Windows 8 has 4 versions: 10 Things users should know

April 19 News, according to foreign media reports, Microsoft has announced all versions of Windows 8. What should potential users know about the platform? This time, Microsoft will provide four different versions of Windows 8 to consumers, small businesses, large businesses, and device users running ARM processors.

On April 16, Microsoft provided new information that consumers and business users should know: Microsoft will launch many different versions of Windows 8 later this year. As expected, Microsoft will provide consumers and technology enthusiasts with two versions of Windows 8 and provide a choice for arm devices called "Windows 8RT". A solution that applies only to large enterprises is named Windows 8 Enterprise Edition.

Now that various versions of Windows 8 have been released, consumers and business users need to know what they will find in each release and determine which version is best for their needs. Here are 10 things users should know about four versions of Windows 8.

1. Windows 8 is the real demand for all consumers

Depending on the number of features provided by Windows 8, consumers do not seem to need the professional version of the software. Some standard features are found in Windows 8, such as Windows Media Player, IE 10, Windows Store, and so on.

2.Windows 8 Professional Edition is a must for small business

People who run small businesses should not waste time using entry-level Windows 8. Instead, these small businesses should buy Windows 8 Professional editions. This version provides the full functionality provided by the standard operating system, but also adds some key features, such as BitLocker, Client Hyper-V, and Encrypting File System.

3.Windows 8 RT lacks critical functionality

Windows 8 RT is used for devices based on ARM processors and is an added key product in the Windows ecosystem. However, viewing the features in the RT version will make some users dislike it. For example, it does not have a Windows Media Player. In addition, the RT version does not yet have Microsoft's storage space (Storage spaces). This feature provides storage management through a virtualization layer. However, the biggest problem with the Windows 8 RT Edition Is that it is not allowed to install X86/64 software and desktop computer software. Other versions of Windows 8 allow these software to run.

4.Windows 8 Enterprise Edition suitable for large enterprise application

While Microsoft does not fully disclose the details of the Windows 8 Enterprise version, it is likely to provide every feature of the consumer version. As Microsoft points out, the Windows 8 Enterprise Edition is the only appropriate option for large companies with Software Assurance programs. Windows 8 Enterprise Edition is basically the Windows 8 Professional Edition plus some additional features, such as PC management and deployment, and virtualization.

5. Consideration of the promotion policy

As expected, Microsoft will not force current users to buy all new versions of Windows 8. Instead, Microsoft says that users of the current Windows 7 Starter, home base and home value-added editions will be able to upgrade to Windows 8 and Windows 8 Professional editions. Windows 7 Professional Edition and Windows 7 final users can only be upgraded to Windows 8 Professional Edition. Windows RT does not support upgrades.

6. Not all versions support Remote Desktop

For technology enthusiasts and enterprise users, supporting Remote Desktop is one of the most compelling features of Windows 8 that are undisputed. However, this option is not available in every version. In fact, Microsoft says, Remote Desktop is available only to Windows 8 Professional and Windows 8 Enterprise editions. Windows 8 and Windows 8 RT editions Do not have this option.

7. Very simple

Remember all the versions of Windows Vista and Windows 7 that Microsoft has launched in the past few years? It is difficult for users to understand all these versions. However, Windows 8 has only 4 versions and only two versions are available to consumers. Microsoft has abandoned its past practice. This should help Microsoft raise revenue.

8.Windows 8 RT version will be equipped with Office software (no other version)

Surprisingly, Microsoft will have Office software pre-installed in the Windows 8 RT edition (including Word, Excel, PowerPoint, and OneNote). This will not happen in the standard Windows 8 and Windows 8 Professional editions. Microsoft did not explain why it bundled office software in the Windows 8 RT and did not say what impact it would have on office-related revenue. However, users who use the RT version will be very satisfied. They don't have to pay to buy the office suite software.

9. Windows 8 RT Edition is pre-installed only in the device

Although users can buy Windows 8 and Windows 8 Professional editions and install them on their own computers, the Windows 8 RT Edition does not have this option. Instead, Microsoft says the platform is pre-installed only on tablet computers and other devices that use it. It's too bad.

10. Microsoft has not yet disclosed the price or the date of launch

The last one, perhaps the most important thing for consumers, is that we don't yet know the price of Windows 8 for all versions and when they will be launched. Microsoft said in a blog announcing various versions of Windows 8 that it planned to provide more information. However, before that, users can only try the Windows 8 Consumer preview version to see if it is right for you.