Hey, so a lot of people have misconceptions about Windows 8 and Windows RT, so I just wanted to clear some stuff up here. I will be as brief as possible.
Windows 8 is the OS that runs on traditional desktops/laptops etc (Intel chips for instance).
Windows RT is the OS that runs on ARM devices.
Windows 8 will run [almost (due to compatibility)] any traditional Windows desktop application. There are no restrictions here. If UAC annoys you, you can unlock the admin account.
Windows RT will not run any existing software. This isn't anything to do with MS, it's because it was built for a different platform. Stuff doesn't just magically work. There are a few "desktop" apps that will run on Windows RT - for instance the Visual Studio remote deploy program. However although there is a way to make VS2012 compile against ARM, the programs need to be digitally signed, and there isn't a good way to get around that just yet.
Windows Store apps (formerly known as "metro" apps) will, for the most part, run on both OS's/Platforms. When building an app the developer has a choice what to support, but by default their app will work on both.
There are various ways to distribute Windows Store apps which is obviously via the store, but also special deployment for companies.
Finally, and this is important, Windows Store apps can be sideloaded onto any Windows RT or 8 device. Yup, you can bypass the store entirely. And there is nothing special you need to do on the receiving device. When sending Windows Store apps to clients to test, I just build a package, zip up the files and send it to them. On their side, they right click on the *.ps1 file and click "Run with Powershell". Powershell will ask you to login with any Microsoft account (this only happens the first time), and then press a few letters (like Y for yes, and R for run etc). And then it's installed.
Don't want to cause any arguments, just want to clear up these [seemingly obvious] things incase anyone thought something different.
Windows 8 is the OS that runs on traditional desktops/laptops etc (Intel chips for instance).
Windows RT is the OS that runs on ARM devices.
Windows 8 will run [almost (due to compatibility)] any traditional Windows desktop application. There are no restrictions here. If UAC annoys you, you can unlock the admin account.
Windows RT will not run any existing software. This isn't anything to do with MS, it's because it was built for a different platform. Stuff doesn't just magically work. There are a few "desktop" apps that will run on Windows RT - for instance the Visual Studio remote deploy program. However although there is a way to make VS2012 compile against ARM, the programs need to be digitally signed, and there isn't a good way to get around that just yet.
Windows Store apps (formerly known as "metro" apps) will, for the most part, run on both OS's/Platforms. When building an app the developer has a choice what to support, but by default their app will work on both.
There are various ways to distribute Windows Store apps which is obviously via the store, but also special deployment for companies.
Finally, and this is important, Windows Store apps can be sideloaded onto any Windows RT or 8 device. Yup, you can bypass the store entirely. And there is nothing special you need to do on the receiving device. When sending Windows Store apps to clients to test, I just build a package, zip up the files and send it to them. On their side, they right click on the *.ps1 file and click "Run with Powershell". Powershell will ask you to login with any Microsoft account (this only happens the first time), and then press a few letters (like Y for yes, and R for run etc). And then it's installed.
Don't want to cause any arguments, just want to clear up these [seemingly obvious] things incase anyone thought something different.
