Throughout the entire development process, Microsoft has claimed that "Windows 8 changes everything". With its flashy new user interface and native touchscreen support, that may well be true. But the one thing it won't change is my trusty laptop. If you're like me and won't be rushing out to buy a new PC just yet, you can still get hold of Windows 8 with Microsoft's excellent upgrade offer.
How do I get the upgrade?
Before you get too excited, you should make sure your system can handle Windows 8. The basic system requirements (as outlined by Microsoft) are as follows:
- 1 GHz or faster processor
- 1 GB RAM (32-bit) or 2 GB RAM (64-bit)
- 16 GB available hard disk space (32-bit) or 20 GB (64-bit)
- DirectX 9 graphics device with WDDM 1.0 or higher driver
According to an official Microsoft blog post, users of Windows XP, Windows Vista and Windows 7 will be offered a downloadable upgrade to Windows 8 Pro as soon as it hits general release on October 26th. And the best part? It costs just $39.99 (around £25). To be honest, I'm not much of a fan of Windows 8 but for £25 I might just give it a go.
Better still, if you've purchased a new, non-Windows 8 PC between June 2nd 2012 and January 31st 2013, the upgrade will cost just $14.99 (around £10). You can even order a boxed version of the Windows 8 Pro Upgrade for $69.99 but frankly, I wouldn't bother - the downloadable version allows you to create a DVD or Flash-Drive backup for free.
Note: These pricings reflect the upgrade to Windows 8 Pro - prices for an upgrade to Windows 8 basic have yet to be released.
What's the difference between Windows 8 and Windows 8 Pro?
To be honest, for the average user, there isn't going to be an awful lot of difference. At least, that's what Microsoft would have you believe. In another official blog post, Microsoft states that "For many consumers, Windows 8 will be the right choice." They explain that Windows 8 Pro was designed "to help tech enthusiasts and business/technical professionals obtain a broader set of Windows 8 technologies."
While that's mostly true, there is one important feature that doesn't make it into the basic version - Windows Media Centre. This seemingly clumsy omission will tip the hand of anyone thinking about upgrading to Windows 8 basic… after all, they might as well just get the Pro version. However, it seems that not even Pro users get Windows Media Centre as standard. Instead, they'll have to download it (for free) from the Windows 8 App Store - just another thing to think about once you've finished upgrading.
Upgrading to Windows 8
Now I have to admit, upgrading to Windows 8 is a surprisingly effortless process. In this blog post, Microsoft explains that they wanted to "make it as easy as possible for everyone to upgrade to Windows 8". With the Windows 8 Upgrade Assistant, they've done just that. It's a relatively simple process and the Upgrade Assistant walks you through every step, allowing you to carry across your existing files and settings with ease. But how much you take across with you will depend on which system you're upgrading from:
- Windows 7 users will be able to keep Windows settings, personal files and applications.
- Windows Vista users will keep Windows settings and personal files.
- Windows XP users are limited to keep personal files only
Aside from transferring files and settings, you'll also have to worry about whether or not your applications and peripherals are even compatible. Not to worry though - Microsoft have you covered with the handy Compatibility Centre Website where you can check to see if your apps and peripherals are certified to work with Windows 8.
Although I'm not a big fan of Windows 8, I have to admit that Microsoft really has made the upgrade process as simple as possible. Whether this new operating system will wow the critics remains to be seen. But one thing is certain - the upgrade to Windows 8 really is a walk in the park.
Will you be upgrading to Windows 8? Which new features are you dying to try out? Put your comments below
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