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Earlier this week, we mentioned that Microsoft would be coughing up Windows 8 upgrades for the bargain price of $39.99. That's a fine deal, but it looks like Windows 8 Release Preview testers will get the same offer. That's right -- when the time comes, users brave enough to test out Microsoft's freely available Windows 8 RP will be able to upgrade their pre-release installation to the final, upgrade version for a mere $39.99.
This information originated from ComputerWorld but ZDNet's Mary Jo Foley has confirmed it with Microsoft. She also points out that there's no explicit distinction between Home or Professional versions, so upgrades to Home and Pro editions may both be $39.99.
Download the Windows 8 Release Preview:
32-bit | 64-bit | Upgrade Assistant
"Computerworld got it right. Assuming the customer had a previous version of Windows installed before Release Preview, they’ll be able to upgrade from the Release Preview. They won’t need to reinstall the previous version to do the upgrade; they can just upgrade on top of the Release Preview."
Source: zdnet.com, Microsoft spokesperson
Although we haven't seen an exact release date for Windows 8, there have been plenty of clues it'll be dropping sometime between September and October. Rumors of the gold/RTM version -- the final product which will be shipped to OEM partners -- suggest that Windows 8 could be finalized this month.
In order to be eligible for the $40 upgrade, users must first install the Windows 8 Release Preview. When retail copies of Windows 8 hit the shelves, RP testers will be able to use the Windows.com upgrade tool to "upgrade" their system to Windows 8 RTM.
It's important to note that the term "upgrade" isn't necessarily a precise description of what to expect. When users upgrade their RP to RTM, their system settings will not be saved. However, the upgrade tool will retain personal files (e.g. "Documents" and "Desktop") and presumably most application settings (e.g. the "AppData" folder) but Windows itself will be installed from scratch. This essentially sounds like a clean install with the added bonus of user migration and should prove to be acceptable for most people.
The offer is expected to be valid until Jan 31, 2013.
Please show me where I said that Windows 8 sucked because it was too different from Windows 7. You would not make a good translator. You like to ad lib too much.
Please show me where I said Windows 8 was a stripped down version of Windows 7. If that's all it was it could have been called Windows 7 Service Pack 2.
I could also set my mind to simply bypass the Metro interface and go to directly to Windows 9. And if it's still there, Windows 7 is gonna have one hell of a long life cycle for me.
iOS is a cellphone operating system, is it not? Not sure where Microsoft got confused and thought the desktop would be a good place for a mobile operating system. If they wanted to build a mobile OS to compete with iOS thats fine. Keep it in the mobile space. Not on the desktop.
Oh and explain how Windows 8 code is superior to Windows 7 code since you are giving everyone the impression that you actually know. How is it superior...what exactly makes it superior?
Please show me where I said Windows 8 was a stripped down version of Windows 7. If that's all it was it could have been called Windows 7 Service Pack 2.
I could also set my mind to simply bypass the Metro interface and go to directly to Windows 9. And if it's still there, Windows 7 is gonna have one hell of a long life cycle for me.
iOS is a cellphone operating system, is it not? Not sure where Microsoft got confused and thought the desktop would be a good place for a mobile operating system. If they wanted to build a mobile OS to compete with iOS thats fine. Keep it in the mobile space. Not on the desktop.
Oh and explain how Windows 8 code is superior to Windows 7 code since you are giving everyone the impression that you actually know. How is it superior...what exactly makes it superior?
