Which version of Windows 8 is best for me?

Every time a new version of Windows is released, many users wonder which version best suits their needs. The different editions of the operating system are focused on different market segments and may have very different configuration and software requirements, hence the importance of choosing carefully which one to install.

With the launch of Windows 8, Microsoft has greatly simplified this decision, as there are only 4 versions of the system on the market. Each of them has characteristics that are suitable for different types of users.In this post, we'll take a look at the versions of Windows 8 available for purchase and for which users they are suitable:

Windows 8 comes in 4 editions

One of the main innovations that have occurred with the launch of Windows 8 is the reduction in the range of versions of the operating system. In previous editions, the range of versions was much larger, which made choosing much more complicated for users.

When it comes to buy Windows 8, users now have it much easier, since they only have to choose between the following options:

• Windows 8: is a slightly more powerful version than Windows 7 Starter, Home Basic, and Home Premium versions. It is the most basic edition, without some networking, virtualization and security features that are not needed in home environments.
• Windows 8 PRO: is a version similar to Windows 7 Professional, Enterprise, and Ultimate. It has functionalities that are not present in the previous version (network, virtualization and security), which are indicated for the most advanced domestic users and for the professional environment. For example, with this version you can launch a VPN connection and remote access to a second computer.
• Windows 8 Enterprise: is the version of Windows 8 for large computer networks, with powerful functionalities in the field of communications , virtualization and computer security. It incorporates new features such as Windows To Go, DirectAccess or AppLocker, among others, which open up new ways of using computers with Windows 8 installed.
• Windows 8 RT: is a completely new version of Windows, specially designed for computers (laptops) and tablets with ARM architecture.It is a very “light” version, designed to make the battery last as long as possible. The highlight of this version is that there is no classic desktop, being possible to run only applications based on Modern UI.

Which version of Windows 8 should I buy?

If we divide the market into large companies, SMEs and freelancers, advanced individual users and users who make basic use of the computer, each of them has a version of Windows 8 that is perfectly adapted to their needs .

• Large companies: For large companies, the Windows Enterprise version is ideal, as it has the most advanced features to be able to set up an agile and totally secure work network. This edition has the complete applications to be able to work in the business environment: remote collaborative work (both through VPC with Direct Access, and through remote desktop); App Locker to set lists of apps that can be run or not; Windows To Go to be able to boot computers from portable USB devices; and also the ability for domain-joined PCs and tablets running Windows 8 to automatically transfer Windows 8 apps between them.
• SMEs and freelancers: In the environment of SMEs and freelancers, the work requirements are usually much simpler than in the Big company. For some business in this segment, the Enterprise version of Windows 8 may be necessary, but for the most part, the version of Windows 8 PRO will surely suffice. It is a smaller version of the system in its Enterprise edition, which does not have Windows To Go applications, Direct Access, BranchCache, AppLocker or the possibility of distributing applications through the domain, but it is enough for the day a day of a professional environment in small and medium-sized companies. With this version, you can establish connections via VPN and remote desktop, EFS and BitLocker encryption systems are available, and it allows the machine to join a domain, among others.
• Power Home Users: For more power home users, you can opt for the simpler version of Windows 8, if you don't want to complicate life a lot, although the version of Windows 8 PRO will surely tempt them and they will end up acquiring it.It allows access to the same functionality described in the previous section in the home environment, for SMEs and the self-employed, which will delight those who like to have a powerful professional network at home, with all their devices connected.
• Basic home users: For users who do not make intensive use of the computer and who have little knowledge of computers, the version of Windows 8 simpler is the ideal. They don't have to worry about anything other than booting up the system and they'll be ready to use their favorite applications. Of course, it must be taken into account that in this version you can only run applications downloaded from the Windows Store and the installation of the classic Desktop ones is not allowed.
• Who is Windows RT for? The version of Windows RT will be useful for all the segments described, as long as they have a laptop or a tablet with ARM architecture.This means that tablets and laptops, equipment with more modest features, now have the version of Windows 8 RT, designed to optimize collaborative work or tasks such as reading documents or giving presentations.

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