October 27, 2013
For Windows 8 users, the decision to upgrade to 8.1 is virtually a no brainer. The new version offers a host of benefits and improvements over its predecessor. And it's free. So, there's little reason not to upgrade. Windows 8 users can easily download and install the Windows 8.1 update through the Windows store.
But those of you running previous versions of Windows would have to shell out $120 for Windows 8.1 or $200 for Windows 8.1 Pro. Instead, you can install the Enterprise evaluation edition first to see if 8.1 is worth your hard-earned money. Here's how:
- Choose a PC on which you wish to install the Windows 8.1 evaluation software.
- Tip : You can use a spare PC, create a dual-boot setup on your existing PC, or configure a virtual machine.
- Whichever drive you choose, make sure you have at least 30GB worth of free space for the OS and whatever apps you want to install.
- After you've chosen a home for Windows 8.1, go to Microsoft's TechNet Evaluation Center Web site to download the Windows8.1 ISO file.
- At the drop-down window to select a version, pick either the 32-bit or 64-bit edition and then click the button to Get Started Now.
- To download the file, you'll need to set up a Microsoft account if you don't already have one. You'll also need to fill out a profile with some basic information. Microsoft then prompts you to install an Akamai Net-session Interface utility in order to download the ISO file. After you've installed the Akamai utility, click on the green Downloading files button to download the ISO. The ISO file is around 3.7GB, so the download will take awhile. meanwhile you can have a cup of coffee :).
- Now you have the ISO file you can now BURN it in DVD or make a bootable pendrive with tool like RUFUS or want to have a tool which can do both try POWERISO.
- After bootup, you'll see the initial Windows 8.1 setup screen. Confirm the settings and click Next. At the second setup screen, click Install now. At the License terms screen, click on the check box for I accept the license terms and then click Next. At the screen asking which type of installation you want, select the second option for Custom: Install Windows only (advanced). At the screen asking where you want to install Windows, select the partition you wish to use to store the OS. Click Next. The installation kicks off.
Following the installation, you're deposited at the Personalization screen where you choose a background style, PC name, and other settings for Windows. After the Personalization process, you finally arrive at the familiar Start screen.
And that's it. You now have 90 days to live with your new OS.
The Windows 8.1 Enterprise evaluation edition is a full working version. It has all of the features of Windows 8.1 Pro and then some. The Enterprise edition is aimed at IT administrators, developers, and other tech professionals. But anyone can run it before deciding if Windows 8.1 is worth a permanent commitment.
The Metro start menu in Windows 8.1/8 maybe OK with a touch screen but is terrible with mice and touch pads - The desktop mode is OK for mice/touch pads but not so great for touch screen - I will not trade Windows 7 for a newer version until MS build a fully touch screen OS that is actually easy and efficient to use.
ReplyDeleteI have lived through countless changes to the PC over the years and still remember when DOS changed to Windows and how at that time I thought it just would not ever work. So here I am in 2013 with the Modern interface and I cannot help but think that I am looking at the future but still clinging to the past (Desktop). Change needs to be broken gently and by MS doing Windows 8 that is the gentlest way forward.
Deleteit must be so amazing that u have been through most of the history in computer's life!!
Delete