Windows 8 Launches, Surface Tablet Accompanies It

Article by George Norman (Cybersecurity Editor)

on 26 Oct 2012

Today, the 26th of October, Microsoft’s newest operating system, Windows 8, launches worldwide. Accompanying the touch-optimized OS is the new Surface tablet.

Friday, October 26th, is the day when Windows 8 reaches the much awaited General Availability (GA) milestone in its development process. Or to put it on other words, on the 26 of October the new Windows 8 operating system becomes available at a global level. Events are held all over the world celebrate the availability of Windows 8.



Windows 8 Editions
  • Windows 8
  • Windows 8 Pro
  • Windows 8 Enterprise
  • Windows 8 RT
Two primary versions of the OS will be available for purchase: Windows 8 and Windows 8 Pro.
There will be two secondary versions as well: Windows 8 Enterprise for large organizations and Windows 8 RT, a lightweight version for the ARM-powered the Surface tablet.



Cheap Upgrade to Windows 8 Pro
For a limited time, upgrading to Windows 8 Pro can be done online (click this link) for the special price of $39.99. Clients in more than 140 markets can as of October 26 upgrade to Windows 8 Pro for the aforementioned low price of close to 40 bucks.
Upgrading to Windows 8 Pro is even cheaper if you purchased a Windows 7-powered PC recently. Windows 7 PCs purchased between June 2, 2012, and Jan. 31, 2013 are eligible to upgrade to Windows 8 Pro for the low price of $14.99.

Windows 8 System Requirements
Please note though that to run the operating system on your machine it must meet the following system requirements
  • 1 GHz processor or faster with support for PAE, NX, and SSE2
  • 2 GB RAM / 20 GB available hard disk space
  • 1366 × 768 screen resolution
  • DirectX 9 graphics processor with WDDM driver
  • To use touch, you need a PC that supports multitouch


Get a New PC
Instead of running Windows 8 on your old PC, you could use this occasion to get a new PC powered by Microsoft’s newest OS. “We have reimagined Windows and the result is a stunning lineup of new PCs,” said Microsoft CEO Steve Ballmer. “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.”

You can see a nice selection of PCs recommended by Microsoft here.



The New Surface Tablet
Accompanying the launch of Windows 8 is the release of Microsoft’s new Surface tablet. The new device is available for purchase at all Microsoft retail, holiday, and online stores in the US and Canada, starting at $499.

Surface Tablet Main Prices
  • $499 for the 32GB model
  • $599 fir the 32 GB model with a Black Touch Cover
  • $699 for the 64GB model with a Black Touch Cover

Additional information on the Surface is available here.





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