Quick overview:
Microsoft goes mobile: Windows 8 brings its tiled operating system to PCs, notebooks, tablets and smartphones. Nevertheless, the challenge to Apple and Android only comes in five versions. The PC upgrade works via Windows 8 download or DVD. WINDOWS TWEAKS shows what distinguishes Pro, Core, Enterprise, RT and Phone - and where you can buy them cheaply.
Discounts and clarity ensure a good start
Five Windows 8 editions are set to conquer the touchscreen market. And defend the PC division at the same time. Big tasks for a range of versions whose clarity is a real Microsoft novelty. Some people rub their eyes: didn't the predecessor Win 7 come in six different guises just for the PC? Now five releases ensure that the live tile user interface runs on all common end devices:
- Desktop PCs
- Notebooks
- Tablets
- Smartphones
And this actually also includes the hybrid niche with touchscreen notebooks, which still have to prove themselves on the market.
Windows 8 is certainly off to a good start: Microsoft sold more than 40 million licenses for the PC division in the first month - meaning the new operating system clearly outperforms its predecessor Windows 7 in comparison. Microsoft's discount argument, which promises upgrades via Windows 8 Pro download from a mere 15 euros, appears to be a winner with users.
Note for February: The promotion is over, Microsoft is now charging a whopping 120 to 280 euros. However, prices between 60 and 80 euros are available from independent retailers. You can find the relevant information below.
Zweierlei haben die vorgelegten Betriebssystem-Versionen gemeinsam: Alle basieren auf dem gleichen Windows-NT-Betriebssystemkern (Version 6.2) und können via Touchscreen bedient werden.
Where can I buy Windows 8 Pro? What is Windows RT for? Is it possible to upgrade from Windows 8 to Win Pro?
Our individual check shows what distinguishes the releases, what they cost and how the upgrade via download works.
Windows 8 Pro - for demanding PC users
The extended version for desktop PCs or notebooks is called Windows 8 Pro. Pro stands for Professional and is intended for demanding users. You can buy it for free in stores, online, as a download or on DVD.
On the one hand, the new tile interface - which was actually optimized for touchscreens - can also be controlled via keyboard and mouse and designed using apps. On the other hand, the familiar desktop environment with classic Windows software is available. This makes it ideal (like the Core and Enterprise versions) for touchscreen displays and the aforementioned hybrid computers, which are a PC and tablet in one.
Win 8 Pro contains all the functions of the normal Win 8 Core version, plus Bitlocker for hard disk encryption, EFS for file encryption, the Hyper-V client, and it enables remote desktop access and joining a domain.
Microsoft is offering a Windows 8 Pro upgrade for used computers that use older Win versions such as Windows 7 or XP. The Windows Media Center is missing, but can be installed for 9.99 euros. However, a free and powerful alternative is on the way: the VLC media player will soon be available for Windows 8.
Where and for what price can you buy Win 8 Pro (as of February 2013)?
The download upgrade costs around 60 euros from online retailers (it costs a whopping 280 euros from Microsoft!). The upgrade via DVD costs just under 80 euros. It works on Windows 7, Vista or XP systems - albeit with some limitations (see table below). However, Microsoft's upgrade wizard requires purchase information such as PC purchase date, dealer name, model, and a customer phone number and email.
An upgrade from Windows 8 to Windows 8 Pro is also possible. Pro can be purchased via DVD or download from online retailers.
Windows 8 (Core) - for the computer next door
The software giant developed this release for home use on a desktop PC or notebook - and offers it for sale in stores. Windows 8 (Core) runs on 32- and 64-bit systems and is probably sufficient for most private users.
As with the Pro version, the new tile interface can also be operated using the keyboard and mouse. Apps are available in the Windows Store, but classic Windows software also runs.
Current prices:
The system builder version costs 90 euros, the "normal" retail version 130 euros (RRP) (only available from February 2013). Upgrades are possible - the Win 8 Pro upgrade is more worthwhile (see below). Note: If you want to upgrade a 32-bit system, you must stick with 32-bit. The same applies to 64-bit systems - they cannot be upgraded to a 32-bit version. Anyone planning to upgrade from Windows 8 to Windows 8 Pro should also take this into account.
Windows 8 Enterprise - exclusively for contract customers
The exclusive edition is limited by Microsoft to its contract customers who use desktop PCs or notebooks. It includes all the functions of the Core and Pro versions as well as Branch Cache, Direct Access and Applocker. It also includes Windows-To-Go, system installations on portable USB data carriers and app installation without the App Store.
Windows RT - for tablets with ARM processor
The ARM version can only be found on tablet computers and is therefore tailored to their ARM processors. This is why Windows RT does not run x86 or x64 applications - only the apps run, not the good old Windows programs and exe files. There are no purchase prices: The RT version is always pre-installed on the tablets and cannot be purchased as a separate release. What does the abbreviation "RT" stand for? Perhaps it stands for Runtime. Nobody knows, as Microsoft has so far remained stubbornly silent about it.
Windows Phone 8 - the mobile OS
Runs on, logically, smartphones. The Apple and Android challenger can be extended using apps from the Windows Phone Store. The smartphone OS is based on the same Win NT kernel (version 6.2) as the other Windows 8 editions. This means that smartphones running the predecessor Windows Phone 7 cannot be updated. Windows Phone 8 is always pre-installed - and is not purchased as a standalone product.
Upgrade under Win 7, Vista and XP
Only Windows 7 allows upgrades that take all existing programs, settings and personal files with them to the new Win 8. Under Vista, the installed software is lost during the upgrade. XP only retains its own files. Here is the upgrade overview:
System requirements under Win 8
MS specifies these system requirements on microsoft.com:
- Processor: At least 1 GHz with support for physical address extension, NX processor bit and Streaming SIMD Extensions 2
- RAM: At least 1 GB (32-bit) or 2 GB (64-bit)
- Hard disk: 16 GB (32-bit) or 20 GB (64-bit)
- Graphics: Microsoft DirectX 9 graphics card with WDDM driver
Win 8 has the following requirements for individual functions:
- Logically, a tablet is required for the touch function - or a monitor that can be operated using multi-finger input.
- If you want to use apps from the Windows Store, you must have a screen resolution of at least 1024 x 768.
- If you want to use several apps at the same time (also known as docking or pinning), you need a screen resolution of at least 1,366 x 768.
- Safe boot requires firmware "that supports UEFI v2.3.1 Errata B and that contains the Microsoft Windows Certification Authority in the UEFI signature database", according to MS.
- If you want to synchronize settings and data on several Win 8 systems, you need a Microsoft account.
- The DVD playback is not included - a separate program is required, e.g. the free VLC player. The Windows Media Center must be purchased separately (available as a free download until the end of January 2013).
- Client Hyper-V requires a 64-bit system with Second Level Address Translation (SLAT) and 2 GB of extra RAM (Windows 8 Pro).
(Photo at the top: Microsoft Deutschland GmbH)
On Windows Tweaks you will find time-saving tech guides for PC, software & Microsoft. For a stress-free digital everyday life. Already we have been "tweaking" Windows since 1998 and just won't stop!
