Windows 8 Pro, $69.99 last chance to save

It's over!  The opportunity to save $160 passed with the end of January 31, 2013.  If you access the download site today you will find that the purchase price of Windows Pro upgrade is now $199.99.  They have added the basic Windows 8 version for $119.99 which can only upgrade Home versions of previous Windows OSs.  You cannot use this version to upgrade Windows 7 Business or Professional editions.

However if you missed your opportunity to save $160 by purchasing Windows 8 download for $39.99 you possibly have one last opportunity to save $130 but you must hurry.

Last night when it became hopeless to attempt to download the version from overtaxed credit card processors (PayPal was the only sure option), I visited the local Office Depot to purchase 2 copies of Windows Professional with media for $69.99.  I ended up getting only 1, the last copy the store had in stock.  However, the manager informed me that consumers would be able to purchase the product from existing stock through Saturday 02/02/13.  As of this a.m. the Perimeter Store still had the $69.99 version available.  I checked with Staples and the $69.99 edition is still available in stock.

This last chance is apparently available at brick and mortar retail stores since I have been unable to find the $69.99 version at any of the online retailers, TigerDirect and others.

Where else can you get such great information than the Driving Force Blog.  Happy savings!

And if you thought Windows was dead, here are the latest statistics on the installed base of desktop Operating Systems.  The clients I have who actually use their MACs to work (aside from the ones who only surf the internet and use email) all have Windows emulation software, either Parallels or WinDoze so they can actually be productive.  The performance isn't the same but at least there are applications for what they need.

As of 01/31/13, updated with release of Windows 8

Windows 8: Key Features by Version

Feature name	Windows 8	Windows 8 Pro	Windows RT
Upgrades from Windows 7 Starter, Home Basic, Home Premium	x	x
Upgrades from Windows 7 Professional, Ultimate		x
Start screen, Semantic Zoom, Live Tiles	x	x	x
Windows Store	x	x	x
Apps (Mail, Calendar, People, Messaging, Photos, SkyDrive, Reader, Music, Video)	x	x	x
Microsoft Office (Word, Excel, PowerPoint, OneNote)			x
Internet Explorer 10	x	x	x
Device encryption			x
Connected standby	x	x	x
Microsoft account	x	x	x
Desktop	x	x	x
Installation of x86/64 and desktop software	x	x
Updated Windows Explorer	x	x	x
Windows Defender	x	x	x
SmartScreen	x	x	x
Windows Update	x	x	x
Enhanced Task Manager	x	x	x
Switch languages on the fly (Language Packs)	x	x	x
Better multiple monitor support	x	x	x
Storage Spaces	x	x
Windows Media Player	x	x
Exchange ActiveSync	x	x	x
File history	x	x	x
ISO / VHD mount	x	x	x
Mobile broadband features	x	x	x
Picture password	x	x	x
Play To	x	x	x
Remote Desktop (client)	x	x	x
Reset and refresh your PC	x	x	x
Snap	x	x	x
Touch and Thumb keyboard	x	x	x
Trusted boot	x	x	x
VPN client	x	x	x
BitLocker and BitLocker To Go		x
Boot from VHD		x
Client Hyper-V		x
Domain Join		x
Encrypting File System		x
Group Policy		x
Remote Desktop (host)

Windows 8 Special Pricing Ends 01/31/2013

Microsoft's special pricing for Windows 8 is ending on 01/31/13.  Don't miss out on this opportunity to save BIG!

• Current upgrade pricing to Windows 8 Pro from any OS:  $39.99.
•  Starting February 1, the Windows 8 upgrade (from previous Windows home/consumer SKUs) will cost $119.99. The Windows 8 Pro upgrade will cost $199.99.  
•  If you have recently bought a Windows 7 PC between June 2, 2012 and January 31, 2013, you can upgrade to Windows Pro for $14.99 regardless of the version of Windows  you may have including Home versions.  If you qualify for this offer Click here-> http://www.windowsupgradeoffer.com/en-US
  

Why are you waiting?

I have read and heard many misconceptions about Windows 8.  You do not have to own a touch screen monitor to use Windows 8.  One can navigate the screens using the mouse without any problem.  Also there is the mistaken belief about Windows 8's usability related to the number of available apps.  Windows 8 is a full blown OS, i.e. it can run any of millions of available Windows programs that already exist, accounting, business suites and much more.  The Apps are coming.  Somehow consumers have become convinced that all the database and data entry that is conducted on a daily basis is being entered using iPads and other tablets.  The backbone of computing is still desktop computers.

One of the bigger concerns has been the reported disappearance of the desktop.  The desktop is still there, the user has the added Metro interface for Apps or the launch of desktop programs  if they so choose.  The major drawback I have experienced is Internet Explorer 10, as always Microsoft breaks things.  Mozilla Firefox is a worthwhile replacement.

The main drawback I see for performing the upgrade, non-Windows 7 users, (XP or Vista users), will have to perform a new install, i.e. they cannot simply upgrade their existing OS.  They will have to re-install all their existing applications after first being smart and backing up their data.


For more details on the January 31st expiration date click on the links below;

 http://windows.microsoft.com/en-US/windows/buy?ocid=GA8_O_WOL_DIS_Meet_FPP_Null_02EP

http://www.zdnet.com/microsofts-windows-8-upgrade-promotion-really-is-ending-on-january-31-7000010025/

DForce Windows 8 Ready Computers