Solved RTM Vs. Release Preview. Windows 8?

imeem

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What's the difference between RTM and release preview? is RTM consider as the full version? Am i missing anything by choosing Release Preview?
 

My Computer

System One

  • OS
    Windows 7 x64 Home and 8.1 x64 Enterprise
    Computer type
    PC/Desktop
    System Manufacturer/Model
    Acer
    CPU
    Q8400 2.66 ghz
    Motherboard
    OEM
    Memory
    8 GB DDR2
    Graphics Card(s)
    HD 6970
    Sound Card
    ALC 888s and Fiio e17
    Monitor(s) Displays
    LG W2361V
    Screen Resolution
    1920x1080
    Hard Drives
    WD black 1 TB
    PSU
    corsair TX650m
Hello Imeem, and welcome to Eight Forums.

Yes, that's correct. RTM (Release To Market) is the final (full/upgrade) retail version. The release preview was the previous build for testing purposes before the RTM. :)
 

My Computer

System One

  • OS
    64-bit Windows 10
    Computer type
    PC/Desktop
    System Manufacturer/Model
    Custom self built
    CPU
    Intel i7-8700K OC'd to 5 GHz
    Motherboard
    ASUS ROG Maximus XI Formula Z390
    Memory
    64 GB (4x16GB) G.SKILL TridentZ RGB DDR4 3600 MHz (F4-3600C18D-32GTZR)
    Graphics Card(s)
    ASUS ROG-STRIX-GTX1080TI-O11G-GAMING
    Sound Card
    Integrated Digital Audio (S/PDIF)
    Monitor(s) Displays
    2 x Samsung Odyssey G7 27"
    Screen Resolution
    2560x1440
    Hard Drives
    1TB Samsung 990 PRO M.2,
    4TB Samsung 990 PRO PRO M.2,
    8TB WD MyCloudEX2Ultra NAS
    PSU
    OCZ Series Gold OCZZ1000M 1000W
    Case
    Thermaltake Core P3
    Cooling
    Corsair Hydro H115i
    Keyboard
    Logitech wireless K800
    Mouse
    Logitech MX Master 3
    Internet Speed
    1 Gb/s Download and 35 Mb/s Upload
    Browser
    Internet Explorer 11
    Antivirus
    Malwarebyte Anti-Malware Premium
    Other Info
    Logitech Z625 speaker system,
    Logitech BRIO 4K Pro webcam,
    HP Color LaserJet Pro MFP M477fdn,
    APC SMART-UPS RT 1000 XL - SURT1000XLI,
    Galaxy S23 Plus phone
The RTM is basically the final version (or almost final version). There were changes made to the RTM that aren't included in the release Preview. The release preview is fully functional and free to use for a limited time. The Win 8 and Win 8 Pro RTM versions require a product code just to install them and require activation for all the features to work. If you don't have a Technet subscription you're better off using the Release Preview.
 

My Computer

System One

  • OS
    Windows 10 Education 64 Bit
    Computer type
    PC/Desktop
    System Manufacturer/Model
    Asus
    CPU
    AMD Phenom II X4 980 Black Edition Deneb 3.7GHz
    Motherboard
    ASUS M4N68T-M V2 µATX Motherboard
    Memory
    8GB 4GBx2 Kingston PC10600 DDR3 1333 Memory
    Graphics Card(s)
    NVIDIA Geforce GT640 2 Gig DDR3 PCIe
    Sound Card
    VIA VT1708s High Definition Audio 8-channel Onboard
    Monitor(s) Displays
    22" LG E2242 1080p and 2 19" I-INC AG191D
    Screen Resolution
    1280x1024 - 1920x1080 - 1280x1024
    Hard Drives
    Crucial MX100 256 GB SSD and 500 GB WD Blue SATA
    PSU
    Thermaltake TR 620
    Case
    Power Up Black ATX Mid-Tower Case
    Cooling
    Stock heatsink fan
    Keyboard
    Logitech Wireless K350 Wave
    Mouse
    Logitech M570 Trackball and T650 TouchPad
    Internet Speed
    80 Mbps Down 30 Mbps Up
    Browser
    Internet Explorer 11
    Antivirus
    Windows Defender
    Other Info
    HP DVD1040e Lightscribe - External USB2
is there any features missing form the Release Preview compared to RTM? Or is it like adjustments and update?

