This is an original blog post on Oct. 30, 2012 by Jim Lynch, Director of Green Tech at TechSoup Global
I've been following the IT press as it's been covering the much-publicized Windows 8 launch over the last few months. Having a passion for keeping IT equipment alive and well as long as possible, I've been following the sub-debate on whether or not Windows 8 is suitable for older PCs.

Microsoft Windows 8 is here! Eligible not-for-profits and charitable organisations can now request donated copies of Windows 8 through the TechSoup Asia program.
- Ryan Jones's blog
- Login or register to post comments
- Read more
What’s New in Windows 8?
-
Faster: Across the board, Windows 8 is faster than Windows 7 and Windows XP in boot time, file compression, and even opening tabs in web browsers.
Windows 8 has a brand-new look and feel, so make sure it is right for your organization-
How to perform a clean Microsoft Windows installation for your nonprofit or library with downloaded ISO files?
TechSoup encourages you to download the installation software for your Microsoft Software Donation Program donations instead of having discs sent to you.
So you download the software from Microsoft's Volume Licensing Service Center (VLSC) and find out that it arrives as an ISO file and you need to perform additional steps before you can use that file for installation. What’s an ISO file? Most simply put, it’s a single file containing all the data from a CD, DVD, or other disc, all in one.
Fortunately, it is not so difficult to work with ISO files. This article explains what you need to do. The article also helps you decide whether you need additional software or memory devices and provides links to lists of free software to help you manage them.
The Tech Beginner’s Guide is a workbook designed to help small and medium sized NGOs understand the basics of ICT. It is the culmination of over 10 years of on-the-ground work, and expert research by TechSoup Global It is designed to give you the right amount of relevant and actionable information, so you can focus your time on your mission, rather than addressing the ICT needs of your office and employees.
Download it here.