Detailed Windows 8 and Windows RT Differences

Windows 8 and Windows 8 new devices will meet with global consumers by 26th this month, but users should be fully aware of the differences between Windows 8 versions before they purchase these devices or software upgrade packs. A few months ago, Microsoft announced that it would launch 3 consumer-level versions of its upcoming operating system, Windows 8: Windows 8, Windows 8 Pro, and Windows RT.

There is little difference between Windows 8 and Windows 8 Pro, both of which have a fully functional start screen and a desktop environment, and the biggest difference between Windows RT is that Windows RT runs a mobile environment and runs only windows Application and pre-installed software on the store.

Windows 8 and Windows RT look almost the same, with the Start screen user interface for the new name and the available desktop mode. However, deep differences have a significant impact on how users use devices, Windows RT is an operating system specifically for tablets and mobile devices, and Windows 8 is a full-featured PC operating system. Although they may seem to be no different, the operation is completely different. Microsoft has been trying to make its store retailers understand the difference between Windows 8 and Windows Rt. However, this may take time. Even now that surface RT has begun to accept bookings, many Microsoft employees are unable to explain what Windows RT can and cannot do.

The following is a comparison of Windows 8 and Windows RT:

Release date

Windows 8 and Windows RT are published on October 26.

Price

Windows 8 and Windows 8 Pro will be available for purchase in retail and online, individually upgraded. The physical upgrade package for Windows 8 Pro has been booked for a price of USD 70. Microsoft says users can also upgrade online to Windows 8 Pro on October 26, at a cost of $40. Users who purchase Windows 7 devices from June 2, 2012 to January 3, 2013 will be able to pay 15 USD for upgrades to Windows 8 Pro. However, Microsoft did not disclose the basic version of Windows 8 price.

Windows RT is technically not for sale because users cannot purchase a Windows RT Upgrade pack. Windows RT will only be pre-installed on certain devices, such as surface RT and Microsoft Original Equipment Manufacturer Partners ' products. The price of a Windows RT device is expected to be lower than the Windows 8 device.

Hardware

Windows 8 will only run on x86 architecture devices supported by Intel or AMD chips.

Windows RT will only run on ARM architecture devices. ARM chips have lower power consumption and cheaper prices.

Battery endurance capability

The battery endurance of the upcoming Windows 8 device is estimated at 6-8 hours.

The battery endurance of a Windows RT device is superior to most Windows 8 devices. Microsoft says the Surface RT battery can last a whole day and lasts more than 8-13 hours. Dell also claims that its upcoming XPS RT tablet will have a battery-endurance capacity of up to 20 hours.

Interface

Windows 8 uses a fully functional start screen and desktop mode.

At first glance, Windows RT has the same interface as Windows 8, but the desktop mode of Windows RT is not fully functional. In fact, users cannot run Third-party software on Windows RT's desktop.

Software support

Windows 8 will be able to run all the software in the Windows Store and all third party software running in previous versions of Windows.

Windows RT will support only the applications in Windows store and the preinstalled version of Office 2013. This means that users will not be able to download any software from the network running in the desktop environment. Windows RT does not support Third-party browsers, does not support Third-party games, and does not support any third party software. Software that users run on Windows RT must be certified by Microsoft and come from the Windows Store.

Currently, the Windows Store has about 5,000 applications and more than 90% of applications are compatible with Windows Rt. The app is not huge, and some important apps like Spotify and Facebook can't run on Windows Rt. Windows RT does not have Windows Media Player functionality, but it comes pre-loaded with other media players such as Xbox music.

Enterprise Application

Windows 8 is a tool that evolves from previous versions of Windows to support enterprise users. Windows 8 Pro provides features such as Remote Desktop servers, Active Directory domain support, file system encryption, virtualization, and BitLocker.

Windows RT is not necessarily a business-friendly platform because it is not compatible with Third-party software, and users will have to rely on pre-installed Microsoft apps to do their job. The pre-installed RT version of Office 2013 will not have the usual software for businesses like Outlook, but it provides word, PowerPoint, and Excel software. Windows RT devices such as surface RT may become another very good enterprise tool, but you must choose Windows 8 if you want to have a fully functional enterprise platform.

Different users

If the user wants a fully functional operating system with a really useful desktop mode, then you should choose Windows 8. If the user relies on Third-party software, then Windows 8 or Windows 8 Pro should be selected. Laptops, desktop computers and other devices can use the system.

If the user wants a tablet or mobile device that has an ipad feature, then it's a good choice to use a Windows RT device. Take surface RT, for example, to meet the needs of users who want to have basic productivity tools such as office, and touch and move friendly environments. Keep in mind, however, that Windows RT can only run applications in Windows Store, and that the current application in the Windows Store is not very rich.