Preparing for deployment in Windows 8

Deploying any new operating system requires careful planning, and Microsoft
 Windows 8 is no exception. Successful operating system deployment includes
 automation, application compatibility testing, user state migration, and hardware
 readiness. To that end, Microsoft deployment tools and technologies can help streamline
operating system deployment, improve the user experience, and reduce support costs.
The good news is that IT pros comfortable with Windows 7 deployment will be just
as comfortable with Windows 8 deployment. That is because Windows 8 deployment is
based on the proven tools and technologies they used for Windows 7 deployment 
(see Chapter 5, “Deploying Windows 8”). Although the tools are familiar, there are other
elements of deployment that you need to consider when deploying Windows 8. This
chapter describes those considerations. After introducing you to the stock keeping
units (SKUs) available for deployment, it provides guidance for evaluating application
 compatibility, migrating user state, and choosing a deployment strategy.

Windows 8 SKUs
Not only did Microsoft reimagine the Windows 8 user interface, but it also reimagined
the available SKUs to make choosing the right one simpler. Of course, all of the SKUs
offer the same fluid experience—on a variety of devices—using touch, a keyboard, or a
mouse.
For PCs and tablets powered by x86 or x64 processors, Microsoft offers two editions:
Windows 8 and Windows 8 Pro. For consumers, Windows 8 is often the best choice. On
the other hand, Windows 8 Pro edition is the best choice for enthusiasts,  technology