Know these before upgrading to Windows 8

-By Prad B. 

Upgrading from Old Windows to the new Windows 8 will be hassle free if you read this article before upgrade. Microsoft has a tiny easy to use application Windows 8 Upgrade Assistant that will guide you step by step to complete your upgrade. Caution: Upgrading wipes out your Old Operating system. It doesn't hurt knowing these answers below before you make the jump into the new Windows 8.

Windows 8 Upgrade FAQ

Question: Which previous version of Windows are eligible for upgrading to Windows 8?

Answer: If you currently have Windows XP, Windows Vista or Windows 7 Laptop, Desktop or PC then you can upgrade to Windows 8.

Question: How much do i have to pay for the upgrade?

Answer: If you purchased Windows XP, Vista or Windows 7 PC, desktop or laptop before June 2, 2012, then you can get the upgrade deal for just $39.99. If you bought or will buy a new windows or non-windows PC, Laptop or Desktop between June 2, 2012 & January 31, 2013, you can get Windows 8 upgrade for just $14.99.

The Windows 8 Upgrade Assistant will guide you the process 

Question: Can i get the Windows 8 copy on DVD or Other Physical media?

Answer: Yes! Of course. When you download the upgrade from Microsoft, you will be provided an option to get the upgrade on DVD for just an extra $15. The boxed DVD version of Windows 8 Pro is just $69.99. When you upgrade/download online, you are also provided to burn a DVD copy for yourself or get a boot-able copy that you can carry on your USB drive. And that costs you nothing extra. 

Question: I don't know the different versions of Windows 8

Answer: No problem ! Windows 8 comes in different flavors that suits your needs. All windows 8 versions come in as 32 bit or 64 bit. The 64 bit is more common these days. So if we narrow it down, Windows 8 has 4 different versions. The Windows 8 RT flavor (version) comes only with tablets or hybrids like the Surface. If you are a consumer, you can only upgrade to either Windows 8 or Windows 8 Pro. Corporate or bulk buyers can take the advantage of the Enterprise version.

Question: Can you tell me the difference between Windows 8 and Windows 8 Pro?

Answer: If you are normal user or typical computer user and do not need or use additional Microsoft technologies besides surfing the net, working on your word/power point documents, playing games, movies and just chit chat then Windows 8 is right for you. The Pro version, Windows 8 Pro is for tech geeks, business professionals and for people who need extra Microsoft technologies besides normal computing. Most consumers won't miss technologies like the Client Hyper-V virtualization and the disk encryption tools.

Also, one thing to keep in mind that the Windows Media center and DVD player is no more available as a standard in both Windows 8 and Windows 8 Pro but you can download them separately from the Microsoft Store.

Hope this helped. If you are still confused, its better to talk about your needs to the sales person before the purchase so that you know which version is best for you.

Windows Media Center & the DVD player are no more basic software in Windows 8

Question: I have an old computer and I do not know if it meets the upgrade requirements

Answer: No problem. It's always wise to first check if your computer meets the following basic requirements:

- 1GHz or even faster processor is better

- At least 1GB RAM for a 32-bit or at least 2GB RAM for 64-bit

- For 32 bit, minimum 16GB available on your hard-disk or minimum 20GB free space for 64-bit

- For graphics, DirectX 9 graphics card with WDDM 1.0 or better if love high graphics games
- Resolution of 1024 x 768 or 1366 X 768 for snap (apps resize & position) feature
- Touch screen monitor would be great but not a compulsory. You can still use it with Mouse & Keyboard. 

Microsoft's Windows 8 Compatibility Center can help you check your system meets requirements or not.

Question: After upgrade will I loose my applications and settings?

Answer:  Not all old Windows are eligible for upgrade. You might need to do a fresh install of Windows 8 which will wipe out your old system, applications and settings. However, if you are upgrading from windows 7 and Windows Vista, you don't have to loose everything you had.

1> If you are upgrading from Windows 7, you will not loose anything. Most of your Windows 7 settings, software, personal files and profiles remain intact. It will be a happy upgrade :-)

2> If you are upgrading from Windows Vista, only your files will remain intact. Most applications won't work with Windows 8 and you need to re-install all or those that don't work anymore.

3> If you are currently using other versions of Windows, you are not eligible for upgrade. So, please back up your important files and folders to a USB drive or external hard drive or on the cloud before you install a fresh copy of Windows 8. Also, make sure your hardware meets the minimum Windows 8 requirements (Mentioned in above Question/Answer).

Question: I want to make sure if i won't face any hardware/software problems after upgrade?

Answer: Almost all of the programs which worked for Windows 7 will work as is in Windows 8. For Windows Vista and other Windows, you will have to re-install those programs or games again after the upgrade.

To ensure you won't face any hardware issues, it is always better to check if your hardware meets the requirements. Microsoft has a easy tool on it's website called the Compatibility Center which will help you verify if certain programs will work or not and also if your hardware meets the upgrade eligibility or not. You will be provided with a complete report once you finish the compatibility check.

Hope you all have a happy upgrade ! Any questions, comments, suggestions, tips, ideas, brain storming are welcome !