Microsoft puts a frowny face to old Windows 'Blue Screen of Death'

Microsoft's latest operating system, Windows 8, comes with a slight tweak to the error screen—the so-called "Blue Screen of Death," or BSoD.

Long-time PC users are undoubtedly familiar that a BSoD's pop-up means that something has gone horribly wrong between the Microsoft Windows operating system and other software programs running on the computer.

But rather than generate a list of cryptic error codes and technical jargon, Windows 8's new Blue Screen of Death just simply says:

Your PC ran into a problem that it couldn't handle, and now it needs to restart.

Microsoft also added the popular frowny face emoticon, :( , to its latest Windows error page to show, perhaps, that it's not the end of the world for the user.

As CNet writer Amanda Kooser puts it quite aptly:

In the past, the appearance of the BSoD has been met with vulgar curses, strangled cries of frustration, and the hammering of fists on keyboards. Now, you may hear, 'Awww. What a cutie-pie. Can you restart for Mommy? Come on, you can do it!'

Microsoft recently unveiled some details about the forthcoming Windows 8 software, and from where we stand, the company is out to shake up the image of Windows as just just software for desktop and laptop computers.

Windows 8 is expected to be available to consumers next year.

Windows 8 Blue Screen of Death gets sad face :( [CNet]

—Maggie Shader