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[Jzero]

• MSDN & TechNet: August 15th, 2012 Available!
  
• DreamSpark Premium: August 25th, 2012 Available!
  
• General Availability: October 26th, 2012

Windows RT:

Support:

• Only available with new devices
• Only runs on ARM processors such as the Nvidia Tegra 3 and Qualcomm Snapdragon S4

Features:

• New 'Modern UI Style' look
• Microsoft Account Support - Login to any device anywhere with your account with roaming settings, bookmarks, password etc.
• Multiple User Support - for a shared experience
• Class Drivers for a wide range of devices including printers, external storage and 4G/3G connections out of the box
• Access to applications from the new Windows Store
• High Resolution Display support
• Connected Standby - so you content is always up to date (requires hardware support)
• Exchange ActiveSync for email, contacts and calendars
• Limited Desktop (file system, office and system settings)
• Remote desktop (client only)

Windows RT only features:

• Office 2013 RT included with all devices (Preview at launch, to be upgraded to final version)
• Connect to Enterprise Management Systems for line of business applications
  (somewhere in-between Exchange ActiveSync and full Domain Join)

Windows 8 (Standard):

Support:

• Runs on x86/x64 processors
• Available as a standalone software
• Upgrades from Windows 7 Starter, Home Basic, Home Premium

Features:

• All Windows RT features including access to applications from the new Windows Store
• Full Desktop access
• Compatibility with the millions of existing Windows Applications
• File History - "Previous Versions" reimagined
• Storage Spaces - Turn random hard drives into one single pool of storage (with redundancy)
• Windows Media Player
• Enterprise Domain Join

Windows 8 Professional:

Support:

• Runs on x86/x64 processors
• Available as a standalone software
• Upgrades from Windows 7 Professional, Ultimate

Features:

• All Windows RT and Windows 8 (Standard) features including access to applications from the new Windows Store
• Hyper-V virtualisation environment
• Hard Drive Encryption (EFS, Bitlocker and Bitlocker to go)
• Access to Windows Media Centre (paid upgrade)
• Native Remote Desktop Host

• If your PC is running Windows XP, Vista, or 7 you will qualify to download an upgrade to Windows 8 Pro for just $39.99. £24.99 UK
  
• If you prefer to upgrade through physical media, a packaged DVD version of the upgrade will be available for $69.99 during the promo.
  
• Customers who purchased a Windows 7 PC from June 2nd and on will be offered a Windows 8 Pro upgrade for only $14.99
  
• Promotion is now over, prices have gone up.

• Windows 8 Standard (Full Version) - $99.99
• Windows 8 Professional (Full Version) - $139.99
• Windows 8 Pro Pack (Turns Windows 8 into Window 8 Pro) - $69.99

The new Windows 8 start screen allows you organize the programs you need the most and also hosts the new metro applications.
You can still use the good ol' desktop that we all love if you are using Windows 8 and Windows 8 Pro by just clicking the Desktop tile.

Microsoft Security Essentials has been renamed to Windows Defender and comes built in with Windows 8, so
you don't have to worry about Installing anti-virus software. If you decide to use another antivirus anyways,
you can disable Windows Defender and do so.

The task manager in Windows 8 has been greatly improved visually and now includes a 'Startup' tab so you can change what programs
start up with your computer without having to use Msconfig. You can either have a small version or an advanced version of the task
manager depending on your needs.

The 'Charms' bar is a handy pop up that activates when you hover over the top or bottom right of your screen and allows you to use:

• Search: The search feature has been split into three categories (Apps, Settings, Files) and also lets you search inside metro applications. (which is great)
  You can start typing on the start screen to search if you don't want to do it from the charms bar.
  
• Share: The share feature allows you to share things (like articles from inside the Wikipedia app) and let's you email them to your contacts.
  
• Devices: The devices feature allows you to send information to devices such as a printer.
  
• Settings: The settings tab host some of the most important setting like Wi-Fi settings, Volume, Screen Brightness, Notifications (Disable),
  Power options (Sleep, Shut Down, Restart), Keyboard Settings for changing the language, and "Change PC Settings".

Right clicking the "Start Corner" (Bottom left corner of screen) will make this little menu pop up and it will let you use most features that
power users and computer technicians use.

