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Home » Gadgets » Windows 8 Editions Announced

Windows 8 Editions Announced

April 17, 2012

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 Editions

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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About Adeline Gear

Adeline is a tech enthusiast who loves exploring the latest tools and applications in the marketplace. She also loves her Android and spends time reviewing apps and playing games when she has the time.

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Comments

  1. Thomas says

    April 19, 2012 at 2:34 am

    Hi Adeline
    That is interesting. I think it is a nice move from Microsoft to make it simpler. Now we just have to wait see how the pricing will be.

    Reply

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