Windows 8 Professional System Builder OEM DVD 64-Bit [Old Packaging]

The "System Builder" version of Windows 8 Professional is for installation on a new computer (with no operating system installed) or on a computer that is NOT currently running Windows 7, Vista, or XP. This product ("System Builder") is NOT for upgrading; if you are upgrading from a previous version of Windows, then get the upgrade package (which is cheaper).One great thing about Windows 8 is that it standardizes the user interface across computers, tablets, and other devices. For businesses that combine desktop and laptop computers with handheld tablets and other mobile devices, having such standardization should make folks' jobs easier.The user-interface of Windows 8 is so different that most ordinary folks will have difficulty mastering it without help. A great many functions of Windows 8 are not at all obvious or intuitive. Unless folks get help of some kind, I forecast storms of great aggravation and anger (perhaps even some violent temper tantrums resulting in equipment damage). Nearly everything you want to do in Windows 8 is hidden until you learn the secrets (even simple things like signing-in or shutting down your computer). Do yourself a favor: get some instruction before you try to use Windows 8, even if that instruction is nothing more than watching videos on a popular video website.But be of good cheer! One can become pretty good at using Windows 8 very, very quickly. I think most folks, could learn the basics in under 60 minutes with the help of a grandchild (your own or borrowed) who knows the secrets. You could probably become an expert with just four hours of focused, hands-on training led by a professional I.T. trainer. Therefore, I suppose the best way to learn Windows 8 is to work for a large corporation with a wonderful training department and patient I.T. professionals who staff a help desk. If you do not work for such a large corporation, then do yourself a favor and buy a Windows 8 book. Windows 8 Secrets  by Paul Thurrott and Rafael Rivera was very helpful to me. Windows 8 can be extremely frustrating if you do not know the secrets (i.e., there are NO CLUES what to do, because all of the menus are hidden). However, you will NOT be frustrated if you have a person or a book to show you the secrets; after a day or so, your Windows experience will become so automated (like driving a car) you won't even think about it.If you do not like to read, there are some pretty good Windows 8 instruction videos on a popular video website. Such video training is often better than a book, because you can see the computer response along with a running narrative.By the way, the "Desktop" is still there. If you hate the new Start Screen (as most folks seem to), you don't have to use it; simply use the Desktop instead (just like you did in previous versions of Windows). After you have setup your Desktop, Toolbars and System Tray (just like you did in previous versions of Windows), your computer will be quick and easy to use. Any of your applications that run under Windows 7 should also run under Windows 8.While I shall not clutter this review with specific information about Windows 8, I will tell you the most useful Windows 8 "secret" (for me): Memorize and use the "Windows Key" (Winkey) keyboard shortcuts! (The Winkey is the key on the bottom row with a depiction the Microsoft flag; my Winkey is just to the right of the CTRL key.) For example, if you hold down the Winkey and press C, the "Charms" bar will be displayed. The "Charms" bar is perhaps the most important interface in Windows 8. If you learn the Winkey keyboard shortcuts first thing, you will be able to get most things done in Windows 8 right away!Here are a few of the more helpful Winkey keyboard shortcuts:Winkey: toggles between Start Menu and last appWinkey + D: opens DesktopWinkey + C: opens "Charms" barWinkey + E: opens file explorerWinkey + F: searches for filesWinkey + I: opens the Settings charm (to shut down your computer, for example)Winkey + Z: opens "app bar" (the menu user interface that is normally hidden when interacting with a Windows 8 app)Winkey + X: opens the "power user" menu (which includes programs and features, power options, event viewer, system, device manager, disk management, computer management, command prompt, task manager, control panel, file explorer, search, run)Update (12/13/2012): After several weeks of use, I am really happy that I loaded Windows 8 on my new (home-built) computer instead of Windows 7. Windows 8 is faster and more stable than the Windows 7 that is running on another machine that I use daily. Windows 8 loaded very quickly (20 minutes for a "clean install") and all of the drivers worked without any problems. On my dual-monitor system, I have the Desktop app on the center monitor and the Start Screen on the side monitor. Thanks to two Windows 8 books, I have been learning about "Metro-style" apps and the new world of the Start Screen (look at youtube videos if you don't know what that is). I have been loading apps from the Windows Store and customizing the Start Screen after learning how to add (pin), delete (unpin), resize, move, and group "tiles." I think that most home users (who only need casual web access) will eventually abandon the Desktop entirely in favor of the "Metro-style" apps on the Start Screen. For myself, I prefer the old familiar Desktop for work software. Therefore, I implemented a task through the Task Scheduler to switch directly to the Desktop app on each boot. As I stated in my original review, Windows 8 is very easy with the help of an instruction book; it would have been a royal pain without such a book.Update (12/25/2012): I also found it helpful to add the following icons to my Windows 8 desktop app: Computer (formerly "My Computer"), Control Panel, and Network. To do this, right click on any clear area of the desktop and select the Personalize option. In the left pane of the Personalize window, click Change desktop icons. Tick the boxes for the icons you want displayed on the desktop (Computer, Control Panel, Recycle Bin, User's Files, Network). Click the Apply button.Update (5/25/2013): I just finished reading the book  Windows 8 Inside Out . While the  Windows 8 Secrets  book provided great training back when I was completely new to Windows 8 (and just about to load it on my new computer),  Windows 8 Inside Out  has more information and a better table of contents, thus making it the better choice for my desk reference.

