What you'll get in each version of Windows 7

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Geoff Spick26 March 2009, 4:00 AM

If you are planning on picking up a copy of Windows 7, a glance at the feature tick list for the different versions will show which is the right edition for you.


Slides on a recent blog from Microsoft Australia's Jeff Alexander (article now strangely removed) reveal the exact make up of the many different versions of Windows 7.

They confirm that the main versions available with be Home Premium and Professional with an Ultimate version for enthusiasts, the Enterprise edition for big business and Starter and Home Basic for low-level PCs and emerging markets.


The feature list highlights the major elements in each version with the Starter version confirmed as limited to running just three applications at once and lacking the Aero Glass style and Windows Touch interface that Home Premium users will enjoy. Ultimate, Professional and Business are the only versions with the Encrypting File System.



So, regardless of the options available, it looks like the vast majority of users will be aiming for the Home Premium version of Windows 7 to avoid losing many of the features that Windows XP users have become used to. All that remains to be revealed is the pricing, which will make for interesting reading, and presumably a lot of flack for Microsoft if the prices seem to be above upgrade level, then again this never seems to worry Mac users.

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Pazin (User):

wow looks good still might go for ultimate though

26 March 2009, 8:23 AM (11 months ago)report abuse Send to a friend reply

Your Average Joe (Cornerstone member):

Me Too !
Hopefully the Ultimate upgrade kit will be priced reasonably for the Vista owners :)

26 March 2009, 9:53 AM (11 months ago)report abuse Send to a friend reply

Halcon (Advanced member):

Don't expect anything from Microsoft, If they want to gain user acceptance then the company should consider in a big price reduction, use of one package to fill all.
Emerging countries will opt for Linux distros, due to the cost factor and the fact the version these people will get is an inferior offering.
A rip-off in other words, its time the little guys open the eyes to shun Microsoft OS altogether.

26 March 2009, 10:19 AM (11 months ago)report abuse Send to a friend reply

Raindog (Senior Forumologist):

I wouldn't hold my breath waiting for low or even reasonable pricing for retail or upgrade versions of W7, past history says its not going to happen, particularly at the feeding frenzy of initial release.

Reasonable pricing seldom occurs anywhere other than as part of bundle packages on pre-loaded machines.

The whole premise of the basic and starter versions appears to be a bait and switch tactic that will (as occurs now) be an expensive exercise for those who don't do their pre-purchase home work.

Maximum 3 running applications what sadist came up with that one? What constitutes an application? I will bet the MS interpretation of an application will differ from reasonable user perceptions.

And what's with SKU it Microsoft must use acronyms why not use the more acurate RCV?

26 March 2009, 10:59 AM (11 months ago)report abuse Send to a friend reply

Halcon (Advanced member):

Quoting Raindog:
Maximum 3 running applications what sadist came up with that one?


Why Not say, the sadist and barbaric Microsoft Corporation has created the most evil scheme to bait and switch the computer illiterate users without any idea of what they will get when buying a computer system being labelled cheaper for the people who can't afford in the underdeveloped countries.
Microsoft thinks is easy to manipulate these people minds so they can do whatever they whish to brainwash these poor souls with a useless product.

26 March 2009, 5:50 PM (11 months ago)report abuse Send to a friend reply

Raindog (Senior Forumologist):

Quoting Halcon:
Why Not say

Why not I just say what I have to say how I wish to say it with the use of as many or as few adjectives as I choose?

I'm not no fan of MS marketing and tactics, but I have better things to do than join any crusade.




26 March 2009, 6:06 PM (11 months ago)report abuse Send to a friend reply

agami (User):

Currently on Vista Home Premium and by the looks of it 7 Home Premium will do me just fine.

Some might dub 'Windows 7 Starter' as 'Windows 7 Secure' or perhaps 'Windows 7 Stable'.

26 March 2009, 1:08 PM (11 months ago)report abuse Send to a friend reply

winderic (New user):

How can we found out which edi support 4G ram or more?

26 March 2009, 7:40 PM (11 months ago)report abuse Send to a friend reply

gankul (Cornerstone member):

for more then 4 gig of ram, only the 64bit version, and going by the usual tact, id say the premium, ultimate, business and enterprise would get it.

27 March 2009, 9:49 AM (11 months ago)report abuse Send to a friend reply

techdribble (User):

Any 64bit version which I dont think will be available for starter and home basic editons.

27 March 2009, 11:07 AM (11 months ago)report abuse Send to a friend reply

Pazin (User):

i think possibly that premium has up to 12gb/ ultimate and buisness will definantly but yet i still have a feeling you wont be limited to 4gb under premium or home or whatever the lowest 2 are.

still, microsoft will probably find a way to skrew it up.

12 April 2009, 9:12 PM (11 months ago)report abuse Send to a friend reply

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