Windows 8 Cost Info + Buy New Windows Computer now or wait until Windows 8?

Windows 8 availability:  in time for the Christmas season.  You can get an advance beta copy here.  This link shows the new features of Windows 8 as well as giving a link to the download.

Windows 8 cost to buy separately:  Don’t know

If you purchase a Windows 7 computer and want to switch to Windows 8:  Between now and Jan 31, 2013 the cost is $15 and the information suggests you can get Windows 8 Pro for that price if you have any version of Windows 7 other than the Starter edition.  (More information)

Should you wait and buy a new computer with Windows 8 after Windows 8 is released?  (Article)  Net:  Only if you want to take advantage of new features, which are primarily oriented toward touch screen device.  So, to take advantage of new features you would buy a touch screen device.  There will be a new category:  laptops with detachable keyboards and a touch screen.  There will also be major changes in the new processor chips to make the machines faster.  However, if you just do email, browsing, music, general document editing, and pictures, the advantages of the new hardware is questionable.

New cost program to earlier Windows versions (eg XP) with Windows 8:  There will be a promotion to upgrade from XP through 7 to Windows 8:  $40 to download, $70 for disks.  This will last from release until Jan. 31, 2013. (Article)

For all upgrades on your old or new computer, factor in:

1. For your existing computer:  check hardware requirements; you have to move all your current programs and data over.  If XP or Vista, expect some pain.
2. For your new computer:  you have to get all the advertising crap and unwanted apps off; you need to add antivirus/malware (Windows 8 comes with the equivalent of Windows Security Essentials, so, for most home use behind a modem/router firewall, that should be sufficient.); you have to move all your current programs and data over.

If you need help, schedule some time. The best thing to do is to let me have your computer(s) to make the necessary changes. That way, I won't spend a lot of time just waiting for things to happen; I can be doing other things while I wait.