An Updated Refresher
Windows 8 would be launched in three different SKUs for x86/64 processors plus an additional version for ARM based processors named as Windows RT (Windows 8 on ARM). Microsoft has tailored all four of these SKUs for different sectors like Windows 8 Core for home users, Windows 8 Pro for professionals and Windows 8 Enterprise for enterprises and business. Windows RT is the first ever version of Windows to be developed specifically for ARM architecture and it has been aimed at low battery consumption with better performance.
Although, the core features of all three x86/64 SKUs are same but, some additional features have been added in each one like Windows 8 Core doesn’t have Windows Media Center support which is included in Windows 8 Pro, Windows 8 Pro and Core doesn’t have the Windows to go feature while Enterprise have this one etc.
Windows RT has been designed for low battery consumption without compromising the user experience so; it doesn’t have many features like the traditional desktop app support similar to the Windows 8 Core, Pro and Enterprise. Windows RT won’t have the Windows Media Player support and Media Center won’t be allowed to install in it. Windows RT devices will get pre-installed Office 13 application due to restrictions in the desktop app installation.
You can see the complete feature by
feature comparison in the table below (
click to enlarge).
