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

*Please note this offer has ended*

   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. This represents a major digression from what Microsoft typically charges customers to update their operating systems. For instance, the cheapest upgrade version of Windows 7 for those running older editions of Windows  $120 on Microsoft's online store and  upgrading from one Windows 7 version to another will set you back at least $65. Microsoft said the $40 upgrade fee is a promotional rate that will last through the end of January 2013, and it will require that users download Windows 8 over the Internet. A DVD version will be available in stores for $70 throughout the promotion.

   It does appear that Microsoft this following suit with Apple who has reduced the cost of upgrading their OS X going to Mountain Lion lonely costs $20. Microsoft does have a lot of motivation to encourage people to adopt Windows 8 as oftentimes people will shy away from new versions of Windows for some time after release. Since Windows 8 will be showing off some things that are new to the Windows OS and they're going to rely on the success of their App store, this move to reduce the price of upgrade makes perfect sense. This reduction will be even more significant for those who buy a new Windows 7 PC between June 2, 2012 and January 31, 2013 because Microsoft will offer those people the Windows 8 Pro upgrade for $15. Imagine that - a Windows OS for $15. It's hard to say if this will become a trend (indeed doubtful) but Microsoft is making it easier for people to use the newest Windows OS by implementing a serious reduction in upgrade pricing.

 

New Internet Explorer Vulnerability

   According to Microsoft in a new security Advisory posted December 29, 2012, they have identified a new unpatched bug in IE 6, IE 7, and IE 8 which can allow remote file execution on a user's computer. They also stated that their engineers are working around the clock in an effort to patch the vulnerability and are offering a temporary workaround until that is released. This bug does not affect IE 9, or IE 10, and some versions of earlier releases where Server 2003, 2008, and 2008 R2 run IE in a restricted mode. Microsoft also notes that Outlook and Outlok Express utilize restricted modes by default disallowing remote file execution.  Find out more about this new vulnerability from Microsoft.

Firefox OS

The evolution of the Operating System continues as does the logical competitive engagement.

Firefox OS

   “Firefox OS is a new mobile operating system developed by Mozilla's Boot to Gecko (B2G) project. It uses a Linux kernel and boots into a Gecko-based runtime engine, which lets users run applications developed entirely using HTML, JavaScript, and other open web application APIs.” This is evidence that Mozilla has no intention of being left behind as PC and Smartphone Operating Systems evolve. Mozilla’s team has released an emulator to allow installation of this OS as any other Firefox extension would install, from within the Firefox browser. “Firefox OS is currently under heavy development; we are constantly working on ways to make it easier for you to use and hack on Gaia and create apps. However, you need knowledge about systems in order to do things like build the entire Firefox OS stack, or flash a phone with a build of Firefox OS.”

Windows 8 Post-Release Results

Windows 8 logo and wordmark.svg

   Windows 8 is not just new; it is for most PC users an entirely new experience. This is true due to many factors ranging from cost and boot time to overall quality and visual effectiveness. Using a touch screen is a big selling point with Windows 8 and it’s likely that it will look and feel very comfortable on most if not all Tablets, Hybrids, and UltraBooks. It is also entirely likely that anyone who has used a full-sized touch screen with Windows 7 installed on their PC will be in the least somewhat impressed. There is more to this new Windows OS and now that it is released and offered as the default system for new PCs it will be interesting to see how well it is received. Microsoft may well have reached a new high by producing what it seems will be literally the next generation of the PC Operating System, but the proof will be in the sales.

Windows 8 Pre-Orders

   The release date for Windows 8 is October 26, 2012 but as of the 12th of October it is possible to pre-order this new Microsoft OS. The option is available to get the physical DVD copy of Windows 8 Pro for $69.99, if you want to be among the first to own it. One thing to consider is that there are only 14 calendar days between the 12th and 26th, the latter being when you can get the downloadable copy of the same OS for $39.99. After it is downloaded one could naturally burn a DVD at any rate so there might be no need for any rush.

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