Windows 8 versions revealed

Unlike with Mac OS, Microsoft is known for releasing several editions of their Windows OS. However it looks like that number may be cut down to three - Windows 8, Windows 8 Pro and Windows 8 RT.

The variant branded Windows 8 will be the regular version of Windows with all the features you would need on your computer for day to day use.

Next is Windows 8 Pro which is aimed at businesses, developers and tech enthusiasts. It will include business friendly features like file encryption, domain connectivity and the ability to boot from a virtual drive. It will support Media Center features through a media-pack add-on which wont be available on the regular Windows 8.

We expect that a variant of the Pro version of Windows 8 will also be used in the  Enterprise. This variant is expected to have all the features IT Pros require to manage the computers in their network.

The newly named Windows RT is in fact the rebranded Windows on ARM. Windows RT is the edition of Windows 8 which will come pre-installed on Windows tablets running an ARM CPU. Windows RT is also expected to run a free version of Office similar to the what we find on Windows Phones.

Which version of Windows is right for you? Check out the features of Windows 8 compared in the table below to help you decide.

	Windows 8	Windows 8 Pro	Windows RT
Mail, Calendar, Messaging, Photos, Skydrive along with apps through the Windows Store.
-
Internet Explorer 10
-
Microsoft Office 2013 *
-
Touch enabled (requires PC with multi-touch support)
-
Mouse and Keyboard support
-
Windows Defender, Windows Firewall and Windows Update
-
Runs programs/apps used with previous versions of Windows
Keeps your information secure with data protection
-
Allows connecting to your PC with Remote Desktop Connection
-
Connects to your corporate network with Domain Join

* Windows RT comes with a free version of Microsoft Office 2013 RT which includes Word, Excel, PowerPoint and OneNote. For Windows 8 and Windows 8 Pro you will have to purchase a copy for Office 2013, when it becomes available.

I am personally glad that Microsoft has chosen to reduce the number of versions, but I think it would be even better if Microsoft just stuck to one version of Windows.  I hope that they will allow all the Pro features to be sold separately through the Windows Marketplace and let all users enjoy Windows 8 for what it is…

What do you think of the three brands of Windows 8 ? Share your thoughts in the following comments section.



source - Microsoft | Microsoft