Fancy yourself an early adopter, but don't want to shell out the money to buy one of the many new Windows 8
systems offered by Microsoft and other manufacturers? What about those
who bought a new PC recently, and find themselves stuck with Windows 7?
Well, you're in luck, because Microsoft, in an effort to boost Windows 8
adoption, is offering to upgrade eligible systems on the cheap. For
$14.99—15 bucks!—anyone who purchased a qualified Windows 7 laptop after
June 2 of this year can purchase a download of Windows 8 Pro. And for
those who don't meet those requirements, the full operating system can
still be purchased for $39.99 (via download) or $69.99 (on disc).
But not all laptops will be able to make the jump to Windows 8.
According to Microsoft, the minimum hardware requirements for running
Windows 8 include a processor with a clock speed of 1GHz or more; at
least 2GB of RAM for 64-bit systems (or 1GB for 32-bit), 20GB of hard
drive space (16GB for 32-bit), and DirectX 9-capable graphics. Most—but
not all—PCs running Windows 7 will meet these requirements, but it
should be noted that if you purchased Windows 7 Starter Edition, you'll
be paying full price.
You should also know that many features integral to getting the full
Windows 8 experience require further hardware capabilities. The
touch-based navigation that Windows 8 is built around requires a touch
screen, though touch-enabled peripherals can make up some of the
difference. Purchasing and downloading apps for the Windows Store—which
Microsoft expects will be your primary source of apps and
software—requires an active Internet connection. And while the operating
system will work at resolutions as low as 1,024-by-768, you'll need to
bump that up to at least 1366-by-768 in order to use apps side-by-side.
Beyond the basic hardware requirements, you'll also need device drivers
to get all of your hardware playing nicely with the new operating
system. While most manufacturers are offering driver support for PCs
sold over the last year, the cutoff date varies, so check the details
for your specific brand below. And if you don't see your brand below,
check back over the next few weeks, as we will be updating this story as
more information becomes available.
Acer
Acer offers driver support for Windows 7 laptops purchased between June 2, 2012 and January 31, 2013, as well as offering an upgrade assistant to guide you through the specifics of the upgrade process for dozens of Acer systems.
Apple
Apple is offering no support for Windows 8 at this time.
Asus
Asus offers a free Windows 8 upgrade
for qualified systems sold between October 1 through December 31 of this
year. It should be noted, however, that the upgrade is only free after a
mail-in rebate, and only a handful of systems are eligible.
Dell/Alienware
Dell (and subsidiary Alienware) is supporting upgrades
for qualified Windows 7 systems purchased between June 2, 2012 and
January 31, 2013. Offers must be redeemed prior to February 28, 2013.
eMachines
Like Dell, eMachines is supporting upgrades
for eligible Windows 7 PCs purchased between June 2, 2012 and January
31, 2013. Offers must be redeemed prior to February 28, 2013.
Fujitsu
Fujitsu is supporting upgrades for eligible Windows 7 PCs purchased
between June 2, 2012 and January 31, 2013. A list of eligible systems
can be found on the offer page.
Gateway
Gateway is supporting upgrades
for eligible Windows 7 PCs purchased between June 2, 2012 and January
31, 2013. Offers must be redeemed prior to February 28, 2013. Gateway
also offers a support tool for determining whether or not a system is
supported—a handful of otherwise eligible systems fail to qualify for
support due to hardware incompatibility.
Hewlett-Packard (HP)
HP is providing upgrade instructions and drivers
for all Windows 7 systems sold after 1st October 2011, as well as
providing a detailed upgrade guide to help you through the process. For a
limited number of eligible Windows 7 systems, HP is also offering a $15 refund to cover the cost of upgrade. Refund information can be found here:
Lenovo
Lenovo is supporting upgrades to several laptops,
including ThinkPad and Lenovo B, E, K, M and V series as well as
IdeaPad models. The promotional upgrade offer only extends to models
purchased between June 2, 2012 and January 31, 2013.
Panasonic
Panasonic is supporting upgrades for ToughBook computers, with detailed download information listed by model number.
Samsung
Samsung is providing upgrade instructions and drivers for several
Windows 7 systems, along with a step by step installation guide.
Eligible models are listed on the upgrade page.
Sony
Sony is supporting upgrades for eligible Windows 7 PCs purchased between
June 2, 2012 and January 31, 2013. A list of eligible systems can be
found on the offer page.
Toshiba
Toshiba is supporting upgrades for a wide range of Windows 7 PCs
, with an upgrade assistant for installing Windows 8 on systems
purchased after June 1, 2012. Toshiba is also supporting upgrades for
systems purchased between January 1, 2011 and June 1, 2012, with manual
step-by-step instructions.
Vizio
Vizio is supporting upgrades for all Windows 7 Vizio PCs, with both drive updates and a detailed installation guide.
Microsoft
Having trouble finding your manufacturer's upgrade and support page? Microsoft has collected links to the pages of numerous manufacturers.
Referrence: http://www.pcmag.com
Here are three great Android apps with which to end the week.
Zagat just released its new, official app which has been rebuilt from
the ground up. The company is part of Google these days. Devi’s Attorney
is a fun and satirical turn-based strategy game where you play as a
self-interested attorney with very few morals and no sense of justice.