Another one of my favorite visual improvements is the one they did to the windows progress bar. It now shows progress for multiple files
in a single dialog box, rather than opening one dialog for each action.

Windows 8 comes with a built in 'App Store' which features Windows 8 apps and also includes links to desktop (Non Metro) applications.
You can start typing from the home screen of the store to search through the available the apps.

Also included is the Skydrive application which lets you easily backup and download your files from and to the cloud. (7GB of storage for free!)

• Use the Windows 8 Start screen with the Xbox 360 controller!
• Mouse and Keyboard
  
• Getting Around Windows 8
  
• Keyboard Shortcuts
  
• Microsoft Answers for Windows 8 (For common Windows problems and their solutions)
  
• Right click while in metro applications for additional options that an app might have!
  
• Start typing to search through the apps on your start screen, the store and many other apps.

• Skydrive
  
• Outlook
  
• Office 2013
  
• Windows Phone |OT|
  
• Xbox Live Gamertags for Windows 8 / RT users

What are the best tablets/hybrids available for Windows 8 ?

Head on over to this thread and find out yourself.



What are some mice that are optimized for full Windows 8 gestures?


​

 

[Jzero]

Can my computer run Windows 8?

• 
  Windows 8 takes up less resources than Windows 7 so it should run even in older computers.
  If you want to make sure, you can use the Windows 8 Upgrade Assistant which will check
  to make sure your PC is ready for Windows 8.

The basic requirements are as follows:

• 1GHz or faster SSE2/PAE processor is required.
• 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

After I upgrade, can I use my old Windows version on a separate partition or on another PC? Can I give it away or sell it?

• No. The upgrade replaces the old license completely.

Can i try Windows 8 before buying it?

• Sure, you can download the Enterprise version and evaluate it for 90 days. Just go HERE.
  Keep in mind that you will not be able to upgrade this version to the retail version.

I want to upgrade but i don't like the 'Hot Corners' or starting in the metro start, can i remove them?

• You can download this and it will disable them for you.

How do i turn off my computer?

• The power options have moved to the 'Settings' portion of the charms bar but the easiest option is just to
  press the power button on your computer.

Are updates in Windows 8 still as annoying as they were in Windows 7?

• Good news! Windows 8 will not automatically restart your computer after an update.

How do i do a search in the Windows 8 Store?

• You can start typing straight from the home screen of the store or click on charms and then the store icon.

What is the difference between the $39.99 and the $69.99 upgrade?

• For one you have to download Windows 8 from Microsoft's website and the other already comes in an
  installation DVD.

Are Windows 8 Release Preview users eligible for the $40 upgrade to Windows 8 Pro promotion?

• Unfortunately you can't. You need to have a previous OS with an activated key in order to get the upgrade price.

Do i have to use my Microsoft account to make a user account?

• No, but using your Microsoft account will allow you to access a lot more features.

How do i close a metro application?

• To completely close a metro application all you have to do is to click on the top of the screen and drag the screen down.
  You don't have to close metro applications though since they suspend themselves when not in use.

How do i burn a Windows 8 DVD or Boot Flash Drive?

• You will need to download the Windows 7 USB/DVD download tool

Will Windows 8 negatively affect my gaming performance?

• Not significantly

How do i add custom tiles to my apps?

• OblyTile
  Here's a thread dedicated to icons

How are you guys giving titles to specific sections? Games/Entertainment/etc.

• Go to the start screen
  Zoom out (minus button or pinch out or ctrl + mouse wheel back)
  Right click on a column
  Name Group

-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Thanks to Nero3000 and Windu for the help!

Anyways, please do not come in here and start shitting up this thread.
​

 

[Jzero]

Hall of shame

 

[Pop-O-Matic]

This is gonna suuuuuck...

 

[Christina Mackenzie]

Nice job OP. It's weird not having the "Start" button on the taskbar. I'm still getting used to it though I find that I still spend the majority of my time on the desktop.

 

[Walshicus]

Good OP Jzero.

 

[Doffen]

Loving Windows 8!

 

[Jzero]

Nice job OP. It's weird not having the "Start" button on the taskbar. I'm still getting used to it though I find that I still spend the majority of my time on the desktop.

Well yea you're not supposed to be on the metro apps all day unless you're using RT. I use the desktop 80% of the time and metro apps 20% of the time. Everything is used for a different purpose.

