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0 Votes
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Editor
Do you expect to be buying a version of Windows 8 in the future? What version holds the most appeal? Are you relieved there are only 3 Windows 8 versions to worry about?
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Yes, I do ...
M Wagner 20th Apr 2012
... but I am an IT professional and I like to put new code through its paces from Beta through RTM. You could call me an "early adopter" if it weren't such an understatement. Running new code on old, lame, hardware is the fun part of testing. (I had Vista running on a Circa 2000, 866MHz Pentium II with 512MB of RAM - now that was ugly!)

I think moving back to two "consumer" versions was a good move. Vista was the worst of the lot (Starter*, Basic*, Home Basic, Home Premium, Business, Ultimate)

It is just plan silly to confuse consumers by talking about Windows 8 Enterprise since consumers will not have access to that edition. The same applies to "Server Editions" because few outside the enterprise need what they have to offer.

Microsoft has gone out of its way to segregate Windows RT from Windows 8 so we should not confuse consumers by throwing them back together. Windows RT is an ARM-based OEM-only product. Consumers should not expect Windows RT to offer any compatibility with legacy applications.

Instead, consumers should think of Windows RT as a tablet-only product that, unlike Android and iOS, can offer 100% file and data compatibility with Windows Vista, 7, and 8.
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Editor
It's strange, but even Microsoft tends to treat Vista as a non-existent operating system. I would think you can upgrade from Vista since it is so similar to Windows 7.

The big hop in code is from XP.
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Upgrading
Gisabun 18th Apr 2012
I've never seen a supported OS that you couldn't upgrade.
I'm sure like when Win 7 came up, you'll have to start from scratch [or equivalent] with Win XP to Win 8. Like the wankers who complained that you couldn't do a direct upgrade from Win XP to Win 7 you'll get the same wankers who complain you can't upgrade from Win XP to Win 8.
Vista and Win 7 will be treated probably since the same since they use the same core, similar install technologies and even drivers [hardware with no Win 8 drivers could use Win 7 or Vista drivers in most cases].
If you have to start from scratch, it isn't an 'upgrade'. 'Upgrade' means the OS is brought up to a new version, but the existing applications, user profiles, data, drivers, settings, etc are unaffected. That isn't possible from XP to 7; apps have to be reinstalled, data on the boot drive has to be moved off and then back, additional tools have to be used to migrate user settings and profiles, drivers have to be reinstalled, etc.
... I completely agree. If you don't perform a "clean install" every time you move to a new OS, you introduce unknown variables and potential incompatibilities. This is especially true if you are dependent upon a lot of third-party applications which may not conform to Microsoft programming standards.
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I'm not offended by the lack of upgrade path. I don't think those still using XP are exactly the target market anyway.
Where "n" is Windows 8 and "n-2" is Vista. They HAD TO do so for XP to 7 because Vista adoption was so poor. They do not have to for Vista - though they may choose to as we get closer to RTM.

As for the upgrade path referred to above, you should never upgrade in place anyway. Best practices tell us you should always perform a clean install.

Windows 8 is not really intended to be an upgrade form Windows 7 though. Instead, Windows 8 is a transitional OS for moving seamlessly between traditional desktops and notebooks and tablets.

The enterprise will not be quick to upgrade from Windows 7 to Windows 8 because their is no reason to - except to the extent that enterprise management might otherwise buy iPads instead of Windows 8 tablets.

With Windows 8, Microsoft is targeting consumers who might otherwise buy iPads for the portability of tablets but still want Windows compatibility. (Microsoft cannot afford to give-up Windows notebook buyers to Apple's iPad.)
You're mistaken. They didn't support upgrading XP to 7, and it isn't possible without upgrading XP to Vista first.

I agree that a clean install is usually the best option, but sometimes there are circumstances that require upgrading instead.
??? because so many third-party XP programs took shortcuts around Windows APIs that stuff broke. XP to 7 would encounter exactly the same problems with third-party code that is not Vista compatible.

Windows 7 media will install on any sufficiently powerful hardware (even bare metal) without a key. Microsoft designed this into the media to users could test-run Windows 7 for up to 30 days without further intervention.

