This video should give you a better idea of what the Windows 8 versus iOS experience is like. Image: Winrumors

For those who weren’t able to attend Microsoft’s BUILD conference and check out a Windows 8 tablet firsthand, the fine points of its new OS may sound a bit vague.

The video below may give you a better idea of what you’re missing. Microsoft enthusiast site Winrumors compared the user experience of an iPad 2 running iOS 5 and the pre-release Windows 8 tablet. Running side by side, function by function, we’re really seeing how Windows has created a new way of interacting with a tablet.

We got a deeper look at Window’s new operating system earlier this week at Microsoft’s BUILD keynote. Windows 8 features a number of significant user interface changes, and is designed to run on both tablet PCs and desktop PCs, as well as ARM and x86 architecture. Those in attendance at the conference got a free Windows 8 tablet built by Samsung (which was rumored beforehand). The exact launch date for Windows 8 is yet to be announced.

The differences start right at the log-in screen. While iOS 5 offers a pin-based log-in, Windows 8’s default is a photo selected by the user, which they can tap or swipe on in a particular pattern (of their choice) to unlock the device.

In a refreshing change of pace from other mobile platform makers, the menu screen interface looks entirely different. In Windows 8, you’ve got a rectangular arrangement of smaller square-shaped “Live Tiles,” as well as larger rectangular ones. You can rearrange their order, put them on different pages, or even shrink larger tiles into smaller ones. It’s very customizable.

Windows 8 also includes subtle tweaks in Microsoft’s Internet Explorer browser. A swipe brings up the address bar, and shows you other tabs you have open with small screenshots across the top of the display. Windows 8 also supports pen input, so you can use a finger or a stylus to write in the name of a website, for example, rather than type it out.

For more, check out the video below.