Hacker News new | ask | show | jobs
by acqq 4986 days ago
Definitely.

Windows 8 runs as Windows 8 and as Windows 8 RT. However, there's also WinRT which is something else:

WinRT == Windows Runtime

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Windows_Runtime

"Not to be confused with Windows RT"

Now

"Windows RT (formerly known as Windows on ARM) is an upcoming version of the Windows 8 operating system for ARM devices such as tablets. The RT acronym does not officially stand for anything.[1] It will officially only run software available through the Windows Store or included in Windows RT."

Homework: try to explain that in less words. :)

2 comments

Windows 8 is a desktop/laptop/tablet OS aimed at home users

Windows 8 Pro is a desktop/laptop/tablet OS aimed at businesses/power users

Windows 8 Enterprise is a desktop/laptop/tablet OS aimed at large businesses (only available via volume license)

Windows RT is a tablet only OS aimed at the iPad/Android market (and can only be delivered via an OEM on a device) Like the iPad and Android it can only run apps available via the Microsoft App Store.

Surface RT is a tablet running Windows RT (so aimed at iPad/Android tablet owners).

Surface Pro (available early 2013) is a tablet running Windows 8 Pro and is more or less like an ultrabook with higher specs than the Surface RT. As it runs Windows 8 Pro it can run all apps that any other Windows 8 Pro computer can it is not limited to the App Store like the Surface RT is.

WinRT is the new Windows Run Time. Read more at http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/WinRT as it explains it better than I can in one sentence.

Thanks. Only after reading your response I understood.

Microsoft developed the Windows version for ARM. But then some big shot in Microsoft decided:

"No, you can't mention ARM in any name, we absolutely don't want to mention ARM anywhere in our propaganda or any other material. Our customers should not be aware that this thing like ARM processors exist. Intel promised to make something like ARM in just a year or two. Or we're going to make something. Or whatever, we just don't want to mention ARM. Verboten."

Underling1: "Oooh, how are we going to refer to the darn thing now?"

Underling2: "I know let's reuse the name that these developers use for the thing they produce, this WinRT thing. We'll call it Windows RT"

All together: "Bravo!"

Is this a submission for the homework? I think it was supposed to be fewer words en toto, not per nomen.
I've been a Software Engineer developing software for 10 years and I don't understand one word of that.

If I'm confused, I have to wonder how the average Joe is going to keep up.

If they keep this up, I agree Windows just can't win.