Microsoft unveils three Windows 8 versions

Washington: Software giant Microsoft has announced three different editions of its upcoming operating system Windows 8.

The operating system will come in three versions, first, Windows 8, for home PCs and laptops.

Second, Windows 8 Pro, for enthusiasts and professionals, and third, Windows RT, for devices running low-power Arm processors, such as tablet devices and lightweight ultrabooks.

Brandon le Blanc, head of communications at Windows, announced the versions on the official Microsoft blog, and said they have ‘worked to make it easier for customers to know what edition will work best for them,’ The Telegraph reports.

“Windows 8 has all the flexibility you need. You can use a touchscreen or a keyboard and mouse - and switch anytime. Its beautiful, fast and fluid design is perfect for a wide range of hardware,” Blanc added.

Windows RT is the first version of Windows designed for tablets.

According to the report, it will come pre-installed on computers and tablets powered by Arm processors and will include a touchscreen-based version of Microsoft Office as standard.

Windows 8 is the standard, consumer-based model that will run on most new home computers, while Windows 8 Pro will include extra features such as file encyption, virtualisation of operating systems and domain management.