Windows 8 editions

Chapter 4, “Preparing for deployment,” contains a table that describes the specific features
you will find in each edition of Windows 8. For now, the following list summarizes them:

•   Windows 8  Windows 8 is the basic stock-keeping unit (SKU) for home users. It

includes the core feature set that home users require but does not include key business
features, such as support for the ability to join domains, process Group Policy, and so on.

•   Windows 8 Pro  Windows 8 Pro is for small- and medium-sized businesses. It delivers

new levels of productivity, security, and mobility—without sacrificing performance or
choice. It provides enhanced features that help to easily connect to company networks,
access files on the go, encrypt data, and more.

•   Windows 8 Enterprise  Windows 8 Enterprise edition is available through Windows

Software Assurance. It includes all the capabilities of Windows 8 Pro, plus premium
features designed to meet the mobility, productivity, security and manageability, and
virtualization needs of today’s large businesses. Key examples are Windows To Go,
DirectAccess, BranchCache, AppLocker, VDI, and Windows 8 app deployment. You will
learn about these features in this book.

•   Windows RT Devices  Windows RT Devices run low-powered ARM processors, which

helps OEMs build devices with long battery lives and new form factors (thin, light, and
sleek devices). Also, Windows RT Devices are built on a new paradigm   (preconfigured
system on certified hardware), which helps ensure that users have high-quality and
predictable experiences over time. Although Windows RT Devices offer the great
benefits this chapter  just mentioned, they have commonality and shared code with
Windows 8, offering a consistent, great Windows experience. For example, Windows
RT Devices support the new UI (including desktop). Both Windows RT Devices and
Windows 8 can run apps from the Windows Store. Windows RT Devices are compatible
with most peripherals, because they include class drivers for most peripherals, and the
majority of mice, keyboards, printers, and USB storages are supported out of the box