Windows 8 Pro Upgrade - Download Version

[Danilo]

Get Windows 8 Pro Upgrade from Windows XP SP3, Windows Vista and Windows 7 for $39.99 / 29,99 Euro as Download Version in Microsoft Shop.
(Offer valid from October 26, 2012 until January 31, 2013)

See also: New PCs for a new Windows (Tablets, Laptops, Desktops)

[idle]

That's a pretty good deal!
Especially if you want to upgrade from XP but then I guess you'd need to have a newish PC

[Zach]

I just can't bring myself to even want to try Windows 8..

I don't want a tablet/Xbox interface on my desktop; period.

I may have to ride out Windows 7 until Microsoft either come to their senses, or someone finds a way to hack the old Desktop UI back into future versions of Windows..

[c4s]

I just can't bring myself to even want to try Windows 8..

I don't want a tablet/Xbox interface on my desktop; period.

It's so simple: Don't judge something before you've actually tried it out yourself!

[luis]

It's so simple: Don't judge something before you've actually tried it out yourself!

Right! Try it and THEN puke.

[Inf0Byt3]

There's nothing bad in trying it. I did and to be honest, for me it's just Windows 7 with a tablet interface. Nothing more, at least in terms of a normal user (i.e. not a developer). I don't understand why they didn't continue on XP's line, since everyone seemed to like it. Since XP, I always wanted to upgrade, but seeing the current dev route of M$ made me change my mind. To sum it up, it seems that Microsoft is losing ground and they try to cover the tablets market as well, a try at toppling the other mobile operating systems like Android, etc..

On the other hand, if you have hardware new enough to run it, the offer Danilo posted is a steal. I wouldn't use it to upgrade from XP, but from Vista it's well justified .

[Danilo]

If you work with keyboard, List of Windows 8 Shortcuts may be important to you.
I think "Windows key + Q" (Access the Apps Search screen) is most important start menu.

Classic Shell if you miss the classic start menu. Or use a 3rd party toolbar on the side of the screen to start your programs (or code your own ).

I wonder if a Touch Mouse is a good alternative without a touch screen?
I can imagine working with the Sculpt Touch Mouse. Has anyone tried this already?

[ts-soft]

Many workaround to make win8 usable, but why should i buy it and use this workaround.
I think it is better for my desktop pc to stay on win7 and have AERO and no new cost.
I can't see any advantage for me. Only removed features and added, for me useless features.

I think, i am no alone with this.

[Danilo]

If you want to program for the new devices, you have no choice. Get used to it or stay behind.

[skywalk]

Is Windows 8 faster or snappier for the same hardware vs Windows 7+Aero?
I cannot find conclusive reports before going through the effort myself

[ts-soft]

Win 8 starts faster and should run smoother on old hardware.
I would install it on my netbook, but the required Screenresolution make this impossible.

[luis]

I think, i am no alone with this.

Sure you are not.

The desktop is castrated, all the useless services about nothing, xbox advertisements, the urge to have little colored squares in your face full of animated amenities, facebook, twittter... It's win 7 - aereo - pieces of desktop + useless switching and tons of things I don't care about preinstalled. Even the installation process is intrusive.

All that I hate in a convenient package.

If you want to program for the new devices, you have no choice. Get used to it or stay behind.

You bet. Even if from my point of view it's not "behind". It's a better place.

Anyway I can always change OS if Windows 9 will continue on the same road, I just want a computer (a desktop) to do what I want, not what is "trendy".

The Microsoft strategy isn't wrong, I understand them. It's the execution that's horrid (if you want a OS for a desktop computer and you are not drunk) and it's mediocre if you want a tablet (I have one already and I use it exclusively for un-trendy things like reading and playing chess).


If only the installation had made possible to select a "desktop only" install (with "start" back, and all the trash optional). Anyway they have also put a ribbon - like interface on the file manager.... it's like using the latest Office ... no... there is no salvation. I cannot tolerate its presence on my hardware.

[skywalk]

Thanks ts-soft. I will give it a try on my multi-media ACER x64 pc. It is running Win7 Home Premium and not especially fast.
Unsure if M$ allows Win8 upgrade to Pro from Win7 non-Pro?

I'm with you luis!
My desktop should be lightning fast in 2012, but with anti-virus and animation and Office Bloatware, it's anything but.

LOL, why does Excel have a splash screen with a cancel button on start-up?
CMON! Is there anyone testing usability at M$ or do they just believe what they're selling?

[fsw]

Microsoft hopes to sell a lot of Windows-OS in the next few month; and they will...
All the companies finally switching from WinXP to a new OS:

Win7

Most companies (at least here in the US) are very conservative.
I'm sure the company I work for is not the only one thinking on the same line:
@work we still have WinXP (MS-Support until April 2014).
Was told from IT that beginning of next year we will switch to a new os: Windows 7
IT is adamant that we will definitely not switch to Windows 8.
Windows 7 will get support for the next 10 years


On a private note:
when I heard that it will only cost me $40 to get the newest Windows I thought I will buy it; just to try it out.
But now I'm not so sure anymore: I'm happy with Windows 7 on this machine and the other one is a MacBook Pro.
So I'm save for the next few years...

Spending money for Windows 8 just tells Microsoft that they are on the right path; but they are not!
Anyway, I'm an old fart. So what do I know...

BTW: Your opinion may be very different, especially if you sell your software. Windows is still a very big market.

[netmaestro]

All that I hate in a convenient package.

... no... there is no salvation. I cannot tolerate its presence on my hardware.

C'mon, luis! Don't hold back, say what you really think

Anyways, I pretty much agree with you. If it didn't mean manually installing drivers at each reinstall of the OS, I'd 'downgrade' from Win7 to XP.