Microsoft's new computer operating system, Windows 8, was made available for pre-order yesterday.
The company released four ways users can upgrade to Windows 8 on its blog site.
To reserve a $69.99 packaged DVD of Windows 8 Pro, the company's bog says to purchase from Amazon, Best Buy, Staples, Office Depot, Microsoft stores and other retailers.
"When you receive your copy of the Windows 8 Pro upgrade, you'll see that the packaging takes a fresh approach, in the reimagining of Windows. Your package will feature one of 5 vibrant illustrations - you can check out all 5 here on Facebook. We moved to paper based materials (the exception of course being the upgrade DVD inside) which allowed us to make an 80 percent reduction in greenhouse gas emissions and fossil fuel consumption. And we've reduced the packaging weight by 41 percent," the blog said.
For downloads directly to computers, users have to wait until Oct. 26, where they'll be able to do so on Windows.com using the Windows 8 Upgrade Assistant. Price $39.99
The blog says if you have recently purchased, or plan to purchase, an eligible Windows 7 PC between June 2, 2012 and Jan. 31, 2013, you will be able to purchase an upgrade to Windows 8 Pro for $14.99.
To take advantage of that deal, users should register their qualifying PC at Microsoft's Upgrade Offer Web site. Microsoft will then send a promotional code that gives access to the special price, The Washington Post says.
Microsoft also said PC makers such as Acer, Asustek, Dell, HP, Samsung and Sony were also now taking pre-orders for machines with Windows 8 pre-installed.
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