Microsoft is to release only three versions of its new operating system Windows 8, cutting down on the numerous iterations of its software that has provoked confusion among buyers and ridicule among the tech cognoscenti, according to dpa. Microsoft announced the plan this week in a posting on the official Windows blog, in which it said that Windows 8 and Windows 8 Pro would be the only two versions available for traditional PCs and laptops. Windows RT will be the version of the Windows software which for the first time ever will run on the ARM chip architecture which is popular on smartphones and tablet devices. The simplified line-up contrasts sharply with past Microsoft policy in which Windows was available in Basic, Home, Premium, Ultimate and other versions. "We have talked about Windows 8 as Windows reimagined, from the chipset to the user experience," said Windows communications manager Brandon LeBlanc. "This also applies to the editions available - we have worked to make it easier for customers to know what edition will work best for them when they purchase a new Windows 8 PC or upgrade their existing PC." According to the blog, Windows 8 will be the best choice for many consumers, featuring touch screen, mouse and keyboard controls as well as an updated Windows Explorer, Task Manager, better multi-monitor support and the ability to switch languages on the fly. Windows 8 pro is recommended for tech enthusiasts and business users with features for encryption, virtualization and PC management. Windows 8 is currently available in a public test version and is expected to go on sale in the second half of the year. Billed as the biggest change to Windows since the groundbreaking Windows 95, the program ditches Windows' traditional start button in favour of a sliding menu, while the desktop architecture of files and folders is being replaced with a tile system that groups related activities together. The release of Windows 8 is seen as critical for the future of Microsoft as the company's traditional monopoly of PC software faces serious threat from the rise of tablets and smartphones running Android and Apple's iOS operating systems. The availability of Windows for ARM chips for the first time is designed to help Microsoft expand Windows into this fast growing sector.
