Windows 8 Version Guide

[Dos_Box]

Just so you're up to speed on what versions of W8 are going to be available there is a nice article on ZDNet here: Windows 8 versions explained | ZDNet UK

Please note that Microsoft as of yet have not confirmed anything as regards to final versions, but this should give you a good heads-up as to what to expect.

[mattlynch]

The four versions of Windows 8 break down as follows:

 

Windows 8. This version targets traditional Intel-compatible x86/x64 PCs, supports upgrading from Windows 7 Starter, Home Basic, or Home Premium, and provides all of the basic Windows 8 features, including the Start screen with semantic zoom, live tiles, Windows Store, core apps (Mail, Calendar, People, Messaging, Photos, SkyDrive, Reader, Music, and Video), Internet Explore 10, connected standby, Microsoft account integration, the Windows desktop, and much more.

 

Windows 8 Pro. This version targets traditional Intel-compatible x86/x64 PCs and supports upgrading from Windows 7 Starter, Home Basic, Home Premium, Professional, or Ultimate. It provides all of the features from the basic Windows 8 version and adds BitLocker and BitLocker To Go, Boot from VHD, Client Hyper-V, domain join, Encrypting File System (EFS), Group Policy, and Remote Desktop (host).

 

Windows 8 Enterprise. This version includes all the features in Windows 8 Pro “plus features for IT organization that enable PC management and deployment, advanced security, virtualization, new mobility scenarios, and much more.” This version will be provided only to those corporate customers with Software Assurance agreements.

 

Windows 8 RT. This version will only be available pre-installed on ARM-based PCs and tablets, which will feature “new thin and lightweight form factors with impressive battery life,” Microsoft says. Previously called Windows On ARM, or WOA, Windows 8 RT will include touch-optimized desktop versions of the new Microsoft Word, Excel, PowerPoint, and OneNote 15, and support device encryption capabilities. It will lack some features, however, including Storage Spaces, Windows Media Player, and all of the features that are unique to Windows 8 Pro.

 

source: http://www.winsupersite.com/article/paul-thurrotts-wininfo/microsoft-stops-skuing-customers-windows-8-142840

 

or Microsoft's more tick happy break down:

Announcing the Windows 8 Editions

[Arthur]

Media Center as an add-on for Pro make no sense whatsoever. Why can't the non-Pro version of Windows 8 have it as well?

[jamesfed]

I always thought the lack of Media Centre in the pro editions was one of the big draw backs of Vista (not an invitation to talk about the failings of/what we thought about Vista! lol) but in the real world I didn't find it that much of a problem.

 

No BitLocker for WOA/Windows RT - that could be a bit of a clincher considering other tablets out there are surposed to have some kind of encryption.

Edited April 17, 2012 by jamesfed

[Achandler]

Interesting though as RT has "Drive Encryption" (not Bitlocker) but all other versions don't.

[jamesfed]

Interesting though as RT has "Drive Encryption" (not Bitlocker) but all other versions don't.

 

Sure be - I would sleep easier with a TPM chip in there doing its job (but who knows maybe the Drive Encryption will work off a TPM chip but can't be managed like Bitlocker (and so why they arn't calling it Bitlocker)).

[Dos_Box]

Windows 8 versions now announced: Microsoft announces Windows 8 versions ? The Register

 

There will be 3 apparently.

 

Windows 8

Windows 8 Pro

Windows RT (tablets and ARM)

[Devontechie]

Just seen this on the BBC website..

 

BBC News - Three 'flavours' for Microsoft's Windows 8 OS

[Oaktech]

Hmmm... Windows for ARM... Perhaps we will be able to get windows to run on a raspberry Pi! Interesting thought!

[Arthur]

Four editions if you count Enterprise.

 

http://i.imgur.com/T32lP.png

Edited April 17, 2012 by Arthur

[Arthur]

Perhaps we will be able to get windows to run on a Raspberry Pi! Interesting thought!

Not officially or legally.

[Oaktech]

Not officially or legally.

