Microsoft Offers Upgrade to Windows 8 Pro for just $39.99 - The Droid Guy

Microsoft announced just recently that Windows XP, Vista and 7 users will be given a privilege to upgrade their operating systems to Windows 8 Pro for just $40 for a limited time. Basically, this is the company’s promotion to build up popularity over its already popular OS. According to Microsoft’s Brandon LeBlanc, the promotion will from launch date until January 31st, 2013.  

Users whose PCs run on Windows XP, Vista or 7 are automatically qualified to download the upgrade package to Windows 8 Pro for $39.99 and this is available in 131 markets around the globe. For Media Center fanatics, there would also be an “Add Features” option after the OS upgrade.

“You can add Windows Media Center for free through the “add features” option within Windows 8 Pro after your upgrade,” LeBlanc said in a blog post.

Here are some information you might want to know if you’re planning on upgrading your OS.

Windows 8 Launch. While Windows 8 has gained popularity more than any other OS in the market today, there is no specific or confirmed launch date for it. But experts and analysts believe it will be in the fall, either in October or November based on previous releases.

Personal Files & Applications. Windows 7 users would be able to keep their settings, applications and personal files; Vista users can only keep their settings and personal files, while XP users cannot keep everything except personal files.

Win 8 Pre-Order. There would never be any pre-orders available for everyone. Those who are planning to upgrade their OS can acquire a copy after an official launch. And when it becomes available, the Microsoft Windows’ website is the best place to find deals.

Hard Copy. There are people who hate downloading large programs so Windows 8 Pro will also be available in DVD at a local store. However, it will be marketed for $70, way too high if you’re expecting to upgrade without spending over $40.

Win 8 vs. Win 8 Pro. For average user, there are not much of a difference between the base version and the pro version. However, if booting from a virtual hard disk, having BitLocker encryption features, and having Hyper-V matter to you, then the pro version would be a perfect option. Of course, there are other features that may not be so useful for average Windows users but important for enterprises.

According to PCWorld, Microsoft’s upcoming OS will come it four versions. But for average users and those who are looking forward to using the OS for a computer or two at home or workplace, only Windows 8 and Windows 8 Pro matter. Windows RT, on the other hand, couldn’t be purchased on its own but will come with any ARM-based devices.

With all these information, you cannot almost believe that Microsoft still has its mouth shut about the OS. Indeed, the company has an admirable restraint in divulging information everyone wants to know about the new system. In fact, almost everything that we know about Windows 8 is either from leakages or from insightful speculations of the experts. There is a little information that came from Microsoft itself.

[Reference: ARN]