Pre-release Windows 8 Versions and Features

Using the traditional Windows release approach, Microsoft has recently announced the upcoming versions of their next generation operating system, Windows 8. Unlike Mac OS X, Windows has several more versions to pick from. For example, Windows 7 versions ranged from the basic Starter and Home Premium up to Ultimate. Will Windows 8 continue the same version pattern as 7?



The answer is, not this time around. Microsoft has recently released their new version branding for Windows 8, which will come in three flavors, but they won’t be Home Premium, Professional and Ultimate. Rather, Windows 8 will be available in the following three editions:

Windows 8
Windows 8 Pro
Windows RT



Although a bit different, the Windows 8, Windows 8 Pro and Windows RT branding is actually quite simple. Windows 8, of course will be the standard version of Windows that will likely ship with the majority of PCs. Alternatively, Windows 8 Pro, of course, will be the high end version of Windows that offers the most features, marketed towards professional Windows users that need things like BitLocker, Boot from VHD, Client Hyper-V, etc..