Subscribers to MSDN -- the Microsoft Developer Network -- and TechNet will be able to download the Windows 8 RTM approximately two weeks later, assuming Microsoft follows past procedure.

Microsoft has not yet set a firm release date for Windows 8, a ship date for the Surface tablets running that OS or the Windows RT offshoot, or set a price for either the desktop operating system or the .

Gregg Keizer covers Microsoft, security issues, Apple, Web browsers and general technology breaking news for Computerworld. Follow Gregg on Twitter at , on or subscribe to . His email address is .

See .

in Computerworld's Windows Topic Center.