Microsoft’s new Windows 8 operating system is available now for its customers in India and around the world. Windows 8 is available in different versions :
Windows RT: is meant only for computers or tablets that run on ARM processors. Basically Windows RT is meant for tablets. It will offer probably better battery life and will be much simpler to use, but in terms of functionality, it is likely to be limited compared to a proper computer.
Windows 8 Enterprise: is for customers who want volume licencing. The enterprise version has several specific features that are important for system administrators in large companies.
Windows 8 Pro: This is the version of Windows that Microsoft is pushing in the market at the moment. It has almost all the features of Windows 8. If you are buying a computer with Windows 8 or want to update the OS on your existing machine, this is the version you should buy.
According to Microsoft, any computer running Windows 7 can be upgraded to Windows 8 OS, provided the machine has following hardware features :
1GHz or faster processor, 1GB RAM (32-bit) or 2GB RAM (64-bit), 16GB available hard disk space (32-bit) or 20GB (64-bit), DirectX 9 graphics device with WDDM 1.0 or higher driver. For Modern UI apps a screen with a resolution of 1024×768 pixels is mandatory.
Microsoft will ensure that Windows 8 runs on all new computers sold in the Indian market. In India, over 250 Windows 8 enabled devices, including 23 completely new SKUs of Windows 8 PCs will be available across 100 cities and more than 2500 retail stores.
Besides new Windows 8 devices, consumers can also upgrade their existing PCs to Windows 8. If you bought your computer after June 2, 2012 you can pay Rs 699 to upgrade to Windows 8 Pro. This offer will last until January 31, 2013. If you use Windows XP, Windows Vista or Windows 7, you can upgrade to Windows 8 Pro after paying Rs 1,999. This offer will last until January 31, 2013. Those who prefer buying a DVD to upgrade will have to pay Rs 3,499. This offer is also valid till January 31, 2013, and after that the OS is likely to cost approx. Rs 11,000.
Microsoft plans to continue providing technical support for Windows 7 until January 14, 2020.
That’s a great news. Need to Upgrade early.