Microsoft has announced Windows 8 will be available in 3 editions namely Windows 8, Windows 8 Pro and Windows RT. Windows 8 is the official product name for the next x86/64 editions of Windows. PCs and tablets powered by x86 processors (both 32 and 64 bit), we will have two editions: Windows 8 and Windows 8 Pro.
Microsoft announces Windows 8 editions PRO, RT and Windows 8
Windows 8 Pro is designed to help tech enthusiasts and business/technical professionals obtain a broader set of Windows 8 technologies. It includes all the features in Windows 8 plus features for encryption, virtualization, PC management and domain connectivity. Windows Media Center will be available as an economical “media pack” add-on to Windows 8 Pro.
Windows RT the single edition will only be available pre-installed on PCs and tablets powered by ARM processors and will help enable new thin and lightweight form factors with impressive battery life.
READ :WINDOWS 8 REVIEW IN PICTURES.
READ: INSTALL WINDOWS 8 ALONG WITH WINDOWS 7.
READ :DOWNLOAD WINDOWS 8 PREVIEW.
Complete features in Windows 8 ,Windows 8 pro and Windows RT are highlighted below.
| Feature name |
Windows 8 |
Windows 8 Pro |
Windows RT |
| Upgrades from Windows 7 Starter, Home Basic, Home Premium |
x |
x |
|
| Upgrades from Windows 7 Professional, Ultimate |
x |
||
| Start screen, Semantic Zoom, Live Tiles |
x |
x |
x |
| Windows Store |
x |
x |
x |
| Apps (Mail, Calendar, People, Messaging, Photos, SkyDrive, Reader, Music, Video) |
x |
x |
x |
| Microsoft Office (Word, Excel, PowerPoint, OneNote) |
x |
||
| Internet Explorer 10 |
x |
x |
x |
| Device encryption |
x |
||
| Connected standby |
x |
x |
x |
| Microsoft account |
x |
x |
x |
| Desktop |
x |
x |
x |
| Installation of x86/64 and desktop software |
x |
x |
|
| Updated Windows Explorer |
x |
x |
x |
| Windows Defender |
x |
x |
x |
| SmartScreen |
x |
x |
x |
| Windows Update |
x |
x |
x |
| Enhanced Task Manager |
x |
x |
x |
| Switch languages on the fly (Language Packs) |
x |
x |
x |
| Better multiple monitor support |
x |
x |
x |
| Storage Spaces |
x |
x |
|
| Windows Media Player |
x |
x |
|
| Exchange ActiveSync |
x |
x |
x |
| File history |
x |
x |
x |
| ISO / VHD mount |
x |
x |
x |
| Mobile broadband features |
x |
x |
x |
| Picture password |
x |
x |
x |
| Play To |
x |
x |
x |
| Remote Desktop (client) |
x |
x |
x |
| Reset and refresh your PC |
x |
x |
x |
| Snap |
x |
x |
x |
| Touch and Thumb keyboard |
x |
x |
x |
| Trusted boot |
x |
x |
x |
| VPN client |
x |
x |
x |
| BitLocker and BitLocker To Go |
x |
||
| Boot from VHD |
x |
||
| Client Hyper-V |
x |
||
| Domain Join |
x |
||
| Encrypting File System |
x |
||
| Group Policy |
x |
||
| Remote Desktop (host) |
x |
