[sivadas]

I was using Windows 8.1 Enterprise edition-trial version for past 3 months. I am quite happy with it and want to buy it now. What is the best (cost effective) way to purchase it? This is for home usage, but would want to use Microsoft Office products (Visio, Powerpoint, MS project etc) for which I have a license.

1. Should I go for Windows 8.1 or 8.1 Pro?
2. What is the difference between OEM copy Vs Full version (OEM is available at half the price looks like)?
3. Is Windows 8.1 student edition sufficient? Will it run with the Microsoft Office (Proffessional Plus 2013)?
4. Should I buy it from official Microsoft site or is there any other online reatiler where it can be cheaper?
5. What about retailers like Staples and other computers shops?

[sivadas]

Looks like no one is seeing this.
Moderators, should I open a new thread with this?

[gopalnayak]

Originally Posted by sivadas

1. Should I go for Windows 8.1 or 8.1 Pro?
2. What is the difference between OEM copy Vs Full version (OEM is available at half the price looks like)?
3. Is Windows 8.1 student edition sufficient? Will it run with the Microsoft Office (Proffessional Plus 2013)?
4. Should I buy it from official Microsoft site or is there any other online reatiler where it can be cheaper?
5. What about retailers like Staples and other computers shops?

1. For home use, 8.1 should be good enough.
2. When I checked this last time, OEM gave you only one version (32-bit or 64-bit). Full version gave you both options and you could switch. In addition, I think OEM version is tied to one machine. You may not be able to move the license to another machine later.
3. I am not aware of the student edition. Google tells me this is the same as the Pro version offered at a lower price for students. If this is right, I do not see any issue running any app on it.
4. Retailers should be cheaper. Ensure you are getting a genuine copy.
5. You can check the prices and take a call.

[sivadas]

Originally Posted by gopalnayak

1. For home use, 8.1 should be good enough.
2. When I checked this last time, OEM gave you only one version (32-bit or 64-bit). Full version gave you both options and you could switch. In addition, I think OEM version is tied to one machine. You may not be able to move the license to another machine later.
3. I am not aware of the student edition. Google tells me this is the same as the Pro version offered at a lower price for students. If this is right, I do not see any issue running any app on it.
4. Retailers should be cheaper. Ensure you are getting a genuine copy.
5. You can check the prices and take a call.

Thanks Gopal..I am planning to check with few retailers during this weekend.
Can you please suggest any reliable (and knowledgeable) shops in South Bnagalore (including HSR). I had recently inquired with one shop in HSR BDA complex, he had no clue on any of my queries.

[msdivy]

A news got leaked this week - Windows 9 will be released this year. Phones & tablets gets MetroUI, desktops & laptops get desktop version. So this seem like the actual upgrade from Windows 7 on desktops & laptops.

[searchingheaven]

Using 8.1 Update 1 from a month now. This was what Windows 8 should have been in the first place. Smooth, Fast and good-looking, other that being more productive than Windows 7.

[msdivy]

Looks like start menu might make a comeback ...

[raghu.t.k]

Originally Posted by msdivy

Looks like start menu might make a comeback ...

Is the start menu back now for windows (8/8.1)? I have been missing it since I moved to 8.

[msdivy]

Originally Posted by raghu.t.k

Is the start menu back now for windows (8/8.1)? I have been missing it since I moved to 8.

Not in 8/8.1, but in next version, most likely to be called Windows 9.

[vikram_d]

Originally Posted by msdivy

Not in 8/8.1, but in next version, most likely to be called Windows 9.

It may be available with Windows 8.1 update 2 if some rumours are to be believed.

[Rehaan]

In case anyone is still struggling to figure out the touch gestures on Windows 8.1...

[ashis89]

Microsoft is offering free Windows 10 upgrade to Windows 8/8.1 customers. Has anyone tried/upgraded? How is the performance? I am looking to upgrade my laptop (non-touchscreen) OS to Win 10 from the current 8.1. Please advice.

I got a notification to reserve a copy of Win 10 (3 GB size) and I can download it after it is available on July 29th. This will be a full version of the OS.

[sgiitk]

I am wondering how to restore in Win 8.1 without the garbage. My Lenovo Flex 2 came preloaded with Win 8.0 which was upgraded to 8.1. Now if I restore it will be all the way back to 8.0. I want to get rid of the rubbish. I am running for AML Registry Cleaner and C(rep)Cleaner. Is there something better to optimise and clean the registry.

[raghu.t.k]

Originally Posted by ashis89

Microsoft is offering free Windows 10 upgrade to Windows 8/8.1 customers. Has anyone tried/upgraded? How is the performance? I am looking to upgrade my laptop (non-touchscreen) OS to Win 10 from the current 8.1. Please advice.

If you are already in 8 or 8.1, its much better. You would be getting a new browser(spartan) with Windows 10. The start button is back, though it was enabled in 8.1 update itself. With regards to performance it should be at least as good as 8.1. I had installed the preview on an old laptop purchased in 2006, so cannot really comment on the performance. There were minor issues in terms of multiple tabs (10-15) being open on IE or Spartan at the same time, which could be a hardware issue, than the OS issue. That said, windows 7 was running fine on it.

Given that its expected to be available from 29 July, I would upgrade the 8.1 pc immdly , while my windows 7 laptop would upgraded be much later.

[JMaruru]

Even i reserved a copy of 'Win 10'. Right now am on 'Win 7'.

Would 'Windows 10' support MS Virtual PC 2007? This is important for me as i have some critical applications within the Virtual PC.