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The News - News

Windows 8 and its Version Confusion

Posted: 19 Apr 2012 10:58 PM PDT

Microsoft, after a period of silence about the Windows 8 OS, finally gave out a myriad of details for Windows 8 enthusiasts to be excited about in a Windows blog post this week.

 

And although the blog states only three versions, reports from Information Week and Info World seem to have some difficulty determining exactly how many versions would cater to the Windows 8 audience (not that it's difficult to see where they're having problems).

 

 

The Windows blog said that all of the three versions would have offer a "no-compromise experience" but the idea is to help users decide which version of Windows8 would suit them best.
On a side note, the post says users can switch between languages on the fly, and that there's a new version of Windows 8 that will offer a local-language-only version of the OS for China and other "select emerging markets".

 

Apparently, Windows 8 is the version for all x86/64 editions, but this edition is split into two versions; i.e. Windows 8(for the ordinary consumer), and Windows 8 Pro (for enterprises needing a broader set of Windows 8 technologies).

 
T

he blog explains that most consumers would just need the Windows 8 version of the OS, since it's got the core features of fluidity, the ability to access the mail, calendar, music, and video apps etc. But a few features it lacks include Microsoft Office as well as device encryption.

 
Windows 8 Pro has most of these features, since obviously larger enterprises will need these functionalities—but strangely the Media Center will be an "economical media pack-on" that you will have to buy, and there's no mention of how Windows 8 Pro users will have access to the Office package since it doesn't come installed.

 

Windows 8 RT is another version that Microsoft has for the pre-installed version of the OS that comes with devices (both PCs and Tablets) running ARM chipsets. This version was once referred to as Windows on ARM i.e. WOA, but it looks like they've decided to change the name on this one. This version will have a touch-optimized version of components of the Office package such as Microsoft Word, One Note, PowerPoint, and Excel.

 

In this scenario, one wonders—what about smaller enterprises? What about students who will obviously need the Media Center as well as the Office package? Will these consumers have to buy individual components and "add-ons" or would they do better to stick to Windows 7?
And really, how many versions of Windows 8 are there now?
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