The RTM is basically the final version (or almost final version). There were changes made to the RTM that aren't included in the release Preview. The release preview is fully functional and free to use for a limited time. The Win 8 and Win 8 Pro RTM versions require a product code just to install them and require activation for all the features to work. If you don't have a Technet subscription you're better off using the Release Preview.

I don't have a subscription, but I could download the RTM(?) version for free for 90 days.

Download Windows 8 Enterprise Evaluation
 

My Computer

System One

  • OS
    Windows 7 x64 Home and 8.1 x64 Enterprise
    Computer type
    PC/Desktop
    System Manufacturer/Model
    Acer
    CPU
    Q8400 2.66 ghz
    Motherboard
    OEM
    Memory
    8 GB DDR2
    Graphics Card(s)
    HD 6970
    Sound Card
    ALC 888s and Fiio e17
    Monitor(s) Displays
    LG W2361V
    Screen Resolution
    1920x1080
    Hard Drives
    WD black 1 TB
    PSU
    corsair TX650m
RTM is finalized code.



Setting that aside, there are a few differences between the two, mostly UI based. The Start Screen tiles are a shade lighter than the background and ALL the text is the same color and size whereas the RP had the tiles basically the same color with large color tinted text. It looks nicer.

There are about 16 totally new Start Screen patterns, and a few bizarre ones.

On the Desktop, pretty much everything is white. In the Control Panel, instead of a blue gradient on the right side, it's just white. The same with Explorer. Transparency around the windows is gone, except the Taskbar. It has a nice, simple transparency to it.

I would personally change the window color to white (third party tool AeroTuner) and change the border padding around the windows as small as possible (a good tutorial here on Eight Forums) and you have a nicer appearing Desktop. At least to me. :p
 

My Computer

System One

  • OS
    Windows 8.1 Pro
    Computer type
    PC/Desktop
    System Manufacturer/Model
    ASUS
    CPU
    AMD FX 8320
    Motherboard
    Crosshair V Formula-Z
    Memory
    16 gig DDR3
    Graphics Card(s)
    ASUS R9 270
    Screen Resolution
    1440x900
    Hard Drives
    1 TB Seagate Barracuda (starting to hate Seagate)
    x2 3 TB Toshibas
    Windows 8.1 is installed on a SanDisk Ultra Plus 256 GB
    PSU
    OCZ 500 watt
    Case
    A current work in progres as I'll be building the physical case myself. It shall be fantastic.
    Cooling
    Arctic Cooler with 3 heatpipes
    Keyboard
    Logitech K750 wireless solar powered keyboard
    Mouse
    Microsoft Touch Mouse
    Browser
    Internet Explorer 11
    Antivirus
    Windows Defender, but I might go back on KIS 2014
Media Center is still an addon package. In the trial Enterprise version, there's is FINALLY a GUI based setup for a Windows To Go drive. It's odd since I remember over a year ago, there were a couple of alpha build leaks that had a setup screen for one, but in all the official preview releases, nope.
 

