Windows 8

Information on Windows 8

Windows 8 is Microsoft's latest operating system. Windows 8 represents a dramatic change from the traditional Windows experience, and shipped on October 26^th, 2012. Microsoft introduced a different user interface, originally codenamed “Metro,” that is similar in style found on phones running Windows.

Installing Windows 8 is neither recommended nor discouraged by ResNet, and is down to personal preference. We expect that all prebuilt (OEM) PCs will be shipped with Windows 8. Only computers running Windows 8 Pro will be eligible to downgrade their installation to Windows 7 or Windows Vista. No versions of Windows 8 will be able to downgrade to Windows XP. 

Windows 8 Requirements

The minimum computer hardware requirements for running Windows 8 as recommended by Microsoft are:

• 1GHz or faster 32-bit (x86) or 64-bit (x64) processor
• 1GB RAM (32-bit) / 2GB RAM (64-bit)
• 16GB available disk space (32-bit) / 20GB (64-bit)
• DirectX 9 graphics processor with WDDM 1.0 or higher driver

The minimum screen resolution for “Metro-style” applications is 1024x768. This may present a problem for netbooks, as their screen resolution is typically 1024x600.

More features can be found on Microsoft's website.

UCSD Information

How do I connect to UCSD-PROTECTED?

Please see the information located on the Blink website for documentation.

How do I connect to the UCSD Virtual Private Network (VPN)?

In order to access on-campus resources such as the library reserves or scientific journals, you must install the VPN client. Please see the information located on the Blink website for documentation.  

Frequently Asked Questions

Where can I purchase Windows 8 and how much does it cost?

All computers running a legitimate copy of Windows Vista or Windows 7 are eligible for an upgrade to Windows 8 Pro for $39.99.

Visit their website for more information.

Retail and system-builder copies are also available from online retailers and the retail Pro version is carried by the UCSD Bookstore.

What version of Windows 8 should I purchase?

There are three editions of Windows 8 currently offered to consumers:

• Windows 8 – The base version of Windows 8.
• Windows 8 Pro –  Contains all of the features available on Windows 8, but also comes with the following additional features:
  • Windows Media Center via add-in
  • Remote Desktop Host – Ability to remotely control the computer from another Windows or Mac computer
  • BitLocker & EFS Encryption
  • Ability to join Windows Domains
  • System Virtualization – Full Hyper-V virtualization on 64-bit versions with compatible CPUs
• Windows RT – Comes preinstalled on devices with an ARM processor, like tablets. This version is only able to run applications from the Windows App store and will not run applications designed for any other version of Windows.

Using the standard Windows 8 edition will meet the academic needs for most students. The ability to access your computer remotely would be the primary advantage of installing Windows 8 Pro. And yes, the ResNet network currently allows students to access their computers remotely, on and off campus!

Will Windows 8 run on my computer?

The Windows 8 upgrade tool will help determine if your computer is able to run Windows 8. However, since the minimum system requirements are identical to Windows 7, if you are already running Windows 7, your experience should be comparable.

Any tips for navigating the new interface?

ResNet has found this video below to be very useful for navigating around Windows 8.

Can I run the Windows 8 Developer/Consumer/Release preview on my ResNet connected computer?

ResNet strongly discourages students from continuing to run beta versions of operating systems when the final release is out. Microsoft will no longer provide support and updates for beta versions of the operating system, and these systems will become outdated quickly, leaving the computer vulnerable to security attacks. Computers that are not running up-to-date operating systems violate the Acceptable Use Policy. ResNet does not provide support for beta and release candidate versions of Windows 8.

Can I use Windows 8 on the ResNet network?

ResNet provides full customer support to computers running Windows 8. Keep in mind that ResNet's Acceptable Use Policy applies to all computers on ResNet, regardless of what operating system it is running.

Should I get the 64-bit or 32-bit version of Windows 8

Any new computer purchased after around 2006 should be capable of running a 64-bit operating system. ResNet recommends the 64-bit version in order to take full advantage of your system's processing power and to increase RAM capacity, which is limited to 3.5 GB under the 32-bit operating system. Essentially, using the 64-bit OS will future-proof your computer. All your 32-bit applications will run fine under the 64-bit operating system. As a note, external devices over 3 years old may require 64-bit driver versions usually found on the manufacturer's website.