Ok, good. So I was right before. You would actually pass up any superior operating system just because somewhere on them is an interface you aren't used to, even though it is already established that you can completely bypass it. And yes, I mistyped, OS X is Apple's computer OS. Anyways, a few reasons it is better is because it:
- Is compatible with all win7 programs
- Has upgraded to the new NT Kernel
- Supports native code across different lines of processors (If you know what this means you know it's HUGE)
- Has cloud support
- Supports NFC
- Integrates your windows account into your computer
- Introducing Windows To Go (this ties into the enhance compatibility)
- Refines a lot of the windows features that we would normally go to third parties for (the new backup system and the new virtual drive are good examples)
- does it all faster and cleaner than windows 7
You don't have to be an expert programmer to know those are solid reasons to upgrade. To simplify these things for you, it does everything windows 7 can do and more, but in a faster, more intuitive way. It probably won't be perfect, but no operating system is perfect (yes, that includes win7). That being said, anyone who can get passed their raging hate of Metro will probably love win8, since Metro is the only reason you've made why NOT to upgrade. Just sayin.
P.S. - If you actually learn about it, the Metro interface uses less resources and does everything the start menu does and more (just in an easier to use, more colorful way)
You weren't too far off with your mistake of saying iOS though. 8 is going to be essentially the same on tablet and desktop. OS X is also moving towards making a unified OS between iOS and itself. For Apple and Microsoft they are thinking the future is a blend, so if you are set on a pure desktop OS in the future it may be time to look elsewhere; linux, bsd, whatever.
lg-88, that 'cartoony fish' is a Betta Fish. It was Microsoft trying to be clever/cute with their beta release of their OS. It's bubbles create an "8".
- Is compatible with all win7 programs
- Has upgraded to the new NT Kernel
- Supports native code across different lines of processors (If you know what this means you know it's HUGE)
- Has cloud support
- Supports NFC
- Integrates your windows account into your computer
- Introducing Windows To Go (this ties into the enhance compatibility)
- Refines a lot of the windows features that we would normally go to third parties for (the new backup system and the new virtual drive are good examples)
- does it all faster and cleaner than windows 7
You don't have to be an expert programmer to know those are solid reasons to upgrade. To simplify these things for you, it does everything windows 7 can do and more, but in a faster, more intuitive way. It probably won't be perfect, but no operating system is perfect (yes, that includes win7). That being said, anyone who can get passed their raging hate of Metro will probably love win8, since Metro is the only reason you've made why NOT to upgrade. Just sayin.
P.S. - If you actually learn about it, the Metro interface uses less resources and does everything the start menu does and more (just in an easier to use, more colorful way)
-Golly gee, you mean if I upgrade to Windows 8 I can run Windows 7 software on it? Awesome. Oh wait, I can already do that on 'Windows 7'.
-So, one reason to upgrade to Windows 8 is simply because it has a new NT Kernel. Translation: Newer is always better, right?
-Cloud support so I can entrust my important private data to someone else other than me? Nice....
-Supports NFC is a benefit for a desktop how exactly?
-Integrates my Windows account into my computer...long distance User profiles....whoopie doo
-Windows To Go...they have finally assigned a catchy name to the task of booting an OS off a flash drive...nice
-Virtual drive integration....This feature should have been integrated into Windows 7...What the hell took so long..+1 for having finally done it, -1 for having taken so damn long. -1 if this feature isn't implemented in Windows 7 Service Pack 2
-does it all faster and cleaner...what exactly does it do faster besides booting up? And what do you mean by cleaner? Explain that buzzword please.
So, I should upgrade to Windows 8 because it allows me to bypass Metro huh? These are your selling points? ![]()
-So, one reason to upgrade to Windows 8 is simply because it has a new NT Kernel. Translation: Newer is always better, right?
-Cloud support so I can entrust my important private data to someone else other than me? Nice....
-Supports NFC is a benefit for a desktop how exactly?
-Integrates my Windows account into my computer...long distance User profiles....whoopie doo
-Windows To Go...they have finally assigned a catchy name to the task of booting an OS off a flash drive...nice
-Virtual drive integration....This feature should have been integrated into Windows 7...What the hell took so long..+1 for having finally done it, -1 for having taken so damn long. -1 if this feature isn't implemented in Windows 7 Service Pack 2
-does it all faster and cleaner...what exactly does it do faster besides booting up? And what do you mean by cleaner? Explain that buzzword please.
