Want Windows 8? It'll only cost you $40

[wm4bama]

Good news for those who have to have the latest toys and operating systems:

NEW YORK (CNNMoney) -- If you're considering an upgrade to Windows 8 this fall, Microsoft just made the option much cheaper.
The software giant announced Monday that anyone running Windows XP or a more recent version can upgrade to Windows 8 Pro for just $40.

Full article

[Phainein]

Good news for those who have to have the latest toys and operating systems:

After getting a new computer with Win 7 installed several weeks ago, and testing Win 8 consumer preview on a previous computer, I think I'll stay with Win 7.

[Birdman333]

After getting a new computer with Win 7 installed several weeks ago, and testing Win 8 consumer preview on a previous computer, I think I'll stay with Win 7.

I thought the Win 8 preview wasn't ready for prime time either and have no intention of upgrading. I'll go with Win 7 or Ubuntu. I will check out the Surface Tablet with Win 8 Pro, assuming it's not just vaporware. If that doesn't pan out, then hopefully the Google Nexus 10 will hit the shelves by Q1 2013.

[Phainein]

I thought the Win 8 preview wasn't ready for prime time....

Micro is on their second release of Win 8 preview, but I never used this edition. I understand one will have to pay extra for Windows Media Center when Win 8 ships.

Also, all new PCs bundled with Win 8 will have secure boot enabled by default, which means BIOS will no longer be there, but Unfied Extensible Firmware Interface (UEFI) will be used.

Win 7 access to programs/etc via Start Menu is gone in Win 8; in Win 8 there are other ways to access various programs, which I learned, but I prefer Win 7's format.

Win 7 has been a stable platform, like Win XP, so I see no reason to upgrade at this time.

[curlysir]

Is this Windows ME Version II?

[Phainein]

Is this Windows ME Version II?

I think just some more "window shuffling." Changing visual formats, but underneath, same old Win 7 OS.

[Phainein]

There has been much speculation about the release date of Windows 8. Earlier this month Microsoft put much of the speculation to rest by announcing Windows 8 and Surface tablets will hit stores by the end of October. Now Microsoft has officially announced the exact day when Windows 8, and presumably Surface tablets also, will be available for sale: October 26, 2012.

[LS&N]

As far as windows goes, win 7 is a big step forward from XP

I have setup a handful of users on various network printers both wired and wireless and has been VASTLY easier than on xp

On OSX, the OS sees the printer immediately without prodding, knows what printer it is and asks if it can go get the drivers for it - no cd needed
Few seconds later the printer is available

On win7 it sees printer in Printer setup panel but you need to tell it what printer it is and where it can find the drivers
Then it is shortly ready for print jobs
Waaaay easier than setting up a network printer in xp

A buddy makes most his living supporting MS computers and he is complaining his work has plummeted since win7 has become more prevalent

[LS&N]

I wonder is the low cost upgrade has anything to do with a reaction to Apple offering OS upgrades for $20?

[Phainein]

I wonder is the low cost upgrade has anything to do

Don't know, here's an article: Jul 2nd 2012

Microsoft announces $39.99 Windows 8 Pro upgrade offer for most Windows users
...
...
...
You will have to pay a bit more if you want packaged DVD version of the upgrade, though, with it running $69.99 at retail -