new operating system, which does not rely on mouse-clicks, mean for educators? How will the Windows 8 interface challenge teachers of information technology? This article will discuss these issues based on what is currently known about this new product. Schools do not need to upgrade, as there is no "killer application" forcing the use of Windows 8. Current Windows 7 software will run fine on most versions of Windows 8. Using a touch-screen display with Windows 8 is helpful, but not required. (Contains 2 figures and 1 table.)