So, I should upgrade to Windows 8 because it allows me to bypass Metro huh? These are your selling points?
Man, now you're just getting desperate. I give up, if you don't like the future for operating systems, you can stick with win7 indefinitely. But the rest of the world's gonna be happily computing with win8.
I perused some of the comments and I guess Vista's neophibia is at work again.
The early achievers will win out and the rest may be left straggling.
Win 8 is a big improvement in many ways and I feel it will prove itself in the business and corporate market place where the IT persons are up to the challenge. In the user market, competent IT support will be most helpful but in the retail market I have some concerns especially how chain stores will manage. Win 8 separates the user much more from the operations and will leave many just scratching their head and if they do not have support then that will be the end of it.
Tom Brown
This is really excellent news. I was hoping this would happen, but really didn't believe that it would! I have Release Preview running on a Dell Inspiron Duo and it is running really nicely. The touchscreen experience is fantastic and I have quickly gotten used to the various gestures. I am pleased that it won't be difficult to continue using Windows 8 when it is released.
Maybe I am crazy, but I just dont understand all the complaining.
First, If you like windows 7, nobody is forcing you to upgrade so shut up.
Second, Windows 8 pro looks just like windows 7, You can switch back and forth with one button or key between the new beautiful touch ui and the windows 8(window 7 style) interface.
So please let me understand why anyone is complaining you get the best of both world. And its only $40.
Some people just hate change, thats the only thing that makes sense.(even if they can still do the same stuff with the change).
Jason K.
"Maybe I am crazy, but I just dont understand all the complaining.
First, If you like windows 7, nobody is forcing you to upgrade so shut up.
Second, Windows 8 pro looks just like windows 7, You can switch back and forth with one button or key between the new beautiful touch ui and the windows 8(window 7 style) interface.
So please let me understand why anyone is complaining you get the best of both world. And its only $40.
Some people just hate change, thats the only thing that makes sense.(even if they can still do the same stuff with the change)."
Not crazy, just of limited perception.
Windows 8 pro doesn't look just like Windows 7, you should take a look.
And why wouldn't anyone complain at paying $40 (or $1!) for an "upgrade" which isn't as good as the thing "upgraded".
"Not crazy, just of limited perception.
Windows 8 pro doesn't look just like Windows 7, you should take a look.
And why wouldn't anyone complain at paying $40 (or $1!) for an "upgrade" which isn't as good as the thing "upgraded"."
Limited Perception.. ha ha nice kind insult.
but I am running windows 8 pre-release... so yeah I am sure I have taken a look. And if you switch off the nice new gui, you have the same desktop as in windows 7(which I still run on my laptop).
And yes again, why would anyone complain about a upgrade for $40(or $1) when it isnt as good as the thing upgraded, when they are not being forced to.(just given the option).
I'd like to reply, but I'm still trying to work out if it means anything!
I'd like to reply, but I'm still trying to work out if it means anything!
Beats the hell out of me!! ![]()
Yeah I can understand how you might be looking at it... The statement sounds the way it does,because I was quoting the guy I was responding too. Of Course, I feel like its worth it to upgrade and feel from my experience with it is better than windows 7 as far as working day to day. (even though windows 7 is good). But for those that done feel like its better or worth it, then don't upgrade. Its simple.
Everyone is welcome to their opinion and everybody is not gonna like it, even after they play with it. I am all for opinions, but when you start complaining about something you are not required to do,use,or purchase. Its just complaining.
Jason K.
I understand now you've given me that example of it! :p
You welcome..:p
Everyone has the right to have an opinion even staffmembers.... The only ones who aren't professionals are people who can't accept this right.
Having an opinion and expressing it in a professional way are two different things. "+1", "trolls and monaers" and "haters gonna hate" are expressions that scream unprofessionalism; it doesn't matter if your opinion is or not valid. Mr. Rick is a reporter, he should act --and write-- like one.
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