My Computer

System One

  • OS
    Windows 8.1 Pro
    Computer type
    PC/Desktop
    System Manufacturer/Model
    ASUS
    CPU
    AMD FX 8320
    Motherboard
    Crosshair V Formula-Z
    Memory
    16 gig DDR3
    Graphics Card(s)
    ASUS R9 270
    Screen Resolution
    1440x900
    Hard Drives
    1 TB Seagate Barracuda (starting to hate Seagate)
    x2 3 TB Toshibas
    Windows 8.1 is installed on a SanDisk Ultra Plus 256 GB
    PSU
    OCZ 500 watt
    Case
    A current work in progres as I'll be building the physical case myself. It shall be fantastic.
    Cooling
    Arctic Cooler with 3 heatpipes
    Keyboard
    Logitech K750 wireless solar powered keyboard
    Mouse
    Microsoft Touch Mouse
    Browser
    Internet Explorer 11
    Antivirus
    Windows Defender, but I might go back on KIS 2014
k thx for the help. One last thing, Is RTM and enterprise trial the same thing?
 

My Computer

System One

  • OS
    Windows 7 x64 Home and 8.1 x64 Enterprise
    Computer type
    PC/Desktop
    System Manufacturer/Model
    Acer
    CPU
    Q8400 2.66 ghz
    Motherboard
    OEM
    Memory
    8 GB DDR2
    Graphics Card(s)
    HD 6970
    Sound Card
    ALC 888s and Fiio e17
    Monitor(s) Displays
    LG W2361V
    Screen Resolution
    1920x1080
    Hard Drives
    WD black 1 TB
    PSU
    corsair TX650m
Also not noted is that as RTM, any changes by Microsoft will come as updates instead of a complete build release.
 

My Computer

System One

  • OS
    All Versions Of Windows
    Computer type
    PC/Desktop
    System Manufacturer/Model
    Home Built
    CPU
    Intel I5-2500K
    Motherboard
    ASUS Maximus IV GENV
    Memory
    DD3 1600 Crucial 8G 2x4
    Graphics Card(s)
    NVidia ONY XLR8 gtx460oc
    Sound Card
    onboard xFI
    Monitor(s) Displays
    Samsung 24" LCD
    Screen Resolution
    1920x1080
    Hard Drives
    2x160 SATA 2 WD
    1x250 Samsung SATA 2
    PSU
    Cooler Master 650w
    Case
    Antec 300
    Cooling
    Cooler Master 212 Pus
    Keyboard
    iRocks Gaming Keyboard
    Mouse
    Logitech G400
    Internet Speed
    25Mb Down 2Mbit Up

My Computer

System One

  • OS
    64-bit Windows 10
    Computer type
    PC/Desktop
    System Manufacturer/Model
    Custom self built
    CPU
    Intel i7-8700K OC'd to 5 GHz
    Motherboard
    ASUS ROG Maximus XI Formula Z390
    Memory
    64 GB (4x16GB) G.SKILL TridentZ RGB DDR4 3600 MHz (F4-3600C18D-32GTZR)
    Graphics Card(s)
    ASUS ROG-STRIX-GTX1080TI-O11G-GAMING
    Sound Card
    Integrated Digital Audio (S/PDIF)
    Monitor(s) Displays
    2 x Samsung Odyssey G7 27"
    Screen Resolution
    2560x1440
    Hard Drives
    1TB Samsung 990 PRO M.2,
    4TB Samsung 990 PRO PRO M.2,
    8TB WD MyCloudEX2Ultra NAS
    PSU
    OCZ Series Gold OCZZ1000M 1000W
    Case
    Thermaltake Core P3
    Cooling
    Corsair Hydro H115i
    Keyboard
    Logitech wireless K800
    Mouse
    Logitech MX Master 3
    Internet Speed
    1 Gb/s Download and 35 Mb/s Upload
    Browser
    Internet Explorer 11
    Antivirus
    Malwarebyte Anti-Malware Premium
    Other Info
    Logitech Z625 speaker system,
    Logitech BRIO 4K Pro webcam,
    HP Color LaserJet Pro MFP M477fdn,
    APC SMART-UPS RT 1000 XL - SURT1000XLI,
    Galaxy S23 Plus phone
Think of it like this. The difference between RP and RTM is like the difference between a house that's "almost done" and house that's finished, inspected, and you've moved into it.

