4 Windows 8 Versions with Features Announced
Microsoft has released more details for Windows 8 versions & features that each version will have. Furthermore, it’s been confirmed that the official name of upcoming releases will be Windows 8 (for desltop PCs) and Windows RT (for tablets). There will be 4 versions of Win8, namely:
- Windows 8
- Windows 8 Pro
- Windows RT
- Windows 8 Enterprise
These 4 editions can be categorized into 2:
- Windows for Desktop PCs (Windows 8, Pro, Enterprise)
- Windows for Tablets (Windows RT)
Windows 8 Pro & Enterprise Features
Windows 8 and Windows 8 Pro will be targeted at desktop PCs for x86 as well as 64 bit Systems. Pro version will have some added features, such as:
- BitLocker and BitLocker To Go
- Boot from VHD
- Client Hyper-V
- Domain Join
- Encrypting File System
- Group Policy
- Remote Desktop (host)
Windows 7 (Professional and Ultimate) users will be able to to upgrade to Windows 8 Pro. Windows 8 Enterprise will have all the features of Windows 8 Pro in addition to Software Assurance agreements. According to Microsoft:
Windows 8 Enterprise includes all the features of Windows 8 Pro plus features for IT organization that enable PC management and deployment, advanced security, virtualization, new mobility scenarios, and much more.
Windows RT Features
Windows RT, previously known as Windows On ARM (WOA), will come preinstalled on tablets and PCs with ARM processors. It’s optimized version of Windows with focus on battery life. Windows RT will come with touch-optimized version of Microsoft Office (Word, Excel, PowerPoint and OneNote).
via MSDN
