Microsoft has introduced four different editions of Windows 8 with varying features namely: Windows 8, Windows 8 Enterprise, Windows 8 Pro, and Windows RT. Among the four, only Windows 8 and Windows Pro are available for consumers while Windows RT is designed for ARM devices.Windows 8
Windows 8 is the basic edition similar to previous Windows Home Editions and relatively affordable when compared to the other three. This edition is best suited for medium and small businesses and comes with a simple but flashy OS, which has improved speed and responsiveness. The desktop of Windows 8 is similar to Windows 7 but without the start button. Windows 8 offers many new features in terms of security, core improvements, multi-monitor support, adding file histories, task manager, native ISO, storage spaces, and VHD mounting.
Windows 8 is a home version for AMD systems and x86 INTEL. Using a VPN or remote desktop, one can connect to a system from a Windows 8 system. Additionally, the interface of Windows 8 allows anyone to switch from one language to another as and when required with no extra charge. Windows 8 is simple in every aspect and can be operated by anyone.
Windows 8 Pro
Windows 8 Pro is a more robust version of Windows 8 and includes all basic features along with other powerful features such as BitLocker, virtual hard disk, remote desktop hosting, hyper V, domain join, group policy support, and file system encryption to name a few. This edition is more suited for large businesses. Windows 8 Pro is again for AMD systems and x86 INTEL but is expensive when compared to Windows 8. One other key feature of this edition is that it comes with the option to install Windows 8 media center pack for relatively low price.
Windows 8 Enterprise
Windows 8 Enterprise offers all the features of Windows 8 Pro except for the Windows 8 media center feature. Its additional feature includes advanced tools for IT establishments, full boot, and an encrypt able BitLocker. As its name suggests, Windows 8 Enterprise is best suited for large enterprises that have a minimum of five PCs to run its business. Further, enterprises have to participate in the Volume Licensing Program conducted by Microsoft in order to gain access to Windows 8 Enterprise. This edition is business-friendly and is highly priced.
Windows RT
Unlike the other versions, Windows RT cannot be purchased directly. This edition is available only as a pre-installed feature on ARM devices like the tablet PCs. Windows RT or Windows Run Time cannot be installed by the users. Though this edition is somewhat similar to Windows 8, it does not run on traditional desktops but can run only on modern-UI-style applications that are found in Windows Store.
The features of Windows RT include encryption abilities, domain support, group policy, and Microsoft Office 2013 basic applications such as Word, Excel, OneNote, and PowerPoint.
It is advisable to analyze deep before opting for upgrading a system with the ideal Windows 8 edition.