Finally, we’ve got Future Mayhem, a futuristic arcade-style
side-scrolling shoot ‘em up that’s sure to help pass the time this
weekend.
What’s it about? The famous and respected food and restaurant guide has a brand new Android app and it looks tasty.
What’s cool? Whereas it once was a pay-for service, since Google took over, Zagat is 100 percent free for everyone. You can browse over 30,000 restaurants worldwide with trusted reviews and ratings. There are many filters so you can narrow down your search and reserve a table via the app. Zagat is optimized for 7- and 10-inch tablets, too.
Who is it for? People who like to dine out will be happy to see the service available for all, and Zagat covers all kinds of tastes. You do need a Google+ ID to use the app, though, which might be a bummer for some users. Interestingly enough, if you purchased the old app by Handmark, Zagat will send you a free $15.95 guide of your choice as compensation.
What’s it like? Savored extends the features of Zagat in some ways, giving you big discounts on tables at nearby restaurants if you can go that night. Other restaurant recommendations (and bookings) are available from apps like OpenTable, or you can try local favorites Yelp and Urbanspoon.
What’s it about? Devil’s Attorney is an interesting strategy game where you need to make sure all your criminal clients get off scot-free.
What’s cool? Justice isn’t in defence attorney Max McCann’s playbook. He’s high on charm but low on moral fiber. The more clients he frees, the more money he makes to buy furniture and accessories for his apartment, as well as unlocking advanced courtroom skills and boosting his ego along the way.
Who is it for? There’s some strategic thinking required to get the best out of Devil’s Attorney. There are 58 cases to complete, three neighborhoods to explore, and nine devious prosecutors to outwit.
What’s it like? I can’t recall too many courtroom-based games in Google Play, so Devil’s Attorney certainly has that going for it. It’s humorous and entertaining, but it doesn’t play much like Phoenix Wright: Ace Attorney, the only other legal-themed game I can think of.
What’s it about? Future Mayhem is a side-scrolling old-school shoot ‘em up set in the very distant future.
What’s cool? It’s 2842. Organized crime is in the hands of four gangs who control the large cities from their underground bases. As an enforcer for one of these gangs, your territory is being encroached so you need to take action immediately. Play as either a punk, ninja, cyborg or soldier and run and gun your way past enemies, sentry guns and mines.
Who is it for? The game has a cool sci-fi cartoon art style and should appeal to fans of blast-em ups and shooting games. The enemies are randomized each time you play, there are three difficulty levels and three weapon categories, too. Also, once you pay your $0.99, you get the full game with no in-app purchases necessary.
What’s it like? Future Mayhem resembles a few other titles in Google Play like Frankie Pain or Cartoon Wars: Gunner+.
Download the Appolicious Android app
Zagat (Free)
What’s it about? The famous and respected food and restaurant guide has a brand new Android app and it looks tasty.
What’s cool? Whereas it once was a pay-for service, since Google took over, Zagat is 100 percent free for everyone. You can browse over 30,000 restaurants worldwide with trusted reviews and ratings. There are many filters so you can narrow down your search and reserve a table via the app. Zagat is optimized for 7- and 10-inch tablets, too.
Who is it for? People who like to dine out will be happy to see the service available for all, and Zagat covers all kinds of tastes. You do need a Google+ ID to use the app, though, which might be a bummer for some users. Interestingly enough, if you purchased the old app by Handmark, Zagat will send you a free $15.95 guide of your choice as compensation.
What’s it like? Savored extends the features of Zagat in some ways, giving you big discounts on tables at nearby restaurants if you can go that night. Other restaurant recommendations (and bookings) are available from apps like OpenTable, or you can try local favorites Yelp and Urbanspoon.
Devil’s Attorney ($3.00)
What’s it about? Devil’s Attorney is an interesting strategy game where you need to make sure all your criminal clients get off scot-free.
What’s cool? Justice isn’t in defence attorney Max McCann’s playbook. He’s high on charm but low on moral fiber. The more clients he frees, the more money he makes to buy furniture and accessories for his apartment, as well as unlocking advanced courtroom skills and boosting his ego along the way.
Who is it for? There’s some strategic thinking required to get the best out of Devil’s Attorney. There are 58 cases to complete, three neighborhoods to explore, and nine devious prosecutors to outwit.
What’s it like? I can’t recall too many courtroom-based games in Google Play, so Devil’s Attorney certainly has that going for it. It’s humorous and entertaining, but it doesn’t play much like Phoenix Wright: Ace Attorney, the only other legal-themed game I can think of.
Future Mayhem ($0.99)
What’s it about? Future Mayhem is a side-scrolling old-school shoot ‘em up set in the very distant future.
What’s cool? It’s 2842. Organized crime is in the hands of four gangs who control the large cities from their underground bases. As an enforcer for one of these gangs, your territory is being encroached so you need to take action immediately. Play as either a punk, ninja, cyborg or soldier and run and gun your way past enemies, sentry guns and mines.
Who is it for? The game has a cool sci-fi cartoon art style and should appeal to fans of blast-em ups and shooting games. The enemies are randomized each time you play, there are three difficulty levels and three weapon categories, too. Also, once you pay your $0.99, you get the full game with no in-app purchases necessary.
What’s it like? Future Mayhem resembles a few other titles in Google Play like Frankie Pain or Cartoon Wars: Gunner+.
Download the Appolicious Android app
