Windows 8 Finally Hits General Availability
Windows 8 day has arrived!
Microsoft's first Windows 8 announcement was that the operating system would bring support for ARM processors in addition to supporting x86. This announcement was made at CES 2011, which is almost two years ago. However, Windows 8 has been in development for a lot longer than that. Today, the waiting finally came to an end and Windows 8 finally launched.
The operating system, which hit RTM on August 1, has finally crossed the finish line that is general availability. If you've been waiting on the OS to launch before buying a new computer, Microsoft said yesterday that there are more than a thousand certified PCs and tablets running Windows 8 and available at launch.
"We have reimagined Windows and the result is a stunning lineup of new PCs," Microsoft CEO Steve Ballmer said in a statement. "Windows 8 brings together the best of the PC and the tablet. It works perfect for work and play and it is alive with your world. Every one of our customers will find a PC that they will absolutely love."
Windows 8 is available in more than 140 markets and 37 languages (both online and in retail stores) as of 12:01am today. Of course, if you're not in the market for a shiny new laptop, you can, of course, upgrade your current machine to the new OS. Through to the end of January, consumers currently running PCs with Windows XP, Windows Vista or Windows 7 are qualified to download an upgrade to Windows 8 Pro for $39.99. What's more, if you bought your Windows 7 PC between June 2, 2012, and January 31, 2013, more than 140 markets have a $14.99 Windows 8 Pro upgrade offer.
Are you buying Windows 8 today? Let us know in the comments below!
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Jane McEntegart is a writer, editor, and marketing communications professional with 17 years of experience in the technology industry. She has written about a wide range of technology topics, including smartphones, tablets, and game consoles. Her articles have been published in Tom's Guide, Tom's Hardware, MobileSyrup, and Edge Up.
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XD_dued I got it for free through my school so figured why not.Reply
Overall, feels more responsive and smoother than windows 7, and some new features are nice.
But in general, there's too much disparity between the regular desktop and the start screen...applications between the two don't flow together well.
But...maybe it'll grow on me.
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deejaybos i was even considering purchasing when i found out that the retail version is ONLY available as an upgrade install from a previous windows install. they don't even have a full version to install onto a clean hard drive. the only way to do that is with an OEM copy, but then you get all sorts of issues when you want to install a new piece of hardware. Guess they lose another possible customer on that front.Reply -
richarduk The stock Win8 drivers for AMD motherboards still have the QueryPerformanceCounter bug, you would think a new OS would have the fix for that by now!!!Reply
http://support.microsoft.com/kb/895980 -
tydalwave I've spent $40 at JR Rockers the other day on base, $40 for Windows 8? I'll give it a try. The research I've done shows most of the people who actually gave Windows 8 a decent try, ended up liking it. Downloading it now...Reply
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richarduk The research I've done shows most of the people who actually gave Windows 8 a decent try ended up reinstalling Windows 7.Reply
;) -
memadmax I used win8 in all it's development stages on a virtual machine, and each time I use it for about a day or so and end up deleteing the virtual machine...Reply
It just isn't meant for a desktop...