PKR's Windows 8 FAQ

Prasanto K Roy (@prasanto on twitter) is editorial advisor, CyberMedia. (More questions? Write pcquest@cybermedia.co.in)

What's new in Windows 8?





The smart touch-ready Metro interface, now called Modern UI, with “live tiles” that auto-update with information (great on tablets, but not on PCs without

touch). At its core, Win 8 is all-new: it's lighter and quicker, loads faster, and is more power- and CPU-efficient. New features include Windows To Go,

which fits your work environment and files securely on a bootable flash drive; Windows Store, which stocks Metro-style apps; Microsoft Live ID sign-in,

which lets you back up your data and photos to SkyDrive and configures email; smartphone-style refresh and reset, and lots more. Win 8 is really all-new,

and the learning curve is steep without a touch screen (there's no Start button, either).

What will it cost in India?





For Rs 699, you can upgrade to Win 8 Pro from any version of Win 7 on a PC bought between June 2012 and Jan 2013 (except for Win 7 Starter). All other Win 7 users or users of Win XP or Vista can download the Win 8 Pro upgrade for Rs 1,999 or buy it as a retail package for about Rs 3,500. Upgrades are now available

Is Windows 8 a really big deal?







Win 8 changes how you use a touch-screen PC. Or a tablet, which becomes a desktop convertible that runs all Windows apps. On a regular PC or laptop without

touch, you'll see the change, but you'll take time to adjust to it. What you'll like is quicker loading and faster performance. Overall, yes, it's a big

change.

Will Win 8 change the world?







No, but it will bring touch screens into laptops and desktops. Expect a range of touch-enabled PCs and hybrid devices (with fold-away or detachable

keyboards) in 2013.

Will it push PC sales up?







Unlikely. I don't see people buying PCs just because of Win 8. On a regular PC, it's not that radical, though there are many small improvements. New

touch-screen PCs might get some consumers to upgrade, though. But business users are likely to stick to Win 7 even on PCs bought in 2013.

Should I upgrade to Win 8?







Are you okay with the learning curve? If yes, and you have a Win 7 PC bought after June 2012, the Rs 699 price is very compelling. Win 8 really makes sense

when buying a new, touch-screen PC, or if you already use a touch-PC or tablet running Win 7. That said, an OS upgrade is a chance to clean up and refresh

your PC, and you might even find a bit of a performance boost with Win 8. Do ensure you have 2 GB or more RAM.

What can I run Windows 8 on?







All new and current Intel/AMD PCs, and your old PC as long as it has a 1 GHz or better processor and 1 GB (2 GB is better) of memory, and 20 GB (50 GB is

better) of free disk space. Win 8 runs comfortably on MacBook Pro and Air notebooks. And on Intel-based tablets like the Samsung Slate 7 (ARM-based tablets

run Windows RT).

Which version do I need?







For most consumers, the standard Win 8. On a new PC (Core 2 Duo and above), you'll probably get the 64-bit version (except for netbooks). On an older PC,

if you have 2 GB or less of memory, or if you're upgrading from XP, stick to 32 bits. Power users and those with 4 GB or more of RAM need the 64-bit

version. Then there's Win 8 Pro, for enthusiasts and business users: it adds domain support, virtual hard disk bootup, and other pro features. Only Win 8

Pro lets you add Windows Media Center, free. Win 8 Enterprise adds IT organization features to Pro. And finally, there's Win RT, for ARM tablets.

What is Windows RT?







Win RT is the stripped-down Windows that ships on tablets with ARM (not Intel/AMD) processors. RT bundles Office (sans Outlook) and other apps (more are

available from Windows Store). RT will not run regular Windows (such as Outlook, Photoshop etc) other than what's bundled with it or on the Windows Store.

Think of Win RT as an iOS for the Windows world, though RT does not have iOS's universe of apps.

(More Win 8 questions? Leave a comment here, or write to me pcquest@cybermedia.co.in, or send me a message on Twitter at @prasanto)