Description: This article offers an explanation of the different versions of Windows 8.

The Windows 8 Operating System comes in a few different variations. Below is a brief explanation of each variation, intended to help you decide which variation best meets your needs.

1. Windows 8: This is the standard release of the newest operating system from Microsoft. It is most like Windows 7 Home Premium in its functionality, it can do all the things most home users would need Windows to do.
2. Windows 8 Pro: Windows 8 Pro is the professional version of the new Windows. It houses the ability to be placed into a small to medium business environment and function. It has the ability to be connected to a domain (Windows 8 only has the ability to join either a Workgroup or Homegroup) and communicate with an Active Directory server, as well as being able to be controlled via Remote Desktop Protocol.
3. Windows 8 Pro with Media Center: Windows 8 Pro with Media Center is the top PC consumer minded release of Windows 8. Not only does it have the capability to be connected to a domain and handle business tasks, but it adds in Windows Media Center, which allows users to play DVDs. Windows 8 and Windows 8 Pro do not house this utility, only the Media Center feature pack can allow a Windows 8 user to play a DVD natively on their PC. This feature pack was available for free for Windows 8 users until January 31, 2013, and afterwards for a nominal fee. Installation instructions are posted here.
4. Windows 8 Enterprise: While not available to consumers, Windows 8 Enterprise allows large scale organizations to more easily license a deployment of Windows 8 to workstations and allows those machines to be more easily controlled through Group Policy. Windows 8 Enterprise does not include Windows Media Center.
5. Windows RT: While not an official version of Windows 8, this is the tablet version of Windows that will be sold with devices such as the Surface. It is the most touch and tablet friendly Windows to date!
6. Windows Server 2012: While not officially in the Windows 8 family, Windows Server 2012's kernel is built upon the same base as Windows 8, providing supreme support for running business critical applications such as Active Directory, DHCP, DNS and file storage services. It also allows for greater virtualization capabilities, so businesses can run more server instances on less physical hardware.