Microsoft Details Windows 8 Upgrade Plans-gctid52441

[Ajamu]

Microsoft Details Windows 8 Upgrade Plans

9:00 PM - June 28, 2012 by Kevin Parrish                         - source: ZDNet

Microsoft has released Windows 8 upgrade details to manufacturers.

             

Microsoft has reportedly shared with select partners some of the specifics in regards to upgrading from Windows XP, Windows Vista and Windows 7 to the touch-focused Windows 8 slated to launch later this year. These specifics are separate from the latest Windows Upgrade Offer which allows consumers who purchased a Windows 7-based PC between June 2, 2012 and January 31, 2013 to purchase a copy of Windows 8 Pro for $14.99.
 
According to a list obtained by ZDNet, users will be able to upgrade to Windows 8 (entry-level) from Windows 7 Starter, Windows 7 Home Basic and Windows 7 Home Premium while maintaining their existing Windows settings, personal files and applications. They will also be able to upgrade to Windows 8 Pro from Windows 7 Starter, Windows 7 Home Basic, Windows 7 Home Premium, Windows 7 Professional and Windows 7 Ultimate while maintaining their existing Windows settings, personal files and applications.
 
As for Windows 8 Enterprise -- which will be available to volume licensees with Software Assurance contracts only -- customers will be able to upgrade from Windows 7 Professional and Windows 7 Enterprise while maintaining their existing Windows settings, personal files and applications.
 
Now for the legacy versions. For those upgrading to Windows 8 from Windows Vista without SP1 installed, only personal files (meaning data only) will be maintained. If upgrading from Vista with SP1, personal data and system settings will be maintained. Consumers still thriving on Windows XP will need Service Pack 3 or higher installed before upgrading to Windows 8. For this group, only personal files/data will be maintained.
 
Finally, consumers performing a cross-language and/or cross-architecture (32-bit to 64-bit) installation won't be able to upgrade or keep their Windows settings, files or applications. "Whether running Vista or Windows 7, these users won't be able to keep their existing Windows settings, personal files and applications or data. They won't be allowed to upgrade this way, period," ZDNet reports.
 
Windows 8 is expected to reach manufacturers in July 2012 while the consumer-based version arrives this fall.

Now the question remains: Is Windows 8 Worth $15 for New PC Owners?

[Ajamu]

Windows 8 Pro Upgrade: Your FAQs Answered | PCWorld

By Ian Paul, PCWorld                    Jul 3, 2012 6:19 AM        
                                                                                                                                               
When Windows 8 launches later this year you'll be able to upgrade to the pro version  of Microsoft's newest desktop OS for just $40 for a limited time. The  deal will apply to a broad base of current Windows users including those  running Windows XP, Vista and Windows 7. Microsoft had a similar offer  during the launch of Windows 7 but this one is cheaper than its  predecessor. (Windows 7 upgrades ranged from $50-$100 at launch.)

 Another big difference between the Windows 7 and Windows 8 upgrade  deals is that you get the pro version instead of the base version of  Windows 8. And if you're a Windows Media Center fan, Microsoft's Windows 8 upgrade deal will let you download the entertainment center program for free (more on that later).

 If you plan on upgrading to Windows 8, here's what you need to know about Microsoft's limited-time upgrade deal.
 
Is the Windows 8 Pro Upgrade Available for Pre-Order Right Now?

 No. You won't be able to buy the Windows 8 Pro upgrade until Windows 8  launches. When it becomes available, you will find the upgrade deal on Microsoft's Windows site.
 
Any Idea When Windows 8 Will Launch?

 Critics and analysts expect Windows 8 to launch in the fall. Most likely in October or possibly November.
 
When Does the $40 Windows 8 Pro Upgrade Expire?

 After Windows 8 launches, you can purchase the upgrade for $40 until Jan. 31, 2013.
 
What Do I Get with Windows 8 Pro?

 

For  the average user there's little noticeable difference between the home  edition of Windows 8 and Windows 8 Pro. But if you are interested in  features such as BitLocker encryption, booting from a virtual hard disk,  and Hyper-V, then upgrading to Windows 8 Pro will make all the  difference. For more information about Windows 8 versions, check out  PCWorld's "Windows 8 Will Come in Four Versions."
 
What About Windows Media Center?

 You will be able to download Windows Media Center for free when you  upgrade to Windows 8 Pro during the limited-time offer. You'll find the  free Media Center download as part of the "Add Features to Windows 8"  control panel (formerly known as "Windows Anytime Upgrade").

 Microsoft had previously announced that Windows Media Center  would be available to Windows 8 users for a small fee. This caused some  consternation among users since Windows Media Center contains built-in  DVD playback functionality for Windows. Previous versions of Windows  contained the program for free.

 Microsoft said it was dropping the program by default to reduce media  decoder licensing costs for computer makers. It's not clear what the  Windows Media Center download will cost after Microsoft's introductory  Windows 8 upgrade offer expires at the end of January.

 What Do I Get to Keep from my Old OS?

 Windows XP: Personal files only
 Windows Vista: Windows settings and personal files
 Windows 7 (all consumer versions): Windows settings, personal files, and apps.

 Can I Start Fresh?

 Yes. You can choose to take none of your personal information with  you during the upgrade process, or you can create bootable media such as  USB thumb drive or DVD to format your hard drive.

 How Do I Create Bootable Media?

 

All  you have to do is follow the instructions from the Windows 8 Upgrade  Assistant, which guides you through the installation process after  downloading Windows 8 Pro.

 I hate Downloading Programs. Can I Buy a DVD at my Local Computer Store?

 Yes, but it will cost you a bit more at $70.

[SaNu Tepra]

Ugly user interface
No start button
No windows media player
No thanks.
I'll skip this "upgrade."