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System Requirements
- Platform: Windows 8
- Media: DVD-ROM
- Item Quantity: 1
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Product Description
Product Description
This product comes in 5 different box designs. The box design you receive may differ from that shown in the image above. The image to the right shows the different designs available.
If you currently have a personal computer running Windows 7, Windows XP with SP3 or Windows Vista then you can upgrade to Windows 8 Pro (Professional). With Windows 8 Pro, you can connect and share your files. Windows 8 Pro also adds enhanced features if you need to connect to company networks, access remote files, encrypt sensitive data, and other more advanced tasks.
The new Windows 8 start screen is your personalised home for items you use the most and can be customised according to your user preferences. Windows 8 Live tiles provide real-time updates from your Facebook, Twitter, and e-mail accounts. Along with the new Start screen, the lock screen now includes e-mail, calendar, and clock widgets.
To access your PC, Microsoft has replaced a standard PIN or password with a swipe gesture; unlock your PC by clicking or swiping preset locations you’ve selected on the lock screen. New functions also allow you to search for your favorite software programs, open, close, hide, resize, or run multiple apps simultaneously with the swipe of a finger or a swipe of the mouse.
Windows has also made changes to make your PC more secure by boosting its existing security features and adding "SmartScreen," which acts to prevent suspicious programs or apps from being installed or running on your machine. Finally, Windows 8 also gives you the ability to "refresh" itself to give users a new starting point and a cleaner version of Windows.
You can upgrade to Windows 8 from Windows 7, Windows Vista, Windows XP, Windows 8 Release Preview, Windows 8 Consumer Preview, or Windows Developer Preview, but you might not be able to keep all of your files, software programs, and settings. The following table shows what you can keep during an upgrade, depending on the current version of Windows you are running. If you choose to boot from removable media, you won’t be able to keep your software programs, Windows settings, or personal files when you upgrade.
| Upgrading from: | What you can keep: |
|---|---|
| Windows 8 Preview | Personal files |
| Windows 8 Developer Preview | Nothing, but your old files will be saved in the "windows.old" folder |
| Windows 7 | Software programs; Windows settings; personal files |
| Windows Vista | Windows settings; personal files |
| Windows XP | Personal files |
System Requirements
- 1 GHz processor
- 2 GB RAM
- 20 GB available hard disk space
- 1366 × 768 screen resolution
- DirectX 9 graphics processor with WDDM driver
Additional Requirements to Use Certain Features
- Internet access (fees may apply)
- For touchscreen, you need a tablet or a monitor that supports multi-touch
- Microsoft account required for some features
- To access the Windows Store and to download and run apps, you need an active Internet connection and a screen resolution of at least 1024 x 768
- To snap apps, you need a screen resolution of at least 1366 x 768
Product Description
The new Windows 8 is designed to make the PC more personal. Its new start screen has been redesigned to have a completely new look and a brand new focus on personalisation. You can customise it with your favourite apps or functions such as Facebook, Twitter or email which will update in real time to keep you in the loop. Microsoft has also made changes to PC security, its new SmartScreen feature scans apps and programs being installed on your PC and detects if they contain malicious software, blocking them if they are a risk to your computer. You can upgrade to Windows 8 from any version of Windows from Windows XP including Windows Vista and Windows 7.
Customer Reviews
Most Helpful Customer Reviews
285 of 296 people found the following review helpful
By Master1
Windows 8
I would advise that someone who wants to upgrade their machine to Windows 8 to first download Microsoft's upgrade advisor. This will check applications and hardware for compatibility with Windows 8.
Microsoft also has its own pages called Microsoft Compatibility Centre which lists a vast range of software and hardware which will (or won't) work with Windows 8. Both 32-bit and 64-bit, Windows 8 RT and Windows 7 are also included.
Having worked in I.T. for many years (going back to the days of Windows 3.1), and have already installed the pre-releases of Windows 8, I knew what to expect from the upgrade and its new look.
My PC is nearly 4 years old with a 320 Gig Hard Drive, 4 Gigs of RAM, 1 Gig Nvidia Graphics card and a USB Wireless adapter.
I created a new spare partition from the free space on my Hard drive and copied over all the documents and data that I wanted to keep. I already had another copy of documents and data on DVD.
I powered up my machine and set it to boot from the Windows 8 DVD. I selected clean install, resized and formatted my first and second partitions. The installation was fairly quick and I had Windows 8 installed on my machine in under 1 hour.
Windows 8 had installed most drivers apart from my printer, Wireless Adapter and Graphics Card. I downloaded the latest drivers for my USB Wireless adapter and had some trials at getting it to work. Looking on the Internet I found that other people had the same issue and the solution was to install the driver in Windows 7 compatibility mode. Doing this I got access to the internet.
I ran the Windows update in the Control Panel and this downloaded a further 750 Megs of updates. Read more ›
I would advise that someone who wants to upgrade their machine to Windows 8 to first download Microsoft's upgrade advisor. This will check applications and hardware for compatibility with Windows 8.