This allows you to perform a clean install of Windows 7 on an XP machine.
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So far...
ITOdeed 18th Apr 2012
I see no reason to upgrade.
1 Vote
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Errr.....
Gisabun 18th Apr 2012
Would you believe there are actually some who are complaining that thre is still too many editions? How hard is this: Win 8 for ARM. Win 8 "home" for mostly home users, Win 8 Pro for those who need the few extras [bit locker, domain support, etc.] and Win 8 Enterprise for large companies. How simple is that? No Ultimate. No Starter [at this time].
... of Hell freezes over (which ever comes first). Microsoft is not twisting anyone's arm. If they don't want to pay Microsoft's prices, they can install Linux. Or buy Apple hardware.
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I'm one of them
nwallette Updated - 20th Apr 2012
I just don't see the sense in it. We got along fine all these years with "home" and "pro". But even that has been artificially divided in the past. People with high-end custom-built computers, with multiple processors and/or video cards, would have to chose Pro just to be able to make use of them.

MS also shot themselves in the foot by not allowing domain logins on Home. Their Windows Home Server product could have used that functionality to synchronize logins and push preferences (policies) to all PCs.

Finally, I worked in a small, privately-owned computer store when XP was released. I can't count how many times I got asked, "so... which one should I get? What's the difference?" The worst part being -- we didn't know. There was scant info on the actual difference between the two at first. We got the marketing copy -- "Pro has additional features useful to power users, or those in a business" -- but as far as what those additional features were... no one seemed to know. Many of us (at the store) were tech enthusiasts and really wanted to understand. It took a lot of digging to get some concrete answers.

So back to the point: I can imagine there are plenty of personal users that would love to have encryption, but don't need domain logins. If there *has* to be a pricing structure, sell it as a license upgrade after installation. Or a Plus pack. Again, from the previous computer store experience, most retailers would prefer fewer part numbers to stock.

EDIT: OK, I'm kind of harping on bygones here. This time around it really isn't too bad. I would have liked it if Home, Pro, and Enterprise were condensed into Home / Pro, but that's not such a big deal since end users will never see Enterprise. The ARM version isn't really a factor here either -- being the equivalent to Windows CE or XP Embedded or whatever. It is a step in the right direction.
... and for them, the incremental price of going from Win 8 to Win 8 Pro should be well worth it. Why charge 95% of consumers for something they don't need?
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SHHH, Be quite!!!
xangpow 23rd Apr 2012
Dont say that too loud or the Apple people might not buy the next Iphone, Ipad, Itoiletpaper, or anything else Apple coems out with. lol
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Why mention Enterprise? It is REALLY not a edition so to say, all it is, is it gives
multiple installs with one COA.(CD-Key) It will be no different than Windows 8 Professional.
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I'm not motivated to upgrade at all - there are some 'nice to have' features in Win 8 but not enough to convince me to move.
I think I'll be getting it with a new PC/Device when I decide to buy.
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Curious, will all the old windows application developed using visual studio 2007 will be supported in windows 8?
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Yes for the x86 based Windows 8 and no on Windows 8 RT.
Read another TR article http://www.techrepublic.com/blog/programming-and-development/visual-studio-11-a-refined-and-disappointing-experience/5237 last paragraph above "Disappointments" which supports that VS apps will not run.

Also http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Windows_8 The section titled Software compatibility.
As an example, it is likely why the "touch optimized" version of Office is being included in RT. It is likely that MS had to a lot of work to get it ready for the RunTime.
I also suspect that version of Office won't be as feature rich as the stand alone product. Since manufacturers choosing RT for their ARM products are essentially locking their customers into the OS, it is a captured market for Office, much like phone versions of Windows.

I'm sure there will numerous resources to aid in moving applications to Metro/RT, and probably even a couple of software products attempting to automate the process.
... it will run under Windows 8. Don't expect legacy applications to run under Windows RT and don't expect legacy Windows XP applications to run anywhere!
Although my first reaction to Win8 was negative, I have still stuck with it on my laptop to give it a fair chance to convince me that I was being a little too disappointed with the software.

Over the llast few months, I have managed to live with the Metro GUI but still would not be sad if it was completely left off the PC versions and also the missing start button which a lot of people think was a bad idea by Microsoft and I know some people have added it back by themselves through various private upgrades. I too have tweaked the laptop where Metro is only there for a few seonds on startup and the start button lives again on the desktop but looking at it, it seems I have moved closer to my current Windows 7 apart from IE10 which will be added to Win7 at some point on the rest of my machines.

It leaves me with the big question, why upgrade? I can understand Microsofts intention is to compete with Apple and Android in the tablet market which is where they have concentrated the main aspects of Win8 but the addition of trying to combine desktops and laptops has made the entire concept a bit hit and miss. Like I have said in previous posts, they should have started the OS as purley a mobile system and gradualy integrated into the desktop so people could accept the changes but a lot of the workers and friends I know have told me that this system will not be greeted with a great deal of enthusiasm if their company goes for the (upgrade?) no matter what version it is.

