Question about getting windows 8 and building my own PC

[mistachy]

Hi, I need help making an informed decision about my situation. I have always liked trying new things so every time windows come out with new software, I always upgraded. Up until windows XP, I would always pirate windows and I never paid for it, I even pirated windows XP SP1, but when I got to college and received a XP Pro license for only 15 dollars, I haven't pirated windows since. I also purchased Vista Ultimate for 15 dollars, and I paid full retail for windows 7 after beta testing it awhile. So, as you can see I always like to upgrade as I like trying flashy new things.

Right now I have a stable setup running windows 7 for my home theatre PC, that I built myself. Its just a simple core 2 quad with a GTX 580 that I use for everything I do computer wise, but primarily for my TV and Movies. I want to get windows 8 as I always like upgrading but I'm a DIY kind of guy and I have not purchased a OEM Desktop since 1999 and I dont intend to now. With Windows 7, I bought a full retail install license and I've had to reload it several times due to motherboard breaking, hard drive crashes or viruses, etc. I am concerned because I heard there is no full retail copy of windows 8 or there is only one license that can be used on the lifetime of the motherboard or hard drive, and once one of them breaks, I need to have, or purchase a new license, as the old one will be dead with the failed hardware. Is there anyone here that has this dilemma where they build their own machines and have to reload windows at least once a year and are concerned about this news if its even true. Will someone here kindly advise me if this information is accurate and if you are in a similar situation to mine, what do you intend to do? I want to buy the best release they have of windows 8, as I have purchased windows 7 ultimate, but I am scared to buy something then my PC breaks and I have no more windows. I need to find out what to do now because I heard windows 8 is heavily discounted up until January.

Please help me understand this and make the best decision for my situation.

Thanks!

 

[tcman50]

I build my own computers as well, I have my media network setup as such, main computer in loft (media server), computer in bedroom (client) with 37" hdtv, computer in living room (client) with 52" hdtv.

I download tv shows, 1080p movies and music from certain sites (wink, wink) and store and organize them on my loft computer via j.river media center. I watch the media on the two hd tv's via a wired 1gb network with xbmc as the frontend software on each of the hdtvs.

I was running windows 7 oem home premium on all three machines, the day after windows 8 come out I upgraded my main computer to windows 8 pro for $39.99 via the online site. By upgrading you keep all your settings, files, options intact, my home media network works flawlessly still.

When you upgrade online you are presented with many options, one option is to download windows 8 pro as and .iso file. I choose that option, simply download the .iso and burn it to a dvd, now you have a hard copy of windows 8 pro and of course you also get the windows 8 key as well. As far as I know you can then install it on the same computer as many times as you like.

link to upgrade for $39.99 until january 13th, 2013 is here: Buy Windows - Microsoft Windows

 

[pparks1]

The licensing changed for Windows 8. The System Builder License, has a Personal Use License (PUL) component. This says that you can build a computer for yourself, install Windows 8 onto it, without being required to sell it to an unrelated third party. Essentially, it's an OEM license that a home hobbyist can use for their own stuff.

Where it gets even better, is that the System Builder license is NOT tied to that 1 and only 1 computer for it's lifetime. The Personal Use License component allows you to move your license to a new system as long as it's only used on 1 system at a time.

For support of my claims above, please see the license : http://personaluselicense.windows.com/en-US/default.aspx
In particular, the section Can I transfer the software to another computer or user?

You may transfer the software to another computer that belongs to you. You may also transfer the software (together with the license) to a computer owned by someone else if a) you are the first licensed user of the software and b) the new user agrees to the terms of this agreement. To make that transfer, you must transfer the original media, the certificate of authenticity, the product key and the proof of purchase directly to that other person, without retaining any copies of the software. You may use the backup copy we allow you to make or the media that the software came on to transfer the software. Anytime you transfer the software to a new computer, you must remove the software from the prior computer. You may not transfer the software to share licenses between computers. You may transfer Get Genuine Windows software, Pro Pack or Media Center Pack software only together with the licensed computer.

 

[pparks1]

Is there anyone here that has this dilemma where they build their own machines and have to reload windows at least once a year and are concerned about this news if its even true.

As I explained above in my previous post, this used to be a concern with the OEM licenses in the past. You had to weight whether the cost savings of OEM was worth it over buying a retail release.

I want to buy the best release they have of windows 8, as I have purchased windows 7 ultimate, but I am scared to buy something then my PC breaks and I have no more windows.

It's hard to say that in the past that ultimate was the "best" release of Windows. It was more costly, and if you didn't need features such as 1). Joining a domain 2). being able to RDP into the machine, 3). bitlocker or 4). language packs...buying an Ultimate license just meant paying more for Windows for something you would never use. For most, Home Premium would have been best, and for some Professional would have been best...very few need Ultimate.

I need to find out what to do now because I heard windows 8 is heavily discounted up until January.

It's only the "upgrade" version that is heavily discounted. The OEM/System Builder license (which really is the new retail) is not going to go up in price. It's at the higher price now, as far as I understand.

