Microsoft Windows 8 Pro Upgrade 32-Bit (Includes Software Assurance)

Windows 8 Pro is the professional edition of the latest Microsoft operating system. Compared to previous versions of Windows, it features enhanced performance, a modern interface with advanced touch support, cloud integration, greater security, and improved power efficiency. This 32-bit version operates on a computer with a 32-bit processor and 32-bit drivers.

This donation provides one upgrade license. Request one license for this product for each computer on which you will install it.

Editions You Can Upgrade From

Only certain editions of the Windows operating system qualify for upgrades under Connecting Up's Volume Licensing agreements with Microsoft. To install this operating system, you must have a licensed installation of one of the following operating systems on the device where you are installing the upgrade:

• Windows 7 Enterprise, Professional, or Ultimate
• Windows Vista Enterprise, Business, or Ultimate
• Windows XP Professional or Tablet PC
• Windows 2000 Professional
• Windows NT Workstation 4.0
• Windows 98 SE

You cannot upgrade from any Home edition of Windows. If your device doesn't meet the requirements for an upgrade product, you might be eligible for a full operating system license through Microsoft's Get Genuine Windows Agreement for Small and Medium Organisations program.

Benefits for Organisations

You can use Windows 8 Pro to:

• Protect computers from viruses and other malware with Windows Defender
• Support a touch-screen interface when working with individuals who cannot use a traditional mouse and keyboard
• Restore malfunctioning computers to the base installation with Reset and Refresh functions
• More easily switch between and access additional display languages in a multilingual environment

Major Capabilities

• Modern interface: You can navigate the new tile-based interface with a touch-enabled computer or a traditional mouse-and-keyboard setup. You can also choose to view a traditional Windows desktop similar to those in previous versions of Windows.
• Apps: Apps give you quick access to applications like Mail, Calendar, SkyDrive, Photos, People, and services like Facebook, LinkedIn, and Twitter. When not in use, apps running in the background suspend automatically, so they don't consume system resources and power.
• Cloud integration: Your apps, settings, and files saved to the cloud-based Microsoft SkyDrive will automatically appear on any Windows 8 device after logging in with your Microsoft account.
• Enhanced security: Windows Defender in Windows 8 includes antivirus capabilities to protect computers from viruses, Trojan horses, rootkits, and other malware, in addition to spyware and adware. The software detects threats in real-time and automatically updates malware signatures.
• Built-in virtualization: Exclusive to 64-bit versions of Windows 8, Client Hyper-V allows users with virtualization experience to create and manage virtual machines without installing a server operating system.

Installing Windows 8

Unless you are upgrading from Windows 7, this installation requires a "clean install." This means that if the computer has an existing operating system, you must remove all operating system files and applications, install the system, and reinstall the applications. For complete information, see Connecting Up's How to Upgrade to Windows 8.

Windows 8 Pro requires significant system resources, as detailed below. It is likely that PCs currently running an operating system older than Windows Vista might not be able to run Windows 8. For a good start on evaluating whether to upgrade, see Connecting Up's Upgrading to Windows 8: Four Questions to Consider.

Important Volume Licensing Information

With Windows 8, your organisation can choose between two types of volume license keys for product activation: a Key Management Service (KMS) license key or a Multiple Activation Key (MAK). A Key Management Service (KMS) key for Windows 8 is available by default on the Microsoft Volume Licensing website; that is, this is the only type of key you will see unless you request a MAK.

A KMS key requires at least 25 computers on a network for activation. If your organisation has fewer than 25 computers, you should request a MAK from the Volume Licensing website after receiving this product.

Obtaining This Product

Installing this product requires installation media and a license key. The license key allows you to use the installation media to install the product on as many computers as you have received licenses for.

Expect three emails:

1.     When your donation request has been approved, Connecting Up will send a message to your organisation email address confirming the number of licenses you have requested.

2.     Microsoft will send an email welcoming your organisation to the Volume Licensing Service Center (VLSC).

3.     Connecting Up will send an email with information about managing your donation at the VLSC. If you are new to the VLSC, you should wait for this email before you register there.

Software Assurance

Under the Software Assurance program, you have the right to install any new release of products covered in the agreement during the term of your coverage.