When you move from one version of an operating system to a new one, you need to pay attention to several things. For example, your computer system might need to support certain requirements regarding processor speed and available memory.
Windows 8 comes in six versions, so you need to pick the one that’s right for your needs. You also need to be aware of compatibility issues between Windows 8 and software and hardware. The Windows 8 Setup program helps you identify compatibility issues, and Windows Update can help you update hardware drivers, the programs that help hardware interact with Windows.
This appendix also provides a snapshot of what has changed between Windows 7 and Windows 8 so that you know how to find familiar features.
To install Windows 8, your computer has to meet certain system requirements such as the speed of your computer processor or available memory. Check your manufacturer’s site for information about your model, or open the Control Panel from your computer, click System And Security, and then click System to view details about it.
Depending on the version of Windows 8 you have, your computer should have a minimum of:
1-GHz or faster processor
1 GB RAM for 32-bit; 2 GB RAM for 64-bit
16 GB available hard disk space for 32-bit; 20 GB for 64-bit
DirectX 9 graphics device with WDDM 1.0 or higher driver
Touchscreen if you want to use touch input feature
There are four versions of Windows 8. Most people will purchase the Home Premium version, which has the most-wanted features, but not necessarily features that business users might want. For them, the Pro version is likely to provide the features they need.
Here’s an overview of the various versions of Windows 8:
Windows 8: the mainstream consumer version of Windows 8. This version has all the features most folks need when using the operating system in a home setting, such as the updated File Explorer, Task Manager, support for switching languages and using multiple monitors.
Windows 8 Pro: designed for tech enthusiasts and business/technical professionals. Windows 8 Pro adds encryption capability to better protect data, the ability to create virtual machines, PC management tools and domain connectivity. The Windows Media Center is available as an add-on to Windows 8 Pro. Note this is known as the “Media Pack” and is only offered as an add-on to Windows 8 Pro.
Windows 8 Enterprise: a version that is only available through Microsoft’s volume licensing subscription program. Enterprise includes features that are useful to those using Windows 8 in a Windows server environment who require more management tools and security. Enterprise also includes the Windows To Go feature that allows distribution of Windows 8 on USB Pen Drives.
Windows RT: geared towards portable devices such as tablets, this version doesn’t include the management features of Windows 8 Pro or Enterprise.
In addition to choosing one of these editions of Windows, you should select either a 32-bit or 64-bit version.
To help you get familiar with where you go to get things done today, The following table lists the key features that have changed from Windows 7 to Windows 8.
Feature | Windows 7 | Windows 8 |
|---|---|---|
Installation | Up to 20 minutes | Express 8-minute installation |
Interface | Desktop | Desktop and Start screen |
Input Methods | Mouse, Keyboard | Mouse, Keyboard, Touchscreen |
Logon | User name or PIN | User name with Windows Live ID logon supported Picture and PIN |
Opening apps | Desktop Start menu | File Explorer or Search charm from desktop or Start screen, respectively or type to search on the Start screen |
File Explorer interface | Menus | Graphical ribbon |
Settings | Control Panel | PC Settings or Control Panel from desktop |
Browser | Internet Explorer 9 | Internet Explorer 10 desktop and Start screen versions |
Searching | Search from Start button | Type on Start screen to search; use Search charm from desktop or Start screen |
Live content such as weather | Gadgets | Live tiles on Start screen and Gadgets on desktop |
Quick access to apps | Desktop shortcuts | Tiles on Start screen and shortcuts on desktop |
Applications | Purchase and install from DVD or online stores | Purchase and install from DVD, Windows Store, or other sources |
When using a new version of an operating system, you might experience some transition time as various software and hardware vendors work to update their products to work with the operating system. The Windows 8 Setup program scans your computer to see what’s compatible (including apps, devices, and previous versions of Windows on your computer) and generates a Compatibility Summary that you can save or print out to alert you to possible problems. Consider going to a manufacturer’s site to look for Windows 8–compatible upgrades that can solve these problems.
You can also choose during the Setup program to keep Windows Settings, Personal Files, and Apps; Just Personal Files; or Nothing. These choices vary based on which version of Windows you upgrade from. In most cases, you should choose the first option to keep all of your apps and files intact.
You can also use the steps that follow to run the Windows Program Compatibility Troubleshooter.
From the Start screen, type Control Panel.
In the search results, click the Control Panel app.
Click Programs.
Click Run Programs Made For Previous Versions Of Windows and follow the instructions to test settings.
Hardware drivers are software programs that help your computer communicate with hardware such as printers, and you can also update hardware drivers automatically by using Windows Update, or manually for each app by using the Windows Device Manager.
Note
See Also
Chapter 20, for the steps to run Windows Update. To update individual drivers, follow these steps.
Display the Control Panel.
Click Hardware And Sound.
Click Device Manager.
Right-click a device.
Choose Properties.
Click the Driver tab.
Click the Update Driver button.
Click Search Automatically For Updated Driver Software.
If Windows states that your driver is up to date, click Close and then click OK. If Windows reports a newer driver is available, follow the instructions to upgrade.
Tip
If you are experiencing problems with software or hardware compatibility, go to the Windows 8 Compatibility Center: www.microsoft.com/en-us/windows/compatibility.