Know about Windows 8 _Part 5_

							 Editions and pricing
Main article: Windows 8 editions

Windows 8 is available in four editions; the two main editions available
for retail sale are simply Windows 8 (which is intended for mainstream
consumers) and Windows 8 Pro (which contains additional features aimed
towards power users and professional environments).[89] Windows 8
Enterprise contains additional features aimed towards business
environments, and is only available through volume licensing.[89] Windows
Media Center will no longer be included by default in any edition of
Windows 8, but will still be available for purchase as an add-on for
Windows 8 Pro, or as part of a "Pro Pack" upgrade for Windows 8 which
also includes the Pro upgrade.[90] Windows RT will only be made available
as pre-loaded software on new ARM-based devices built specifically for
the OS.[89]

Users will be able to purchase an upgrade to Windows 8 online (using a
download that can be optionally burned to a DVD), or through boxed copies
at retail on DVD. Microsoft will offer upgrades from previous versions of
Windows to Windows 8 Pro at a discounted price of $39.99 USD ($69.99 at
retail) from its launch until January 31, 2013.[91][92] Windows 8's
initial pricing is notably lower than the regular retail prices for past
versions of Windows.[90]

Microsoft also began to offer an upgrade program for those purchasing new
PCs pre-loaded with Windows 7 Home Basic, Home Premium, Professional, or
Ultimate between June 2, 2012, and January 31, 2013—in which users will
be able to digitally purchase a Windows 8 Pro upgrade for $14.99 USD.[93]
The Windows Media Center add-on will be offered for free through this
offer.[90] Several PC manufacturers have offered rebates and refunds on
Windows 8 upgrades obtained through the program on select models, such as
Hewlett-Packard (in the U.S. and Canada on select models), and Acer (in
Europe on selected Ultrabook models).[94][95]
Logo

On February 18, 2012, Microsoft confirmed that in Windows 8 the Windows
logo will be significantly updated to reflect the new Metro design
language. The logo was designed by Pentagram partner Paula Scher. The
formerly flag-shaped logo has been transformed into four window panes,
perspective was added, and the entire logo will be rendered in a single
solid color, which will depend on the user's personalization changes.[96]
Reception

Reviews of Windows 8 have been mostly positive. The Verge felt that
Windows 8's emphasis on touch computing was a significant aspect of the
platform, and that Windows 8 devices (especially those that combine the
traits of both laptops and tablets) would "[make the] iPad feel
immediately out of date" due to the capabilities of the operating
system's hybrid model and increased focus on cloud services. Some of the
included apps in Windows 8 were considered to be basic and lacking in
certain functionality, but the Xbox apps were praised for their promotion
of a multi-platform entertainment experience. Other improvements and
features (such as File History, Storage Spaces, and the updated Task
Manager) were also regarded as positive changes. [97] While Peter Bright
of Ars Technica felt that while its user interface changes may overshadow
them, Windows 8's improved performance, updated file manager, new storage
functionality, expanded security features, and updated Task Manager were
still notably positive improvements for the operating system. Bright also
felt that Windows 8's duality towards tablets and traditional PCs was an
"extremely ambitious" aspect of the platform as well, but still
criticized Microsoft for emulating Apple's model of a closed distribution
platform when implementing the Windows Store.[98]

The interface of Windows 8 has been the subject of mixed reaction. Peter
Bright of Ars Technica felt that the "Edge UI" system of hot corners and
edge swiping "wasn't very obvious" due to the lack of instructions
provided by the operating system on the functions accessed through the
user interface, even by the video tutorial added on the RTM release
(which only instructed users to point at corners of the screen or swipe
from its sides). Despite this self-described "stumbling block", Bright
felt that Windows 8's interface worked well in some places, but began to
feel incoherent when switching between the "Metro" and desktop
environments, sometimes through inconsistent means.[98] Tom Warren of The
Verge felt that the new interface was "as stunning as it is surprising",
contributing to an "incredibly personal" experience once it is customized
by the user. However, at the same time, Warren felt that the interface
had a steep learning curve, and was awkward to use with a keyboard and
mouse. However, it was noted that while forcing all users to use the new
touch-oriented interface was a risky move for Microsoft as a whole, it
was necessary in order to push development of apps for the Windows
Store.[97]

Several notable video game developers criticized Microsoft for adopting a
similar "walled garden" app distribution model to other mobile platforms
with the introduction of the Windows Store—since they felt it conflicted
with the traditional view of the PC as an open platform, due to the
store's closed nature and certification requirements for compatibility
and regulation of content. Markus "Notch" Persson specifically refused to
accept help from a Microsoft developer to certify his popular game
Minecraft for Windows 8 compatibility, replying with a request for the
company to "stop trying to ruin the PC as an open platform."[99] Gabe
Newell (co-founder of Valve Corporation, who developed the competing
software distribution platform Steam) described Windows 8 as being a
"catastrophe for everyone in the PC space" due to the closed nature of
the Windows Store.[100] Rob Pardo from Activision Blizzard agreed with
Gabe Newell by saying this "nice interview with Gabe Newell - "I think
Windows 8 is a catastrophe for everyone in the PC space* - not awesome
for Blizzard either". [101]. Industry Veteran Casey Muratori had similar
concerns.[102]