 

[orientalNoodle]

Very colourful!!

 

[chickdigger802]

I have win 7 on my laptop, but I wanna do a fresh install with win 8 ($40 upgrade one).

What do I do?

Where do I even 'download' the $40 one?

 

[Tomat]

I have win 7 on my laptop, but I wanna do a fresh install with win 8 ($40 upgrade one).

What do I do?

Where do I even 'download' the $40 one?

You can get physical upgrade disks I believe, or you can probably get an upgrade through Microsoft. They'll have you download the ISO and you can either burn it to a disk or set it up to install through a USB.

 

[Jzero]

I have win 7 on my laptop, but I wanna do a fresh install with win 8 ($40 upgrade one).

What do I do?

Where do I even 'download' the $40 one?

You have to wait until launch day. Then you would have to go to their website and download the upgrade. You have windows 7 so you qualify for that price.

Read the OP people, the answers are there

 

[Jezbollah]

Does Windows 8 Standard limit you to 16gb like 7 Home Premium does?

 

[strata8]

Well yea you're not supposed to be on the metro apps all day unless you're using RT. I use the desktop 80% of the time and metro apps 20% of the time. Everything is used for a different purpose.

I didn't like it a first, but I've started using Metro apps more and more often. They're just so much faster. I can start using my laptop instantly after standby with Windows 8 - in Windows 7 I had to wait 30 seconds for anything to work because every program would hog the hard disk (I'm looking at you, Dropbox!).

That, and some of the apps (eg, Mail, Skydrive) are infinitely better than their desktop equivalents.

 

[Candeldandel]

Probably gonna have to go out and get this. I'm willing to give it a shot... I do love the colors, though the boxyness is a little eh. But, I still like it.

 

[chickdigger802]

You have to wait until launch day. Then you would have to go to their website and download the upgrade. You have windows 7 so you qualify for that price.

Read the OP people, the answers are there

Yeah just wondering if the 'upgrade' would allow me to do a fresh install.

Also, is there a way for me to know if my touchpad will support all the gestures of win 8?

 

[celebi23]

Awesome OP Jzero! Subscribed!

 

[Tomat]

You can reformat your hard drive with an upgrade disk.

 

[Tashi]

Very nice OP. Looking forward to upgrading. I think I'm going to give Metro a shot.

 

[f0lken]

Yeah just wondering if the 'upgrade' would allow me to do a fresh install.

Yes, but if you have a problem all versions of Windows 8 have an option to "refresh" the system (keeping all your files and configurations, but reseting the programs and drivers, or "restart" which is basically a full reformat of your PC

 

[chickdigger802]

I assume links will be updated when dls go live?

I'm kinda pumped. Think my almost year old ultrabook got some virus in china and is sad, and needs an update

 

[Jzero]

I assume links will be updated when dls go live?

I'm kinda pumped. Think my almost year old ultrabook got some virus in china and is sad, and needs an update

Yes, i'll definitely update the links. Right now they are nonexistent that's why i didn't post them.

 

[DagsJT]

So I've got Windows 7 already and plan to get the download upgrade.

But what happens if, for example, I replace my SSD? Do I need to install Windows 7, then run the Win8 upgrade? Seems a bit fiddly if that's the case.

 

[SteveWD40]

Beautiful OP.

 

[chickdigger802]

But yeah, i'm still curious about trackpad gestures. Wasn't there a blog post about that?

 

[Jzero]

So I've got Windows 7 already and plan to get the download upgrade.

But what happens if, for example, I replace my SSD? Do I need to install Windows 7, then run the Win8 upgrade? Seems a bit fiddly if that's the case.

Once you upgrade your Windows 7 will become nonexistent so you won't be able to use the windows 7 key anymore. You will however, be able to re-install with the Windows 8 key they give you.

But yeah, i'm still curious about trackpad gestures. Wasn't there a blog post about that?

It really matters on the manufacturer of the trackpad. You should Google to see if anyone that has your laptop is using windows 8.

 

[Cj70]

Been using it for months at home and at work. Jarring at first but use it for a few days and you won't be able to go back to Windows 7 or that silly orb thing on the taskbar.

