Windows 8 Editions Announced

The much awaited Windows 8 editions details have finally been announced. New and prospective Windows customers will be delighted to know that Microsoft has decided to do away with the different types of editions available with earlier versions, you know the Windows 7 Starter, Home Basic, Home Premium, Professional and Ultimate editions. Instead there are now just two versions for users to upgrade to –  Windows 8 and Windows Pro and one that comes pre-installed on PCs and tablets. So here’s the breakdown of the Windows 8 editions.

Windows 8 Editions Unpacked

• Windows 8
• Windows 8 Pro
• Windows RT

Windows 8

PCs and tablets that run on both 32 and 64 bit operating system will have to choose between two editions: Windows 8 and Windows 8 Pro. Most users can simply settle for the Windows 8 edition which promises to allow users to use both the touch screen as well as a physical keyboard and mouse and switch between the two anytime. There’s also access to the Windows Store and options to share photos, contacts, links and other stuff. Windows 8 will also feature an updated Windows Explorer, Task manager, among other features.

Windows 8 Pro

This edition is focussed towards business users who look for advanced features such as encryption, virtualization, PC management and domain connectivity. Windows Media Center is being made an add-on pack in Windows 8 Pro.

Windows RT

Windows RT (RunTime) is the newest entrant to the Windows family. This is the edition that will come pre installed on tablets and PCs running on ARM processors. This edition will feature desktop versions of  Microsoft Word, Excel, PowerPoint, and OneNote that are touch optimized.

This table says it all!

Feature	Windows 8	Windows 8 Pro	Windows RT
Windows 7 Starter, Home Basic, Home Premium Upgrade	Yes	Yes	Not Applicable
Windows 7 Pro and Ultimate Upgrade	No	Yes	Not Applicable
Windows Store	Yes	Yes	Yes
Apps (Mail, Calendar, People, Messaging, Photos, SkyDrive, Reader, Music, Video)	Yes	Yes	Yes
Start screen, Semantic Zoom, Live Tiles	Yes	Yes	Yes
Internet Explorer 10	Yes	Yes	Yes
Connected standby	Yes	Yes	Yes
Microsoft account	Yes	Yes	Yes
Updated Windows Explorer	Yes	Yes	Yes
Windows Defender	Yes	Yes	Yes
SmartScreen	Yes	Yes	Yes
Windows Update	Yes	Yes	Yes
Enhanced Task Manager	Yes	Yes	Yes
Language Packs	Yes	Yes	Yes
Multiple monitor support	Yes	Yes	Yes
Exchange ActiveSync	Yes	Yes	Yes
File history	Yes	Yes	Yes
ISO / VHD mount	Yes	Yes	Yes
Mobile broadband features	Yes	Yes	Yes
Picture password	Yes	Yes	Yes
Play To	Yes	Yes	Yes
Remote Desktop (client)	Yes	Yes	Yes
Reset and refresh your PC	Yes	Yes	Yes
Snap	Yes	Yes	Yes
Touch and Thumb keyboard	Yes	Yes	Yes
Trusted boot	Yes	Yes	Yes
VPN client	Yes	Yes	Yes
Windows Media Player	Yes	Yes	No
Storage Spaces	Yes	Yes	No
Installation of x86/64 and desktop software	Yes	Yes	No
Device encryption	No	No	Yes
Microsoft Word, Excel, PowerPoint, OneNote	No	No	Yes
BitLocker and BitLocker To Go	No	Yes	No
Boot from VHD	No	Yes	No
Client Hyper-V	No	Yes	No
Domain Join	No	Yes	No
Encrypting File System	No	Yes	No
Group Policy	No	Yes	No
Remote Desktop (host)	No	Yes	No

 

Source: The Windows Blog

Windows 8 RT has unfortunately generated a lot of negative reviews as far as its name is concerned. Reminds me of Alicia Silverstone calling her new born Bear Blu!

Like it or not, these editions are here to stay, and it still does not make the upgrade process any easier as users are still going to be having tons of questions figuring it all out. Only this time, the choice of editions is limited. So until then, chew on this information and keep your eyes opened for more updates and info on Windows 8.

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