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Windows 8 vs. Windows RT: Microsoft’s new Operating Systems explained

As you probably know, Microsoft is expected to launch its newest operating system, Windows 8, later this week. And in our last blog post, we posted several opinions (mostly negative) about the upcoming launch of Microsoft Windows 8. But what you may not know is that Microsoft is also debuting a second operating system, Windows RT.

PCs and Tablets powered by x86 processors (both 32-bit and 64-bit platforms) will run Windows 8 or Windows 8 Pro. Devices on an ARM platform or WOA will run Windows RT.

  • Windows 8: Touted as Microsoft’s “full” version of Windows, 8 supports all of the same software as Windows 7, Vista, and XP, but also runs a batch of new, tablet-like apps available through the Windows Store.
  • Windows RT: Windows RT is a feature-limited tablet version of Windows 8 designed to run on ARM processors. Unlike Windows 8, RT will not support any older Windows software. Windows RT runs only Windows Store apps and built-in software. This means you won’t be able to download any software that is made to run in the desktop environment. This means no third-party browsers…no third-party games…no third-party anything for that matter.

Windows 8 and Windows RT look the same, but behave completely differently. And as you can imagine…or as you may be experiencing…this can be quite confusing for consumers.

If you have any questions about Windows 8 and Windows RT, please contact Working Nets by calling (443) 992-7394 or visit WorkingNets.com today!

At Working Nets, we work closely with each client to determine their IT needs, and how to meet them quickly and inexpensively. We’ll meet with you and perform an extensive system review before creating a detailed, comprehensive strategy to meet your unique needs.

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