Recently, Microsoft
released its latest Windows 8 operating system which supports desktops
computers, tablets and Smartphone as well. But, do you know which are the four
different versions of Windows 8 and how do they differ from each-other? If you
are planning to buy a new computer, then now you will be having chance to
choose one out of the four different Windows 8 versions.
Microsoft offers four
versions as four different flavors of Windows 8. These are Windows RT, Windows
8, Windows 8 Pro, and Windows 8 Enterprise. Of course, I will not include
Windows Developers Preview in the main versions of Windows 8, as it was not a
complete version but a working dummy of the final product. Below is how these
four versions of Windows are different from one another.
Windows RT
This version of Windows
has been designed for iPad and tablets, taking long-battery life in mind.
Windows RT comes pre-installed on touch-enabled devices like touch screen
tablets and laptops; so you can neither install nor buy it separately. Windows
RT runs the Start Screen and applications, but has a limited desktop that does
not run Windows programs except the ones downloaded from Windows Store. It
comes with pre-installed Microsoft Word, Excel, PowerPoint and OneNote
applications.
The OS has the Windows
Store app pre-installed from where the users will be able to download various
apps to their Windows RT supported devices. As Microsoft’s storefront, Windows
Store app will be serving both free and paid apps.
Windows RT has a limited
desktop that include Windows File Manager, the Control Panel and other Windows
Utilities. To enjoy traditional programs on the Windows RT, we will have to
wait them to be released in Windows RT supported versions, however, Windows
Store serve a variety of apps which can be downloaded and enjoyed by the users.
Windows RT does support
the full desktop, hence saves the power and serves the longest battery life out
of the four versions of Windows 8.
Microsoft’s new Surface
tablet will come with Windows RT installed, once released.
Windows 8
This is the only version
of Windows 8 that is actually titled as ‘Windows 8’. Windows 8 is mainly aimed
at home users to enjoy simply amazing features of Windows 8 which everything
that is generally used by home users on a Windows running computer. It is more
powerful than Windows RT and also serves a fully featured desktop and Start Screen.
It supports the traditional programs and apps as previous versions of Windows
did.
As it supports a full
desktop, it requires more power than Windows RT. Thus, does not serves long
lasting battery life as Windows RT.
It does not include
pre-installed Microsoft Office programs; however, you can buy/download and
install them separately by paying extra money later.
Windows 8 Pro
This version of Windows
8 aims at small business market and home users. It is for such users who want
everything in a single version. It includes and supports everything that
Windows 8 does plus advanced features such as Remote Desktop, data encryption,
virtual hard drives, business management tools and a few other features.
Microsoft’s second
version of Surface tablet comes with Windows 8 Pro.
Windows 8 Enterprise
This version of Windows
8 is aimed as large businesses and enterprises and sold only by license to
large businesses. Windows 8 Enterprise is similar to Windows 8 Pro supporting
all the features of Windows 8 Pro as well as with a few technical programs and
business tools. It offers extra networking features to run large networks.
Microsoft is selling its
Windows 8 Enterprise version’s license to businesses in bulk at discount.
DVD playback support for Windows 8
As DVD drives are not
included in tablets and ultra-thin tablets, neither of Windows 8 versions
support DVD playback nor do these include Media Center.
Windows RT and Windows 8 users can use apps that offer DVD playback support.
Owners of Windows 8 Pro are given a DVD option; they may upgrade to a Media
Pack, which offers DVD playback and Media Center app as well. Windows Media
Center has a TV-tuner card support and can play as well as record TV programs
(shows) as well.