Three versions of the famous Microsoft OS will be available: Windows 8, Pro and RT.
Microsoft has finally realized that there is no point to fragment the market of its Windows platform, without having a good point. In the past, everybody was using Windows Pro or Home Premium. Going further with the “reimaging Windows” trend, the following changes are being spotted in which regards the versions of the next Windows 8.
The name: officially, the next of the famous platform coming from Redmond, will be called Windows 8. There is no surprise here. Sinofsky likes to keep things as simple as he can. Also, no efforts are being spotted in which regards the code name. His only concern is that his product to be delivered on the market at the needed date and with the promised conditions.
W8 Versions: Windows 8, Pro, and RT
The second expected change, which is also being awaited on the market, is related to the Windows 8 versions. We will have two version of this much awaited operating system for PC/ latop/ tablet that are running on x86 32 and 64 bits technology. The first one will be called simply Windows 8. The second one will be named Windows 8 Pro. Most of the common users will choose Windows 8, while companies and (windows) computer enthusiasts will probably install and use Windows 8 Pro. The latter can be considered the equivalent of the rumors Windows 8 Enterprise.
When compared to the common version, Windows 8 Pro will come with some several crypting elements, virtualization, PC management and domain connectivity.
Windows 8 on ARM has the following official name: Windows RT. It will be delivered in just one version, which, obviously, will be pre-instyalled on tablets and PC’s that are using the ARM technology. It will offer the classic desktop applications that we are used to see in the common Windows versions. However, they will be optimized for touch. This optimization process will also include Microsoft Word, Excel, PowerPoint and OneNote.
You can find below the main differences between the common Windows 8, the Windows 8 Pro and Windows RT:
| Option | Windows 8 | Windows 8 Pro | Windows RT |
| Upgrade from Windows 7 Starter, Home Basic, Home Premium | x | x | |
| Upgrade from Windows 7 Professional, Ultimate | x | ||
| Start screen, Semantic Zoom, Live Tiles | x | x | x |
| Windows Store | x | x | x |
| Applications (Mail, Calendar, People, Messaging, Photos, SkyDrive, Reader, Music, Video) | x | x | x |
| Microsoft Office (Word, Excel, PowerPoint, OneNote) | x | ||
| Internet Explorer 10 | x | x | x |
| Device encryption | x | ||
| Connected standby | x | x | x |
| Microsoft account | x | x | x |
| Desktop | x | x | x |
| x86/64 Desktop Apps Installation | x | x | |
| Updated Windows Explorer | x | x | x |
| Windows Defender | x | x | x |
| SmartScreen | x | x | x |
| Windows Update | x | x | x |
| Enhanced Task Manager | x | x | x |
| Switch languages on the fly (Language Packs) | x | x | x |
| Better multiple monitor support | x | x | x |
| Storage Spaces | x | x | |
| Windows Media Player | x | x | |
| Exchange ActiveSync | x | x | x |
| File history | x | x | x |
| ISO / VHD mount | x | x | x |
| Mobile broadband features | x | x | x |
| Picture password | x | x | x |
| Play To | x | x | x |
| Remote Desktop (client) | x | x | x |
| Reset and refresh your PC | x | x | x |
| Snap | x | x | x |
| Touch and Thumb keyboard | x | x | x |
| Trusted boot | x | x | x |
| VPN client | x | x | x |
| BitLocker and BitLocker To Go | x | ||
| Boot from VHD | x | ||
| Client Hyper-V | x | ||
| Domain Join | x | ||
| Encrypting File System | x | ||
| Group Policy | x | ||
| Remote Desktop (host) | x |
Personally, I consider that this is an excellent decision that Sinofsky took in which regards the versions of Windows 8. I am quite sure that every common user will choose to buy, download and install the simple version of Windows 8. The second choice you have is Windows 8 Pro, which can be considered a follower of the old Enterprise edition . However, this version targets only companies and some users which would like to receive more than the average number of apps with which Windows 8 is coming. And those which are using ARM powered devices will have only one choice: Windows RT.
What’s your opinion on Microsoft decision to deliver its OS versions in just 3 options: Windows 8, PRO and RT?
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