Windows 8 will have only 4 modifications

Microsoft will release four versions of the Windows 8 operating system, significantly reducing the number of OS modifications compared to previous generations. Three versions of the Eights are designed for computers based on architecture X86 (including one for corporate customers), one version is developed for devices based on ARM architecture. The message about this, as RIA Novosti reports, appeared on the blog of the developers of the system.

Thus, the corporation revised its policy regarding the modifications of one of its main products, reducing their number compared to previous generations of Windows, despite supporting the new system of two types of processors. At the same time, regardless of the processor architecture, all Windows 8 computers will receive a new Metro interface, which first appeared in Windows Phone 7, and the modified Start menu, and will also support the Windows Store online store.

Windows 7, working only with X86 processors, has, recall, six editions: Starter, Home Basic, Home Premium, Professional, Enterprise and Ultimate.

Public testing Windows 8 began in February, and the release of the final version of the system is expected closer to the end of this year. Using the new OS, Microsoft expects to squeeze competitors in the fast -growing market of tablet computers and at the same time not to miss the traditional source of income - the segment of personal computers.

To do this, the software giant is trying to bring the appearance of the operating shells of traditional computers and mobile devices, as competitors have already done - Apple and Google.

Just "eight", as well as Pro, Enterprise and RT

For computers based on the X86, traditional for the Windows family of Windows, users who do not participate in the corporate Software Assuraance licensing program will be offered only two systems of the system version - Windows 8 and Windows 8 Pro.

The standard version of Windows 8 will have the majority of the functions declared by Microsoft as the features of the new generation of Windows: in particular, the support of the Windows Store application store, updated conductor and tasks manager, improved support with several monitors.

The Windows 8 Pro version will contain a number of additional capabilities focused on the application of the system in organizations. So, it, in contrast to the standard version of Windows 8, will allow you to include a computer in the domain and control it using group policies, as well as encryption at the file system level and apply virtualization technologies.

For corporate customers participating in the Software Assurance program, Microsoft will release the Windows 8 Enterprise version, which, in addition to Windows 8 Pro, will include a number of functions specific to the infrastructure of large enterprises.

A separate version for devices based on ARM architecture, in contrast to the versions for the X86 platform, does not contain an eight in its name, appearing in the company's report under the name Windows RT. This system will only be distributed preinstalled to the devices sold.