Upgrade path for Windows 8

Microsoft has announced that South African customers who buy a Windows 7 computer before February 2013 will be able to upgrade to Windows 8 Pro for about R125.

South African customers who buy a new Windows 7 PC before February 2013 will not have to fork out full price to upgrade to Windows 8. Microsoft has launched a Windows Upgrade Offer, which will allow qualifying buyers the option to purchase a downloadable upgrade to Windows 8 Pro for around R125, which they can redeem when Windows 8 becomes generally available.

‚We’ve seen a great interest in Windows 8, especially given the availability of the Windows 8 Release Preview this week, and yet we know many consumers want a new PC now,‚ the company said in a statement. ‚The Windows Upgrade Offer gives you the flexibility to purchase the new Windows PC you need today, with the knowledge that you can easily upgrade to Windows 8 when it’s available.‚

The offer is available for consumers buying new Windows 7 PCs that come preinstalled with Windows 7 Home Basic, Home Premium, Professional or Ultimate and include a matching and valid OEM Certificate of Authenticity. The Windows 7 PC must be purchased new during the eligibility period of June 2, 2012, – Jan. 31, 2013 and redeemed before the program expires at the end of February 2013. Consumers who register for the Windows Upgrade Offer will be able to download Windows 8 starting the day it’s made generally available. The upgrade can be installed on any eligible and compatible Windows PC and comes with 90 days of support from Microsoft.

For more information on taking advantage of the Windows Upgrade Offer, visit http://www.windowsupgradeoffer.com. More information about Windows 8 is available at http://windowsteamblog.com.

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