Microsoft has announced a variety of upgrade discounts as it prepares for the release of its upcoming Windows 8 operating system. Let’s check them out.
The initial deal enables anyone who purchases a Windows 7 PC between June 2, 2012, and Jan. 31, 2013, to be eligible to upgrade to Windows 8 Pro for only $14.99. Please note, however, that PCs running Windows 7 Starter Edition are not eligible for this offer.
In the FAQ for this offer is the question “Do I have to install the Windows 8 upgrade on the eligible PC, or can I install it on another PC?” It says, “The upgrade offer is tied to a Windows 7 PC purchased between 2 June, 2012, and 31 Jan., 2013, but you can choose to redeem the offer and install the upgrade on any compatible Windows-based PC with a qualifying base operating system.” Sweet!
Consumers have until Feb. 28, 2013, to register and order their Windows 8 upgrade for this offering. Read more details about this offer at https://windowsupgradeoffer.com/en/Home/ProgramInfo.
The latest deal enables anyone running Windows XP, Windows Vista or Windows 7 to upgrade to Windows 8 Pro for only $39.99. This upgrade is in the form of a download using the Windows Upgrade Assistant. An additional cost is required if a physical disc is desired.
A bonus to this offer is an upgrader also can receive a free copy of Windows Media Center as an add-on after the upgrade.
Learn more details about this offer at http://windowsteamblog.com/windows/b/bloggingwindows/archive/2012/07/02/upgrade-to-windows-8-pro-for-39-99.aspx.
Finally, Microsoft is offering a special price for the packaged DVD version of Windows 8 Pro upgrade for only $69.99.
According to Microsoft’s official blog, the Windows 8 Pro upgrade promotion is being offered both online and at retail stores until Jan. 31, 2013.
Microsoft security updates
Microsoft has released nine security bulletins to fix flaws in its software for its July security updates. Three bulletins were rated critical, while six bulletins were rated important. The flaws either could enable an attacker to execute remote code on a compromised system, information disclosure or enable elevation of privilege.
Among programs affected by the flaws are all currently-supported versions of Microsoft Windows XP/Windows Server 2003, 2008 and 2008 R2/Vista/Windows 7; Microsoft Office 2003 SP3, 2007 SP2 and SP3 and 2010 32-bit, 64-bit SP1; Microsoft Office for Mac; Microsoft InfoPath 2007 SP2, SP3, 2010, 2010 SP1 and 64-bit, 64-bit SP1; Microsoft Office SharePoint Server 2007, SP2 and SP3 of 32-bit and 64-bit; Microsoft SharePoint Server 2010 and SP1; Microsoft Groove Server 2010 and SP1; Microsoft Windows SharePoint Services 3.0 SP2 of 32-bit and 64-bit; Microsoft SharePoint Foundation 2010 and SP1; Microsoft Office Web Apps 2010 and SP1; and Microsoft Visual Basic for Applications and SDK.
Read more at http://technet.microsoft.com/en-us/security/bulletin/ms12-jul.
Net buzzz
- Microsoft Office 365 is now free of charge to schools. Read more at http://blogs.msdn.com/b/microsoftuseducation/archive/2012/06/27/office-365-for-education-now-available-to-schools-worldwide-for-free.aspx.
- Microsoft has confirmed in a recent FAQ that Windows Home Server 2011 was the final version of its home-server OS. Its new Windows Server 2012 OS will incorporate features found exclusively in its Windows Home Server software.
Read more at http://download.microsoft.com/download/8/0/8/80882EEE-96E1-486F-889D-6C0ACFCC1E42/Windows_Server_2012_Essentials_FAQ.pdf.
E-mail me at sheila@amnews.com; fax me at (859) 236-9566; or write me snail mail at The Advocate-Messenger, P.O. Box 149, Danville, KY 40423-0149.