I am still convinced Win8 will be even less popular than Vista.
... any reason to move to Windows 8 but it DOES offer the consumer who is in the market for a new device another choice.

They can have "the best of all possible worlds" with a Windows 8 netbook / notebook / tablet, or they can jump to a Windows RT tablet and know it will be compatible with their Windows 7 desktop / laptop at home or at work.
I have to think about this one. This might be the FIRST ever MS Operating System that I will
run in CP (Consumer Preview) till it runs out in 03/2013 and then make a decision as to doing
a upgrade to full retail version. As it stands right now, there is nothing really new that I like in
Windows 8. Everyone is Oooos & aaaaaaaaaaahhhhhhs about Metro, but it just doesn't ring my bell at all. Even at the other message board I am on, it has pretty much had gotten silent, and I see a lot of the people have moved back to Windows 7. Windows 8 upgrade will be a think about for me.
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what
sarai1313@... 19th Apr 2012 - Below your threshold / Read Anyway
is it two,three,or four .i have it all from you guys in just the last week .it is as bad as it is the apple ipad hd ,no it the ipad 3,no waite it is the ipad .if you dont know what you are talking about dont talk at all .
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Editor
I don't know what you've been looking at, but there are 4 versions - but only 3 that most of us will have to deal with.
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... Windows 8 and Windows 8 Pro.

One Enterprise edition (not available to consumers)

One ARM tablet version (Windows RT is not Windows 8)
In my decades of using computers, I've never upgraded our PC's to a newer version of Windows. The added features/functionality have not been compelling enough to warrant the expense, the time involved and the inevitable glitches. We get a new OS when we get new computers. This also allows us to avoid version 1. I have always preferred waiting for a service pack or two to allow the dust to settle before jumping on board.
Most people don't buy an operating system - they buy a computer. They use it without much regard to care and feeding. When it breaks (or otherwise seems to them like it needs to be replaced(, they replace it with whatever operating system comes with the new computer.
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Win 8 NO THANKS
kctobyjoe 19th Apr 2012
My i7 based 64 bit 7 Pro is FINE thank you; no touch screens for me thank you
(They) Keep making all these IDIOT products for people either too STUPID to figure things out for themselves or too lazy; smart phones for dopes taken to a new level!!!
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HEY!!
Mike Lonewolf 22nd Apr 2012
Let's get a few things right! First off, Windows 8 requires less Ram than Windows XP did, and on top of that it has a self healing application that will bring it back to
it's own self. Meaning no more format a screwed up system, formatting, partitioning, re-installing the O/S and ALL the apps. Also it has a self shutdown when it sees danger, so that you don't get hit with a drive-by. Actually, it would be better to see all the offerings at a Windows 8 forum like http://www.eightforums.com. You also have to remember that Windows 7 according to Microsoft themselves is only HOW they wanted Windows Vista to turn out.
3 Votes
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Business Model
jdm12@... 19th Apr 2012
Isn't this the same business model used by the American auto industry in the 1980s?

How is this OS going to make my life better? What will it allow me to do now that I cannot already do? How will it improve what I already do?

So far, all I've learned about Win8 is that the UI will take getting used to, that the start button is missing, and that Microsoft hopes it will prevent some people from slipping off to iOS land.
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Glad to see that Microsoft at least saw the light long enough to offer some diversity to Win 8.

HOWEVER, I've never been an advocate of jumping on a new Windows OS for at least 1 year after the initial release.

Windows track record for patches and fixes in the first year or so speak for themselves and most companies simply don't need the new version of Windows within the first year and that IT budget could easily be saved by just avoiding updating to it for 12 to 18 months.

So my fav thing to do with a release of a new version of Windows is to sit back and just watch the scrambling until they get the bugs, updates, and security fixes in place.

That's my humble opinion!
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Think Its time For some Ubuntu,very nice layout.
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I believe XP SP3 support will no longer exist after 4/2014. What then? We've slowly been rolling out Win7 with our new devices (we're at 5% -10% in 20 months) but maybe we jump to Windows 8 when it becomes available and is stable instead of staying with the Win7 new device rollout. That's my thinking, why stay with going to Win7 at that point.
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How long will Microsoft sell Windows 7 after Windows 8 goes on sale? That really won't matter though because , other than moving the Start Menu to the Metro screen, the Windows 8 desktop performs just like Windows 7.