I had a choice of sticking with Win 7 Pro or Win 8 Pro and I decided to go with the latest version because, well, I can. Just like Win 7 it installed without a problem and everything worked right off the bat. I do have to say that my USB keyboard and mouse were recognized and I did not have to drag out my lingering PS2 keyboard and mouse. Yeah! From there I installed the software and all went well--- took less than 20-min from start to finish, but I will admit that I did load it to a SSD drive.Now comes the part that most people want to hear.... what is my view of Windows 8. So far, not too bad. As a background I manage systems running on Win XP, 7, and now 8. I have one program so far that had a slight compatibility issue, but that was quickly resolved by updating a single component. I would say the most impressive part was it picked up on and installed drivers for my Brother network attached printer.... I didn't have to go find it or install any other software--- it was native. Nice. The whole desktop and screen with tiles is interesting and overall fairly easy to navigate. The only downside is that some programs like to install a dozen tiles on the start screen. That is uncool, but easy enough to "un-pin" from the page.So far I do not mind the interface. I am still considering Stardock's Start 8 as an add on, but I think that I will stick with the OEM interface for now. Not that my system doesn't help, but it does boot fast and since I always use the system builder version--- no junk is ever installed. The only hitch is my monitor. I have a 1-year old 23" Samsung monitor and for whatever reason Windows "loves" to scale back the display by ~10%. Why? I have no idea. It did it with Win XP Pro, 7, and now 8. Now, it may be my choice of video cards and if it is--- then that is fine as after installing the software for the video card, all is good.Overall it works fine. For me I live in the guts of the system and I love folders and lists that are well documented and technical. With that said, for my business programs I much prefer a standard desktop screen. For personal I do not mind the tiles as it is a more "metro" feel. Yes, I had to say that.We will see what else has compatibility problems, but for now it works. I still like Win 7 Pro, but I think over time I will like this just as much.UPDATE#1: Well I ran into my first problem--- a legacy piece of software that will not run in compatibility mode. With that said it became a mission to make it work. It seems as though (this is the case most of the time) that software has to drop off the back end, point taken. With that, I started looking into dual boot which is more than possible as I have my Win XP disc and key--- but after doing some work and the fact that I do not need USB port control--- I opted to setup virtual XP by using Hyper-V. It was easy to setup and took longer to load WinXP than it did anything else. From that point I was able to successfully load my software, create a shared folder betweem Win8 and virtual XP. I even loaded drivers for my printer so I can print from virtual XP to a network printer. It was a challenge, but in the end it works. Since I use the software about once a week for less than 30-min this was a satisfactory solution.From there I am still working my way around, but overall I have been able to find everything that I need. I like the tiles and being able to switch to a regular desktop look is interesting and a little more mouse intensive since I do not have a touchscreen nor do I want one for this system. As far as the start button and menu--- at first I stared at it and asked myself where everything in.... then I discovered by searching and using the apps.... it replaces it with decent effectiveness. Also as far as a power shutdown not being easy to find---- it was one of the first things I did find. Overall, I like Win8 but if I had to run programs that could not run on it yet.... Win7 would work excellent.UPDATE#2: Windows 8 and a Brother MFC-5895CW printer are not talking as they should. I can print no problem, but scanning is not available as a network attached device. Not cool. I tried Brother's app and it does not support the printer and I am left with connecting it via USB which is what I am getting away from since it makes wiring everything a pain in the butt. So my solution is that since I do not scan that much, I am going to scan in Virtual XP that I have setup. Completely not what I wanted to do, but at this point I do not have much of a choice. The only good part is that I picked up the printer for $20 (with a mail in rebate) at Office Depot a number of months ago, and although it has been a great printer, it will most likely be replaced when I have to do cartridges and I will get one that is compatible. I would dink it another star, but I have come to take new OS's in stride and the fact that time marches on. If drivers come out, great, if not, then I still have a decent solution. Again, Win7 works without a problem.

worked perfectly for install under bootcamp on mac pro. not going to review the operating system itself ... well ok, just to say, as a mac-guy, who did not think much of Windows7, I was pleasantly surprised.

I like windows 8 and this is Windows 8... not much else to say. Works like it's supposed to.