Which would you rather have? The one with partially finished drywall, no carpeting, and partially finished plumbing? Or the final thing?
 

My Computer

System One

  • OS
    Windows 8.1 Pro
    CPU
    Intel i7 3770K
    Motherboard
    Gigabyte Z77X-UD4 TH
    Memory
    16GB DDR3 1600
    Graphics Card(s)
    nVidia GTX 650
    Sound Card
    Onboard Audio
    Monitor(s) Displays
    Auria 27" IPS + 2x Samsung 23"
    Screen Resolution
    2560x1440 + 2x 2048x1152
    Hard Drives
    Corsair m4 256GB, 2 WD 2TB drives
    Case
    Antec SOLO II
    Keyboard
    Microsoft Natural Ergonomic Keyboard 4000
    Mouse
    Logitech MX
The release preview expires in January, unless users have contrived a hack for it, so, whilst the comparison with the "Released to manufacturers" (RTM) edition is interesting, it has no real meaning. But I guess both of the OP's questions have been answered by Brinks attachment.
 

My Computer

System One

  • OS
    Windows 8.1
    Computer type
    PC/Desktop
    Other Info
    Use several different computers during a day, so specs are irrelevant.
Think of it like this. The difference between RP and RTM is like the difference between a house that's "almost done" and house that's finished, inspected, and you've moved into it.

Which would you rather have? The one with partially finished drywall, no carpeting, and partially finished plumbing? Or the final thing?


I'd prefer the previous building that was demolished to construct this one.....;)
 

My Computer

System One

  • OS
    Windows 8 Enterprise 64-bit (7 Ult, Vista & XP in V-Box)
    System Manufacturer/Model
    Acer Aspire Ethos AS8951G 'Super-Laptop'.
    CPU
    Intel Sandy-Bridge i7-2670QM quad-core
    Motherboard
    Acer
    Memory
    8GB DDR3
    Graphics Card(s)
    Intel 3000HD / Ge-Force GT555M 2 gigs
    Sound Card
    Realtek/5.1 Dolby built-in including speakers.
    Monitor(s) Displays
    18.4" full-HD
    Screen Resolution
    1920x1024
    Hard Drives
    2x750GB Toshiba internal, 1x500GB Seagate external, 1x2TB Seagate external, 1x640GB Toshiba pocket-drive, 1x640GB Samsung pocket drive.
    PSU
    Stock
    Case
    Laptop
    Cooling
    Air-cooled
    Mouse
    I/R cordless.
    Internet Speed
    Borderline pathetic.
k thx for the help. One last thing, Is RTM and enterprise trial the same thing?

The trial of the RTM version is Windows 8 Enterprise. You can use it for 90 days. It's the same thing they did when Windows 7 was released.

The OTHER version is Windows 8 Pro, it's kind of like Enterprise, except labeling and you buy a retail key and not a volume key and a few other things.
 

My Computer

System One

  • OS
    Windows 8.1 Pro
    Computer type
    PC/Desktop
    System Manufacturer/Model
    ASUS
    CPU
    AMD FX 8320
    Motherboard
    Crosshair V Formula-Z
    Memory
    16 gig DDR3
    Graphics Card(s)
    ASUS R9 270
    Screen Resolution
    1440x900
    Hard Drives
    1 TB Seagate Barracuda (starting to hate Seagate)
    x2 3 TB Toshibas
    Windows 8.1 is installed on a SanDisk Ultra Plus 256 GB
    PSU
    OCZ 500 watt
    Case
    A current work in progres as I'll be building the physical case myself. It shall be fantastic.
    Cooling
    Arctic Cooler with 3 heatpipes
    Keyboard
    Logitech K750 wireless solar powered keyboard
    Mouse
    Microsoft Touch Mouse
    Browser
    Internet Explorer 11
    Antivirus
    Windows Defender, but I might go back on KIS 2014
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