 

[Dave76]

You can get the Win8 Pro Upgrade for $40, you can't use the Win7 ULT license while using Win8 Pro.
If you remove Win8 Pro, then you can put the Win7 ULT back on and use the upgrade Win8 Pro on another qualified OS.
You can re-install Win8 Pro on the original machine, it's easier to make an image backup and restore that when needed.

 

[mistachy]

As far as I know you can then install it on the same computer as many times as you like.

link to upgrade for $39.99 until january 13th, 2013 is here: Buy Windows - Microsoft Windows

I've been told different, so I will call and verify.

 

[mistachy]

You can get the Win8 Pro Upgrade for $40, you can't use the Win7 ULT license while using Win8 Pro.
If you remove Win8 Pro, then you can put the Win7 ULT back on and use the upgrade Win8 Pro on another qualified OS.
You can re-install Win8 Pro on the original machine, it's easier to make an image backup and restore that when needed.

How do i create an image back up? Using which software?

 

[mistachy]

It's only the "upgrade" version that is heavily discounted. The OEM/System Builder license (which really is the new retail) is not going to go up in price. It's at the higher price now, as far as I understand.

Ive found the full system builders version at fryz for 15 dollars. Is this the best price?

 

[pparks1]

The full systems builder version is NOT going to be $15. If it is, it's likely not legitimate.

 

[mistachy]

The full systems builder version is NOT going to be $15. If it is, it's likely not legitimate.

Sorry that was a typo. I found it for 85 dollars at frys. is this a good price or are there better out there?

 

[pparks1]

The full systems builder version is NOT going to be $15. If it is, it's likely not legitimate.

Sorry that was a typo. I found it for 85 dollars at frys. is this a good price or are there better out there?

Are you sure this is for Windows 8 Pro, and not just plain WIndows 8? That price seems too low to be true. I've yet to see it under $120 or so.

 

[mistachy]

The full systems builder version is NOT going to be $15. If it is, it's likely not legitimate.

Sorry that was a typo. I found it for 85 dollars at frys. is this a good price or are there better out there?

Are you sure this is for Windows 8 Pro, and not just plain WIndows 8? That price seems too low to be true. I've yet to see it under $120 or so.

I'm guessing this is the wrong one.... FRYS.com*|*Microsoft

Where did you find it for 120?

 

[theog]

Best found in the UK.

Microsoft Windows 8 DVD - 64 Bit - OEM | WN7-00403
Microsoft Windows 8 Pro 64 Bit DVD - OEM | FQC-05955

 

[mistachy]

Best found in the UK.

Microsoft Windows 8 DVD - 64 Bit - OEM | WN7-00403
Microsoft Windows 8 Pro 64 Bit DVD - OEM | FQC-05955

I dont live in the UK maite... i live in Arizona USA... i would imagine shipping would be extreme... negating any savings on my part. Is there some where that I can get it cheaply to Arizona? for about the 120?

 

[pparks1]

There was a promo code for awhile at NewEgg...that got it down around the $120 mark. But I think that was on pre-order only.

Cheapest I have seen it online is buy.com for around $137.

 

[mistachy]

Thanks. I guess I will go in-store and find out if I like the OS before I purchase it. Ive been seeing many complaints about the interface.

 

[Phone Man]

For the consumer their are 3 version of Windows 8 for the PC
Windows 8
Windows 8 Pro
Windows 8 Pro w/media center.


At retail you will see.
Windows 8 Upgrade - Upgrade from XP,Vista, Win 7
Windows 8 Pro Upgrade - Upgrade from XP, Vista, Win 7
Windows 8 OEM - which is the full version and can be used for Personal Use.
Windows 8 Pro OEM - which is the full version and can be used for Personal Use.
Windows 8 Pro Upgrade Package - which upgrades from Windows 8 to Windows 8 Pro w/Media Center

If you are using Windows Media Center on your current system, it is not included with Windows 8 and is an extra Feature.
To use Windows Media Center you need Windows 8 Pro and then can add Windows Media Center. The normal price is $10 but MS is offering a free upgrade for a limited time.

http://www.eightforums.com/software-apps/10415-free-media-center-pack-keys.html

Jim

 

[Dave76]

You can get the Win8 Pro Upgrade for $40, you can't use the Win7 ULT license while using Win8 Pro.
If you remove Win8 Pro, then you can put the Win7 ULT back on and use the upgrade Win8 Pro on another qualified OS.
You can re-install Win8 Pro on the original machine, it's easier to make an image backup and restore that when needed.

How do i create an image back up? Using which software?

Macrium Reflect Free version

This tutorial will explain: Imaging with free Macrium

 

[mistachy]

You can get the Win8 Pro Upgrade for $40, you can't use the Win7 ULT license while using Win8 Pro.
If you remove Win8 Pro, then you can put the Win7 ULT back on and use the upgrade Win8 Pro on another qualified OS.
You can re-install Win8 Pro on the original machine, it's easier to make an image backup and restore that when needed.

How do i create an image back up? Using which software?

Macrium Reflect Free version

This tutorial will explain: Imaging with free Macrium

that is solid gold! thank you. ive been using synkron folder sync and backing everything up to an external. making images will suffice for much easier and faster restoring

 

[Dave76]

You're welcome, it is an excellent program and imaging is the best way to backup.