 

Perhaps... but it would be an interesting technical exercise. Just. Don't. Tell. Anyone.

[Arthur]

Microsoft should have made an Ultimate edition of Windows 8. I want Windows To Go at home!

 

Introducing Windows 8 Enterprise

Windows 8 Enterprise features include all the capabilities that customers get with Windows 8 Pro, plus premium features designed to provide the mobile productivity, security, manageability and virtualization needs of today’s businesses. Here’s an overview of some of the key features that will be available exclusively to Windows 8 Enterprise customers (and note this is not an exhaustive list):

 

• Windows To Go is a fully manageable corporate Windows 8 desktop on a bootable external USB stick. This will allow IT organizations to support the “Bring Your Own PC” trend and businesses can give contingent staff access to the corporate environment without compromising security.
  
• DirectAccess allows remote users to seamlessly access resources inside a corporate network without having to launch a separate VPN and helps IT administrators keep remote users’ PCs in compliance by applying the latest policies, software updates, is easier to deploy, and it can be implemented with the existing IPv4 infrastructure.
  
• BranchCache allows users’ PCs to cache files, websites, and other content from central servers, so content is not repeatedly downloaded across the wide area network (WAN). When used with Windows Server 2012, Windows 8 brings several improvements to BranchCache to streamline the deployment process, optimize bandwidth over WAN connections and ensure better security and scalabilty.
  
• AppLocker can help mitigate issues by restricting the files and apps that users or groups are allowed to run.
  
• VDI enhancements: Enhancements in Microsoft RemoteFX and Windows Server 2012, provide users with a rich desktop experience with the ability to play 3D graphics, use USB peripherals and use touch-enabled devices across any type of network (LAN or WAN) for VDI scenarios.
  
• New Windows 8 App Deployment: Domain joined PCs and tablets running Windows 8 Enterprise will automatically be enabled to side-load internal, Windows 8 Metro style apps.
  

[...]

 

So let’s take a look at some of the details of the new licensing benefits. After Windows 8 Enterprise becomes available, Software Assurance customers will have the following new use rights:

 

• Windows To Go Use Rights: Windows To Go will allow companies to support Bring Your Own PC scenarios and will give employees who need to work from home more secure access to their full corporate environment. With Windows To Go use rights under Software Assurance, an employee will be able to use Windows To Go on any company PC licensed with Windows SA as well as from their home PC. Additionally, through a new companion device license for SA, employees will be able to use WTG on their personal devices at work.
  
• Windows RT Virtual Desktop Access (VDA) Rights: When used as a companion of a Windows Software Assurance licensed PC, Windows RT will automatically receive extended VDA rights. These rights will provide access to a full VDI image running in the datacenter which will make Windows RT a great complementary tablet option for business customers.
  
• Companion Device License: For customers who want to provide full flexibility for how employees access their corporate desktop across devices, we are introducing a new Companion Device License for Windows SA customers. For users of Windows Software Assurance licensed PCs this optional add-on will provide rights to access a corporate desktop either through VDI or Windows To Go on up to four personally owned devices.
  

 

Source: Introducing Windows 8 Enterprise and Enhanced Software Assurance for Today’s Modern Workforce

[jamesfed]

Can't wait for updated Direct Access in Windows 8

 

Above all (buisness features) thats the one I'm most after - I still don't see why so many are having issues with WOA/Win RT being unmanaged as after all its a personal device just like other tablets are (expecily considering VDA rights are included).

[gshaw]

Interesting, MS making DirectAccess work with ipv4

 

I guess with WinRT the whole idea is that MS stuff is managed as that's what Windows does... what they really need to do is crack the split user \ organisation owned content idea so you can have a device that's yours, with personal pics etc on but with the company sensitive data encrypted and remote-wipeable without nuking the personal files.

Edited April 19, 2012 by gshaw

[Theblacksheep]

Managed devices that last all day?

 

Looks like Windows RT does support group policy after all: Windows ADK Release Notes

 

"The group policy service is not enabled by default on Windows RT. You must enable the service before policies can be applied to the computer."