Microsoft also has its own pages called Microsoft Compatibility Centre which lists a vast range of software and hardware which will (or won't) work with Windows 8. Both 32-bit and 64-bit, Windows 8 RT and Windows 7 are also included.
Having worked in I.T. for many years (going back to the days of Windows 3.1), and have already installed the pre-releases of Windows 8, I knew what to expect from the upgrade and its new look.
My PC is nearly 4 years old with a 320 Gig Hard Drive, 4 Gigs of RAM, 1 Gig Nvidia Graphics card and a USB Wireless adapter.
I created a new spare partition from the free space on my Hard drive and copied over all the documents and data that I wanted to keep. I already had another copy of documents and data on DVD.
I powered up my machine and set it to boot from the Windows 8 DVD. I selected clean install, resized and formatted my first and second partitions. The installation was fairly quick and I had Windows 8 installed on my machine in under 1 hour.
Windows 8 had installed most drivers apart from my printer, Wireless Adapter and Graphics Card. I downloaded the latest drivers for my USB Wireless adapter and had some trials at getting it to work. Looking on the Internet I found that other people had the same issue and the solution was to install the driver in Windows 7 compatibility mode. Doing this I got access to the internet.
I ran the Windows update in the Control Panel and this downloaded a further 750 Megs of updates. Read more ›
270 of 285 people found the following review helpful
Windows 8 runs well but is very different and the new tablet focused interface is somewhat jarring on a desktop PC. That this has been designed for platform devices to compete with the dominance of Apple is very apparent in it's whole design.
When you boot, the first thing you see is the new Start Screen. This has replaced the old start menu and pulls apps and services together into this one screen presented as "live tiles" integrating deeply with Windows Live and it's services.
The look and feel is now very clearly optimised for tablets and it's going to be a shock to the system for a lot of people and you have to question whether it's of any real use to Windows 7 users who have all they need.
Programs are all now available via the "apps" search from the start screen, you need to search for them and can then pin them to there or your task bar. Once you start to get used to where things are it does fall into place. A tip for easier navigation is to press the windows key and just start typing the name of what you want to do.
If you prefer to work with the desktop in the traditional way then you'll want to hit the "desktop" option from the start screen.
I've tested a range of my programs and most worked fine for me. The only thing I've had to change was to switch to using Windows Defender for anti virus as my old one didn't work anymore.
Windows 8's main strength is in performance. It runs well and is slightly snappier than Windows 7 was. Having said that, you will get a much more significant speed boost if you install a Solid State drive, that brings huge gains rather than small boosts though I have experienced some reliability concerns of late with mine.
So windows 8... runs well but is very different and I couldn't recommend it for those happy with their current set-up.
When you boot, the first thing you see is the new Start Screen. This has replaced the old start menu and pulls apps and services together into this one screen presented as "live tiles" integrating deeply with Windows Live and it's services.
The look and feel is now very clearly optimised for tablets and it's going to be a shock to the system for a lot of people and you have to question whether it's of any real use to Windows 7 users who have all they need.
Programs are all now available via the "apps" search from the start screen, you need to search for them and can then pin them to there or your task bar. Once you start to get used to where things are it does fall into place. A tip for easier navigation is to press the windows key and just start typing the name of what you want to do.
If you prefer to work with the desktop in the traditional way then you'll want to hit the "desktop" option from the start screen.
I've tested a range of my programs and most worked fine for me. The only thing I've had to change was to switch to using Windows Defender for anti virus as my old one didn't work anymore.
Windows 8's main strength is in performance. It runs well and is slightly snappier than Windows 7 was. Having said that, you will get a much more significant speed boost if you install a Solid State drive, that brings huge gains rather than small boosts though I have experienced some reliability concerns of late with mine.
So windows 8... runs well but is very different and I couldn't recommend it for those happy with their current set-up.
9 of 9 people found the following review helpful
Bought this for a new 64 bit build PC. In short, the technology is excellent, performance quick and fluid, graphics are beautiful, main drawback is that th keyboard and mouse operation is not intuitive as there is little visual guidance on next options, or on what lurks behind the current screen. While I am sure this is fine on touch screen tablets it is not a friendly system for mouse and keyboard, bit like walking into a complex building with no signposting. I will stick with it but I think Microsoft should have paid a bit more attention to providing an alternative view for traditional desktop users, that is less oriented towards 'surface' concepts.
