Pi and Windows 8

short answer: no.

longer answer:  probably not enough memory, probably ARM11 not current enough, probably proprietary GPU a problem, probably lack of touchscreen a problem.

I don't believe so.  Every reference I've seen to Windows in the RaspberryPi.org FAQ and forums have stated no.  And I sure hope not as any Windows 8 ARM device must be locked down by manufacturer to only run Windows:

http://www.xda-developers.com/feature/microsoft-confirms-lockdown-of-arm-devices-running-windows-8/

"On an ARM system, it is forbidden to enable Custom Mode. Only Standard Mode may be enable.

Disabling Secure [Boot] MUST NOT be possible on ARM systems."

 

What this means for XDA Developers, and the development community as a whole, is that unless a security exploit with UEFI is found, no ARM device with Windows 8 will ever run anything other than Windows 8 and Metro UI.

The Raspberry Pi is able to meet its magical price because it leverages decades of open source software.  I hope that folks enticed by the low price of the Pi will get to become familiar with, and come to appreciate, Linux and the open source software ecosystem.

Cheers,

Drew

Drew,

  Would this lockdown prevent a device manufacturer from selling a version of their

device without WIndows 8, for use with Linux?  

No I don't think so.  I think what it means if a manufacturer wants to make an ARM device that Microsoft will allow Windows 8 to run, then it has to be locked down so that it will only boot Windows 8.  Thankfully, the Foundation has designed the Pi for Linux so this isn't really a concern.  And given that, it will never be certified by Microsoft to run Windows 8. 

I suppose the only theoretical way to get Windows 8 ARM to run would be to install some modified version on the Pi (which I presume would violate Microsoft's licensing).  Regardless, as you pointed out, the memory is limited and, in an ironic twist, the powerful proprietary GPU capabilities are only being made available for Linux.

will the Raspberry PI run earlier versions of windows?

I'm not sure if dosbox will run on an ARM, but if it did, you might be able to run windows 3.1 in it.

Darren,

   Why would you want to?

> Why would you want to?

Maybe so that Windows 8 for ARM viruses, malware and spyware can run on it?

Joking aside, when there are millions of Raspberry Pi in the world, you can be certain that the sociopaths and organized crime will be attracted to Pi as yet another infection vector.  My guess is that netfilter and iptables will become an important Rpi topic in just a matter of months, if not before.

Morgaine.

> Why would you want to?

I don't. I'm fine with Linux.

Just got curious when I read that Win8 are being ported to ARM.

The Pi boots into Command line on Debian squeeze, and for good reason.  start x-windows and run midori and you are at 100% CPU.  Midori is not as responsive as one would expect from a modern PC.  Add all the bloat of Windows and performance is not going to be up to scratch.  Best stick with Linux