I WOULD NOT put off a migration away from Windows XP but I would not be concerned about moving to Windows 8 from Windows 7. There is simply no compelling reason to do so.
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Windows 7 is an excellent OS, that is stable and has the bugs worked out. I see no reason to upgrade. From an economical point of view most people are better off to upgrade every other version or even less often. Or wait till they buy a new PC.
The announcement should be subtitled "Add Insult To Injury". What could have been a great new OS is so bad that many people will not want to buy PC's pre-equipped with it, and if ordering a configurable PC will likely ask for Win 7. Win 7 Pro users would be idiots to upgrade if they currently use WMC. I don't know if WMP will still be there or not. In general, anyone comfortable with Win 7 or even Vista will likely hate MUTRO.

Every PC I have has Win 7. I'd love to have the underlying improvements in 8, but it's not worth it to be stuck with (unless I install enough work-arounds) a horrific GUI.
rtroy56 said

"Add Insult To Injury". What could have been a great new OS is so bad that many people will not want to buy PC's pre-equipped with it.


Then explain why stores like Wal-Mart's, CompUSA, Fry's, etc., have a huge backlog of Windows 8 PC pre-orders? hmmmmmmmmmmmmm. Also check with Dell, Gateway, HP, etc. Microsoft's own direct to consumers has as well filled up with orders for Windows 8, and from current estimates the number of pre-orders looks like it will surpass Windows 95's.
I have gotten "used to" Windows 8 on my home PC, but other than an much improved task manager, some minor perceved speed increase, the ribbon in Windows Explorer ( yes I like it ), what on earth would I pay to upgrade for? ( and I DON'T use IE10 at all, hated it since they "improved" it for IE9, I use and LOVE FireFox) Now if MS is smart ( I will wait for you to stop laughing ) they could price the plain Win 8 upgrade at $49.00 to get us upgrade since 99.5% of us do NOT have touch monitors ( nor are they even for sale today as standalone monitors ), thus METRO is wasted space, why should we pay $100+ to upgrade?
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Moderator
Touch monitors
GSG 19th Apr 2012
Yes they are for sale as stand alone. We have some from HP that we use in check in areas. They're not even that expensive.
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If you ask me the whole "touch screen" thing could be called a "failed experiment" I remember someone saying that touch screens will not work in the business world because of the fact that they are not ergonomic. A funny mental image was when someone said that workers would look like jedi's waving thier hands across thier monitors. And if that is the "big selling point" for 8, I dont think people will see a need to change OS's. Me, I am happy with 7. As of right now I will not be got to 8. NOW, once it comes out and I see how others are using it and see all the "cool" features, THEN i might go to 8. But for now I will wait and see.
I am sure that there are others.
... because, strictly speaking, it is not. Windows 8 is x86 / x64. Windows RT is ARM.

Windows RT is represented by the Metro interface included with Windows 8 but it is not the full Windows 8 kernel. Instead, it is the Windows RT (Run-Time) environment upon which Metro is built. Nor has it been made clear yet whether or not the Windows desktop will be available under Windows RT, and, if so, whether it will run Legacy Windows applications. If it exists in Windows RT, I don't expect it to run legacy Windows Apps. Period.

For clarity, consumers get to choose between Windows 8 and Windows 8 Pro, in either x86 or x64 flavors - with or without new hardware (including Intel-based tablets). Those buying Windows 8 Pro will be able to add-on Windows Media Center for a small fee.

Buyers of ARM-based tablets will be able to get tablets based upon Windows RT. Don't expect legacy Windows applications to run on these tablets.

Enterprise customers will get Windows 8 Enterprise, which is a superset of Pro.(x86 / x64) which offers features not needed outside of the enterprise.
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Windows 8
chuck@... 19th Apr 2012
No.
My 3 yr. old tablet convertible has had a new lease on life since I installed Windows 8 Consumer Preview. I will definitely upgrade it to Windows 8 Pro when it is released.

My 8 yr old home desktop with its slow performance, sketchy DVD-R, and my dying monitor are due for a refresh. I have become very comfortable with the touchscreen monitor on my Win 8 tablet so I am thinking of replacing the desktop and monitor with a touchscreen "all in one" computer. Right now, I have my eye on a Lenovo all in one set to release next month. The 27" screen that can accept 10 finger input and can lie paralell to the desk might add some new functionality.
So will I "upgrade" from XP? Not on your life.

XP now works as it ought to have from the beginning. And with minor upgrades (upgrades to XP, that is) it will continue to excel. It does need better multi-processor support, but combining that support with a hobbling of the UI does nothing to make me want to shell out (YET AGAIN) hundreds of dollars and months of my personal ramping-up time.
Windows 7 offers so much more - in performance, in security, in memory management. Don't want Windows 8? Don't buy it.
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