Windows 8 Developer Preview - Have You Downloaded It?

[brad jones]

At Microsoft Build, Microsoft released a developer preview of Windows 8. There are a variety of pre-beta downloads you can grab today if you want to check out the preview of Windows today. In addition to including the next version of Windows, you also get a chance to see Visual Studio 11 Express for Windows 8 Developer Preview.

If you do download the Windows 8 Developer Preview, be aware that the file sizes are large. The 4.8 GB download of the English 64-bit (x64) tools is bigger than a standard DVD. This means you need a large format DVD or to build a bootable thumb drive. I did a bootable thumb drive, which was relatively easy to create and even easier to install from.

I noticed there is also a 32-bit (x86) version available now as well. I've not downloaded it, but at 2.8 GB, it should be a bit easier to work with than the 64 bit version.

Do you want to see Windows 8? You can download it from the following link. It is pre-beta software, so only install it on a machine with nothing important already on it.

Windows 8 Developer Preview downloads



More...

[Nightwalker83]

Um, Brad I posted a link to that I while ago in this thread.

Edit: Perhaps it would be a good Idea to pin the thread so no body else makes the same mistake.

[RhinoBull]

Do you want to see Windows 8?

You don't want to start another heated discussion - there are few out there already.

But... to answer it - NO for desktops and MAYBE for mobile devices.

[dilettante]

The funny thing is, there is nothing new at that link since BUILD (as far as I can see) - over 2 months now. The 32-bit download has been there all along.

Nothing wrong with reminding people this is out there for all to look at. However I agree we don't need another thread for discussing Windows 8 impressions, perceived merits, issues, etc.

I suspect the interest level has dropped to nearly zero and Microsoft may be pushing people to promote it some more.

[dilettante]

Windows 8 will be 'largely irrelevant' to traditional PC users: IDC

Hmm, I wonder what other prognosticators are saying?



Actually, Windows 8 Will Be TOTALLY Relevant On Desktop PCs -- Here's Why (MSFT)

Hmm, ok. The "All Your Base Are Belong To Us" argument that new PC purchasers will have Win8 rammed down their gullets. I can see that.

[RhinoBull]

Interesting read to say the least...

From the second link:

Once Windows 8 is released, most of those new PCs will run Windows 8. That's not irrelevant.

Of course. He just forgets that most consumers will opt for Win7 so those
machines that are built with Win8 will get wiped off and replaced with Win7 (at home, work but after the purchase).
That's how you save money - everyone probably remembers that downgrade from Vista to XP wasn't free.
But again, sales numbers will look great on paper. Illusion, utopia or name it however but it is irrelevant and IDC's forecast looks just about right.

[Nightwalker83]

I received this in an email from code project.

[Witis]

While reading the comments below the article posted by Nightwalker83, as I have not downloaded the Developer Preview, I found this link which demos the touch screen capabilities worth watching: http://winunleaked.tk/2011/12/how-to...t-nice-n-easy/

It seems like a substantial change from Win7, as a result, is there going to be a change in the development for Metro Apps, for example from VB6->.net-> Metro dev, or will metro dev be via an updated version of .net?

Also key for businesses wanting to develop their own in house metro applications - will it still be possible to develop and deploy such applications with Win8, or will the deployment of even in house metro apps move to the Windows store?