8 of 8 people found the following review helpful
By S. M. Watts
Amazon Verified Purchase
Present for my son who loves it and gets on just fine (youth eh)
I don't - I can use it but many changes are irrelevant for laptop use and indeed with years of muscle memory of using Win 3.1x thru 95, 98, XP and Win 7 being irrelevant this is too big a change for this environment
Now for tablet/phone use Win8 is excellent
I don't - I can use it but many changes are irrelevant for laptop use and indeed with years of muscle memory of using Win 3.1x thru 95, 98, XP and Win 7 being irrelevant this is too big a change for this environment
Now for tablet/phone use Win8 is excellent
346 of 375 people found the following review helpful
The new UI that greets you when you first log on to Windows 8 definitely takes you by surprise - and takes time getting used to. It definitely makes sense on a touch-enabled device, but very little on a traditional desktop/laptop. There are nice sides to it (weather app, easy searching a few others) - but I still find Microsoft's decision to "impose" it on non-touch users rather pre-mature.
HOWEVER - the moment you switch to the traditional desktop mode, this version shines. It loads/shuts down faster, it clogs your PC memory less, there are many small tweaks here and there. It's the "leanest" version out there - absolutely no bloatware (and the few "New UI" apps can be easily uninstalled - compare that to VIsta!).
Very easy installation and initial setup.
So, to sum up - if you are using conventional desktops/laptops, most likely you won't use the New UI much - but in no way will it make your traditional desktop experience less efficient and productive. Treat it as just a new form of the now gone Start button, and it's a better form of it. Yes, you have to change the way you do a few things - but without that we'd be still stuck in the DOS era.
If you are using anything older than a Windows 7, go for it - it's a no brainer at this price. If you are using Windows 7 - you might stick to it... However, it is obvious that touch interface is the way forward - there is no coming back to the old ways. So why not embrace the new Windows and master it earlier, rather than later?..
PS Go for the upgrade version available through Microsoft website - it costs only �24.99, is only a 2GB download, and you can still use it for a "clean" install if you wish. Read more ›
HOWEVER - the moment you switch to the traditional desktop mode, this version shines. It loads/shuts down faster, it clogs your PC memory less, there are many small tweaks here and there. It's the "leanest" version out there - absolutely no bloatware (and the few "New UI" apps can be easily uninstalled - compare that to VIsta!).
Very easy installation and initial setup.
So, to sum up - if you are using conventional desktops/laptops, most likely you won't use the New UI much - but in no way will it make your traditional desktop experience less efficient and productive. Treat it as just a new form of the now gone Start button, and it's a better form of it. Yes, you have to change the way you do a few things - but without that we'd be still stuck in the DOS era.
If you are using anything older than a Windows 7, go for it - it's a no brainer at this price. If you are using Windows 7 - you might stick to it... However, it is obvious that touch interface is the way forward - there is no coming back to the old ways. So why not embrace the new Windows and master it earlier, rather than later?..
PS Go for the upgrade version available through Microsoft website - it costs only �24.99, is only a 2GB download, and you can still use it for a "clean" install if you wish. Read more ›
Most Recent Customer Reviews
5.0 out of 5 stars
Pleasantly surprised with ease of installation
Used this to upgrade fairly new laptop that had Windows 7 pre-installed on it. There are 3 installation options, new installation retain nothing, install but keep settings etc. Read more
Published 12 hours ago by Antony J
2.0 out of 5 stars
Even with a touchscreen desktop its so frustrating
I purchased Windows 8 as I have a touchscreen desktop, which should be the perfect device for it. For the first couple of weeks I was quite impressed with it, but then I was only... Read more
Published 4 days ago by Nigel rayner
4.0 out of 5 stars
Did what it said on the tin
What can you say, another easy to install Operating system. Bought this to upgrade my old laptop from Windows 7, and although the software actually works, my old laptop is far to... Read more
Published 7 days ago by claymoreents
5.0 out of 5 stars
Windows 8
Excellent product purchased as a Special offer easy to use & easy to install would recommend to other people looking
Published 10 days ago by cheryl tate
5.0 out of 5 stars
Good Product
I found this windows 8 product very good and easy to use i love this windows in think it is the best one that has come out.
Published 11 days ago by Adam Osborn
3.0 out of 5 stars
Dissappointed
I bought this to replace windows vista as a faster OS, but there was not any noticeable difference in speed or even battery life, However for security purposes its nice to have the... Read more
Published 12 days ago by Gurpy
5.0 out of 5 stars
great price
When i to this it was about �45.99 and at this time Microsoft were retailing this for �180.00 so a great bargain.
Published 13 days ago by kieron peter killey
1.0 out of 5 stars
Not easy to use
I have been using computers since about 1984 and have never had any problems using a PC. That is until now. Read more
Published 14 days ago by Mr. W. R. Dunn
1.0 out of 5 stars
The worst operating system ever
I have several virtual machines on my computer, Win XP, Win 7 and Win 8. By far the most problematic is Win 8, errors occur with bizarre codes that only a Microsoft programmer can... Read more
Published 15 days ago by Seta
2.0 out of 5 stars
Smart phone..
This version of Windows is more suited to a smart phone rather than a PC it isn't intuitive to use and I would rather have missed this offering.
Published 15 days ago by MarkMck
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