Windows 8 editions

Windows 8 editions

• Windows 8 Windows 8 is the basic stock-keeping unit (SKU) for home users. It includes the core feature set that home users require but does not include key business features, such as support for the ability to join domains, process Group Policy, and so on.

 

• Windows 8 Pro Windows 8 Pro is for small- and medium-sized businesses. It delivers new levels of productivity, security, and mobility—without sacrificing performance or choice. It provides enhanced features that help to easily connect to company networks, access files on the go, encrypt data, and more.

 

• Windows 8 Enterprise Windows 8 Enterprise edition is available through Windows Software Assurance. It includes all the capabilities of Windows 8 Pro, plus premium features designed to meet the mobility, productivity, security and manageability, and virtualization needs of today’s large businesses. Key examples are Windows To Go, DirectAccess, BranchCache, AppLocker, VDI, and Windows 8 app deployment. You will learn about these features in this book.

 

• Windows RT Devices Windows RT Devices run low-powered ARM processors, which helps OEMs build devices with long battery lives and new form factors (thin, light, and sleek devices). Also, Windows RT Devices are built on a new paradigm  (preconfigured system on certified hardware), which helps ensure that users have high-quality and predictable experiences over time. Although Windows RT Devices offer the great benefits this chapter  just mentioned, they have commonality and shared code with Windows 8, offering a consistent, great Windows experience. For example, Windows RT Devices support the new UI (including desktop). Both Windows RT Devices and Windows 8 can run apps from the Windows Store. Windows RT Devices are compatible with most peripherals, because they include class drivers for most peripherals, and the majority of mice, keyboards, printers, and USB storages are supported out of the box.

 

Hardware recommendations for Windows 8

Windows 8 provides a terrific experience on the same hardware that runs Windows 7.

Below table describes the hardware recommendations for Windows 8. In fact, you might even notice that PCs seem to work even better after upgrading from Windows 7 to Windows 8.

Component                        Recommendation

Processor                            1 GHz or faster

Memory                              32-bit PCs: 1 GB                64-bit PCs: 2 GB

Hard disk space                 32-bit PCs: 16 GB            64-bit PCs: 20 GB

Graphics card                     Microsoft DirectX 9 graphics device with WDDM driver

 

Additionally, some Windows 8 features require other hardware components:

• To use touch, you need a tablet or a monitor that supports multi-touch.
• To access the Windows Store to download and run apps, you need an active Internet connection and a screen resolution of at least 1024 x 768.
• To snap apps, you need a screen resolution of at least 1366 x 768.

Hardware innovation

Hardware innovation is broad in Windows 8, and there are a few key areas where Microsoft has worked extensively with its partners. The following sections describe some of the things you and your users will notice quickly about PCs built for Windows 8—either at work or at a retail store.

Touch

Touch is clearly front-and-center for Microsoft. For example, the company is requiring that touch displays support a minimum of five fingers, and it is working with its partners to deliver touch-optimized devices. To ensure a great user experience with touch, Microsoft has done extensive research into:

• The response times required for touch.
•  The sensitivity and precision required of a digitizer.
•  The user experience of a flush bezel.

These requirements are enforced with the Windows 8 Hardware Certification  Requirements.  You can learn more about these requirements on the “Windows Hardware Certification” page at http://msdn.microsoft.com/en-us/library/windows/hardware/gg463010.aspx

Long battery life

One of the key design tenets of Windows 8 is to enable long battery life. With Windows 8, a new class of ultrathin PCs and tablets can turn on instantly, can run all day on a single charge,  and stay connected to the Internet—so users’ PCs are ready when they’re ready.

Thinner, lighter, faster

As you have seen with today’s ultrabooks, PCs are already thinner and lighter than ever. This will only continue with Windows 8. There will be thin and light tablets and ultra-portables that start and run faster than today’s PCs. Even installing Windows 8 on an existing PC will improve its performance because of the improvements we’ve made in the core operating system.

Sensors and security

With Windows 8, Microsoft will enable developers to take advantage of hardware innovation such as:

• Low-power Bluetooth
• GPS
• Gyroscopes
• Accelerometer

You’ll also be able to take advantage of security hardware technologies like Trusted  Platform Module (TPM) and Unified Extensible Firmware Interface (UEFI) boot.

New form factors

Microsoft believes that users should have a choice. To that end, PCs will come in a variety of form factors, from tablets to convertibles to ultra-portables to all-in-one PCs. One day, you might even see designs that you would not have thought possible. Together with its OEM partners, Microsoft will provide great devices for every work style:

• Devices for executives that are innovative, portable, powerful.
• Devices optimized for enterprise knowledge workers and everyday business tasks.
• Devices that are specialized and unique for specific tasks.
• Industrial devices like ruggedized machines in oil rigs and manufacturing lines.
• Varieties of companion devices that present new and fun possibilities.

Devices for Windows 8 are about choices, because Microsoft believes the device has to fit the job. Microsoft and its ecosystem are committed to providing choices to our customers.

 

Windows 8 Keyboard Commands

Keyboard Commands

Yes, Windows 8 does work most naturally in a touch- or gesture-based environment. But if you’re using a traditional mouse and keyboard, Microsoft has enabled tons of new keyboard shortcuts to let you access the best Windows 8 tools. Here’s a list of some of the most useful commands (courtesy of Microsoft):

Windows logo key + start typing: Search your PC

Ctrl+plus (+) or Ctrl+minus (-): Zoom in or out of many items, like apps pinned to the Start screen or in the Store

Ctrl+scroll wheel: Zoom in or out of many items, like apps pinned to the Start screen or in the Store

Windows logo key + C: Open the charms

Windows logo key + F: Open the Search charm

Windows logo key +H: Open the Share charm

Windows logo key +I: Open the Settings charm

Windows logo key + K: Open the Devices charm

Windows logo key + O: Lock the screen orientation (portrait or landscape)

Windows logo key + Z: Open commands for the app

Windows logo key + PgUp: Move the Start screen and apps to the monitor on the right (apps in the desktop won’t change monitors)

Windows logo key + PgDn: Move the Start screen and apps to the monitor on the left (apps in the desktop won’t change monitors)

Windows logo key + Shift+period (.): Snap an app to the left

Windows logo key + period (.): Snap an app to the right