Finally! After years of confusing consumers with multiple, slightly different versions of the same operating system, Microsoft announced today that Windows 8 will come in only four versions: One for home use, one for business, one for devices running ARM chips, and one for large enterprises who buy in bulk. See: Microsoft confirms four version of Windows 8.
For most people buying an operating system for a traditional desktop or laptop, the choice will be between just two versions. The version called simply "Windows 8" is designed for home users. "Windows 8 Pro" is for business users and includes features for encrypting a file system, virtualization, and domain management.
"Windows RT" is the new name for what had been called Windows on ARM. You won't be able to purchase it on its own; It'll come preinstalled on PCs and tablets that run ARM processors. Windows RT won't be able to run traditional X86/64 desktop software. Instead, it'll run touch-oriented apps based on Windows Runtime (or WinRT), Microsoft's programming model for mobile apps. Apps for the touch-oriented Metro interface are built using Windows Runtime.
Windows RT will come with special touch-oriented versions of Microsoft Word, Excel, PowerPoint, and OneNote.
See also Windows 8: the complete guide.
No Word on Pricing or Availability of Windows 8
In a blog post announcing the versions, Microsoft's Brandon LeBlanc didn't say how much the versions would cost, or when they'd be available. But he did make official what everyone assumed was true anyway: that the new OS will be called "Windows 8."
The final version of Windows 8 won't be available for most consumers. "As with previous versions of Windows, we will also have an edition of Windows 8 specifically for those enterprise customers with Software Assurance agreements," LeBlanc wrote in a postscript. "Windows 8 Enterprise includes all the features of Windows 8 Pro plus features for IT organization that enable PC management and deployment, advanced security, virtualization, new mobility scenarios, and much more."
Admirable Restraint
Reducing their OS to four editions shows, for Microsoft, considerable restraint. Windows 7, for instance, comes in six flavors: Starter, Home Basic, Home Premium, Professional, Enterprise, and Ultimate. In fairness, the Starter version is found mostly only in developing countries and the Enterprise version is available only to large corporations.
But that still left home buyers choosing among three options: Home Basic, Home Premium, and Ultimate. With Windows 8, the choice should be much clearer; most home users will choose the Windows 8 version. Only home "enthusiasts" might be interested in Windows 8 Pro, LeBlanc said.
Feature comparison: Windows 8 editions
Thinking about upgrading to Windows 8? Check out our Top 8 reasons to upgrade to Windows 8.
Comments
Marty Smith said: Windows Media Center will be available as an economical media pack add-on to Windows 8 ProSo theyll be charging extra for that then Why include defender and not SE
Marty Smith said: So mainly 2 versions not including Enterprise and RT but there are moreFull version upgrade 32bit and 64bitMaking that 8 versionsWhy dont they drop 32bit and make all 32bit apps work on 64bit Weve had 64bit cpus for years Apple have done itIve said before that confincing people to replace their monitors with touch screen is beyond most users considering that most people have 24 monitors 24 monitors are relatively cheap but you need a grand for 24 touch monitorsCall me old fashioned but I like a keyboard and mouse on my pc and touch on my tab because Windows programs require itDo the Win8 test Place your fingers on your screen and move them about for 5mins Pity MS didnt try itWin9 should be a good one going by history