Windows 8

The next operating system from Microsoft will be much more affordable than ever, according to a Monday's announcement.

When Windows 8 Pro becomes available, PC users will be able to upgrade at the cost of only $39.99, which is about a fifth of what people have to pay to upgrade to the current version of Windows. Windows Media Center could be added for free as a part of the deal.

"We set out to make it as easy as possible for everyone to upgrade to Windows 8," wrote Brandon LeBlanc on Blogging Windows.

"Starting at general availability, if your PC is running Windows XP, Windows Vista, or Windows 7 you will qualify to download an upgrade to Windows 8 Pro for just $39.99 in 131 markets," LeBlanc added.

Users will be able to purchase the upgrade at Windows.com later this year, and the Windows 8 Upgrade Assistant will help the process, including evaluation the readiness of the machine to step-by-step walk through. The new OS could be installed immediately or saved in .ISO file for a later use. The file could also be burned onto a DVD as well.

LeBlanc explained that the upgrade experience will be a "breeze".

Microsoft will also make a packaged DVD version for $69.99 during the promotion period, which will run through January 31, 2013.

Could this be Microsoft's attempt to close the gap between Apple's Mountain Lion operating system for desktop, who costs only $19.99 to upgrade? Or is it just a friendly gesture from the company to make it more easily acquirable?

In the mean time, the company is running another promotion where a person can get Windows 8 Pro for $14.99 by purchasing a Windows 7 PC.