I think this blog by Scott Hanselman is very useful and details all of the new shortcuts.

http://www.hanselman.com/blog/Windows8ProductivityWhoMovedMyCheeseOhThereItIs.aspx

 

[DagsJT]

Once you upgrade your Windows 7 will become nonexistent so you won't be able to use the windows 7 key anymore. You will however, be able to re-install with the Windows 8 key they give you.

Hmm, so the Windows 8 upgrade then becomes a "full version" so to speak? Meaning I'd just boot off that ISO and install as if it's a full version? Pretty good if that's the case.

 

[Troll]

I told you it was going to be awesome.

 

[f0lken]

Hmm, so the Windows 8 upgrade then becomes a "full version" so to speak? Meaning I'd just boot off that ISO and install as if it's a full version? Pretty good if that's the case.

Yes, that's exactly how it works

 

[Windu]

Awesome

Hall of shame

smells like victory

 

[Myoclonic Jerk]

I'm interested!

 

[dejay]

Subbed for the info. I plan to upgrade day 1 (unless I'm lazy, in which case it could be a week or so later).

This is gonna suuuuuck...

Off to a good start I see.

 

[Troll]

Subbed for the info. I plan to upgrade day 1 (unless I'm lazy, in which case it could be a week or so later).



Off to a good start I see.

Well this is a Microsoft thread after all.

 

[Iced_Eagle]

Great OP!

Been using Win8 ever since the developer preview almost a year ago. It's absolutely fantastic. App store has been filling up at a pretty good rate too.

 

[derFeef]

Wonderful OP. Ready for Windows 8.

 

[Steelyuhas]

Damn, Hall of Shame.

Great OP.

 

[Kiraly]

How does Office 2013 RT fare against the full version?

For what kind of users would you recommend RT over x86?

Student here looking for something fresh.

 

[Emperor Bohe]

I probably won't upgrade until I get a new computer... Windows 7 will do for a bit longer for me..

 

[Dreams-Visions]

Nice OP.

Just skimming the images in the OP...I'm suprised at how inconsistent the menu designs are in the normal Desktop.

The PC Settings UI looks metro-ized while the Task Manager and Windows Defender match. What does WMP look like?

 

[Jzero]

How does Office 2013 RT fare against the full version?

For what kind of users would you recommend RT over x86?

Student here looking for something fresh.

It looks almost identical.

People with a tighter budget will get the RT's

 

[i_am_ben]

I'm a little afraid Windows 8 is too reliant on me knowing keyboard shortcuts to do stuff quickly and easily.

 

[strata8]

Nice OP.

Just skimming the images in the OP...I'm suprised at how inconsistent the menu designs are in the normal Desktop.

The PC Settings UI looks metro-ized while the Task Manager and Windows Defender match. What does WMP look like?

The PC settings is Metro, not a desktop program.

I'm a little afraid Windows 8 is too reliant on me knowing keyboard shortcuts to do stuff quickly and easily.

It's really easy with a mouse, but not so much with trackpads that don't support the new gestures.

 

[StudioTan]

Nice job Jzero!

 

[CryptiK]

A good question to add to the OP which I hope can be answered. If I upgrade will it affect my PC Gaming.

 

[Jzero]

A good question to add to the OP which I hope can be answered. If I upgrade will it affect my PC Gaming.

Nope, it hasn't affected me in the slightest. You can still use Steam and Origin and all the other stuff you usually use.

 

[toddhunter]

A good question to add to the OP which I hope can be answered. If I upgrade will it affect my PC Gaming.

It is windows 7 with a shit new menu and a shit new store. Both can be completely ignored.

Nothing changes.

If you get it for nothing, the "upgrade" is quick and painless.

 

[sTeLioSco]

whats the difference between rt/normal window 8?

they just run on different processors?

 

[f0lken]

How does Office 2013 RT fare against the full version?

For what kind of users would you recommend RT over x86?

Student here looking for something fresh.

The main difference is that in RT you can't install traditional programs (like photoshop, games like starcraft, etc), only apps from the store, which makes RT more similart to an iPad or Android tablet but with access to the desktop and MS Office.

The full version is an improved Windows 7 with the App marketplace and metro

 

[Jzero]

whats the difference between rt/normal window 8?

they just run on different processors?

Yes and in RT you can't install desktop applications.
it's tablet only stuff.