So Windows 8..

[Platinum]

Out of interest when it released how would I get a legal copy? My PC currently runs a boxed version of Windows 7 which will be moved over to my Media PC, so basically it will be a PC with no OS.

Upgrade is out as no OS
OEM is out because wont be buying with hardware

How do people like me get a copy?

[Willzzz]

You can just buy an OEM version on it's own..

[dangel]

Wait and see I think is the answer..

[Platinum]

Has there been any comment from MS yet at all?

[Behemoth]

I'm not bothering with Windows 8, I like the style of the OS on my phone, but as a PC operating system I'm not overly keen at all. Will be sticking with Windows 7

[dangel]

Has there been any comment from MS yet at all?

Not on pricing and exact availability no. Suspicions are that the 'oem' sku will be available on it's own. I fully expect to be able to buy it without hardware anyway (you can now with 7) but MS is changing the way Windows is sold considerably (only 2 effective SKUs outside of enterprise and they'll probably be a digital downloadable version too I'm guessing). It looks good in that they're simplifying it (lord knows it needed it) and perhaps we'll see more sensible pricing. The other big plus is that multi-language will no longer require the eye watering 'ultimate' version pricing - we as a company have to buy this in so we can ship systems with multi-language support and it's a complete rip off.

On a related topic they'll actually be a UK English version of Windows for the first time

[Platinum]

My only concern is really, if I buy the only SKU available to me and any enthusiast, the OEM one and upgrade my motherboard next year as a lot of us may, will it still be valid?
If not then I can see a lot of people moving away from Windows or becoming pirates again, which is a shame because Windows 7 cheap pre order turned a lot of pirates back to legit customers.

[dangel]

My only concern is really, if I buy the only SKU available to me and any enthusiast, the OEM one and upgrade my motherboard next year as a lot of us may, will it still be valid?
If not then I can see a lot of people moving away from Windows or becoming pirates again, which is a shame because Windows 7 cheap pre order turned a lot of pirates back to legit customers.

To be fair, with OEM it's well known MS are actually rather generous when reactivating - i.e. if you ring up their very helpful I think they just want you to pay something rather than nothing. They have no interest in promoting piracy over purchasing.

[ben1066]

From what I've read there will be a "PERSONAL USE LICENSE (SYSTEM BUILDER) FOR WINDOWS 8 PRO", if it requires hardware with it I'm not sure, however it is a separate license to OEM so I doubt it.

[Platinum]

Ok, I think what I am gonna do is use the Vista licence thats currently on my media PC for my main machine as a upgrade to Windows 8, then move my Windows 7 licence over my Media PC, Both are boxed copys so in theory it should work.

[vinnyT]

This guy, Paul Thurrott, has lots of useful info on windows 8. His site is, http://www.winsupersite.com/

[pctech2012]

I'm pretty certain you'll be able to buy full boxed copies once it launches in October as per every version of Windows before it.

OEM does work out cheaper though and if you know what you are doing in terms of installations the only thing a boxed copy really gives you is access to MS' support which is a testing experience at the best of times.

Have you played about with the consumer preview at all?

I have been playing about with it at work as have to be able to support customers running it, it's going to be an interesting experience for sure.

I'm sticking with Win 7 for as long as poss and before I bought my new PC I was an XP hold out.

[Flibb]

Just installed it on the wifes laptop, it was running vista. Had a quick play then handed it over to her and she really likes it. Probably helped that I shoved it on a spare SSD I have laying around, so its bloody quick.

[bothered]

I bought a windows 7 tablet and stuck windows 8 on it - runs really well in fact a lot better. I would not put windows 8 on my desktop though - don't even think getting a touch screen would be worth it as its still windows 7 feel when you go into desktop mode.

Basically if its not mobile goods I don't see the point of upgrading from windows 7 - although windows 7 users can upgrade as cheap as 14.99-24.99

[andrewuk]

To be fair, with OEM it's well known MS are actually rather generous when reactivating - i.e. if you ring up their very helpful I think they just want you to pay something rather than nothing. They have no interest in promoting piracy over purchasing.

Seconded. They have always been very helpful whenever I have had to call them up to reactivate Windows past and present (OEM and Retails editions). I think an OEM copy should be fine.