Windows 8 is right on schedule for the October 26^th release date. On schedule release dates are always exciting news, and so is a new operating system release!

Interestingly enough, Microsoft has not stopped the sale of Windows 7 devices, which means up until October 26^th, you can still buy a computer with the now obsolete OS. Windows 8 won’t actually start shipping on OEM computers until just after the actual release date.

Now is the perfect time to get a computer though, as a lot of those Windows 7 machines will probably fall in price. You can buy the right laptop for back to school season, or your new year at work! The best news is that you will be able to upgrade to Windows 8 for cheap!

That’s right, you heard us right, Microsoft is allowing Windows 7 purchasers the option to upgrade to Windows 8 for a discounted price.

Upgrade to Windows 8 at a Discount

If you purchase a Windows 8 PC between June 2^nd, 2012 and January 31^st, 2013, you will have the option to upgrade to Windows 8 for $14.99.

In fact, the online registration process to upgrade has been opened to the public, which means you can begin registering for the Windows 8 upgrade as soon as you buy a new PC. To register, you will need your 25-digit Windows 7 product key among other personal information.

On October 26^th, Microsoft will begin sending out promo codes via email to those who have registered for the upgrade. The promo code can be applied at checkout within the Windows 8 Upgrade Assistant app.

Registration for the Windows 8 upgrade will be available to all new Windows 7 PC owners until February 28^th, 2013.

Like we said, now is probably the best time to get a PC while the prices start to drop. Retailers will need to liquidate any current inventory to make room for the new Windows 8 OEM computers that will appear shortly.

What is Different About Windows 8

We’ve covered it several times before, so if you want a more comprehensive list of the features and upgrades you will find in Windows 8 check out our previous reports.

• It’s Official Windows 8 is Coming October 26th!
• Windows 8: The New Standard or Microsoft’s Downfall

The biggest change in Windows 8, from previous OS versions, is the elimination of the Start Menu. It has been removed to make room for the new Windows 8 Style interface (which was formerly called Metro). When the Windows 8 Style interface loads, you will be staring at the present tile interface that has become so popular on Windows Phone devices.

Windows 8 was developed specifically to be cross compatible across all platforms including mobile devices, tablets and computers. Most folks think that since Windows 8 has also been tailored for tablets and mobile devices it will ruin the overall experience, but that is a common misconception. Once the operating system hits the market and consumers start using the new interface, they will most certainly fall in love with Windows 8.

In addition, Windows 8 is said to provide a performance improvement comparable to the boost Windows 7 had over Windows XP.

October 26^th will be a glorious day for all and will most certainly be a lucky day for Microsoft!

There Is Nothing Wrong With Windows 7

If you’re afraid that the new OS will take the spotlight away from Windows 7, you have no need to worry. Microsoft will continue to support the Windows 7 OS in the foreseeable future, just like it did for an extended period of time with Windows XP. That means Windows 7 will continue to receive security and performance enhancements through software updates.

There is also that reasonable upgrade if you decide to go out and buy a Windows 7 computer between now and January, 2013. Keep in mind though, if you decide to take advantage of that upgrade you’ll be giving up that precious start menu.

We don’t believe giving up the Start Menu for the Windows 8 Style interface will be all that dreadful, but who are we, right? After all, we’re just a couple of know-it-all tech punks.