Win8 Dictionary
This is an attempt to reduce confusion about the new terms introduced with the release of Windows 8 in various modes, for various architectures and various restrictions.
Contents
Win32
The evolving set of APIs and runtime available since Windows 3.11 and still changing these days.
Windows NT 64bits is almost compatible with Win32 and Windows CE was partly compatible with Win32 APIs.
On 64bits, Windows NT uses the LLP64 model for pointers! Be careful if you are a Unix developer.
Windows 8
The version of Windows NT named 6.2 released at the end of 2012.
It has a small kernel evolution from Windows 7, but the big addition of the Metro mode.
It runs on x86 and x86(64bits) hardware.
WinRT
A mess
NB: Not to be confused with Windows RT.
Windows RT
This is the port of Windows 8 on various ARM platforms.
A contrario from what people say, Windows RT has both a "Metro" and a "Desktop" mode.
Windows RT has Win32 APIs too.
Windows on ARM
Synonym for Windows RT.
Blue
Windows 8+1.
Will be released in Summer 2013.
WP7 / WP 7.5
WP7
WP8
The version of Windows 8 that runs on phones (short for Windows Phone 8)
Metro (Screen)
Metro (language)
Desktop
The Windows interface as we know it since Windows 3.11 until Windows 7.
