Why do we need so many versions of windows 7 couldn't Microsoft kept two versions
Home & Proffesional as they had for XP. Instead of Home Basic, Enterprise and Ultimate?
Because that's the way M$ wanted to market their software.
Generally, 6 editions of Windows 7 will be made available:
- Windows 7 Starter (only available on pre-installed OEM channel worldwide but limited to new PCs limited to specific types of hardware)
- Windows 7 Home Basic (only available in emerging markets)
- Windows 7 Home Premium
- Windows 7 Professional
- Windows 7 Enterprise (only on Software Assurance or Volume Licensing channel)
- Windows 7 Ultimate
The brief description of various editions of Windows 7 is listed below.
Windows 7 Starter
Availability: Worldwide, OEM channel, for new PCs limited to specific types of hardware only (netbook)
Key Features: Enhanced Taskbar, Jump Lists, Windows Media Player, Backup and Restore, Action Center, Device Stage, Play To, Fax and Scan, basic games
Limitations: Missing Aero Glass, many Aero desktop enhancements, Windows Touch, Windows Media Center, live thumbnail previews, Windows 7 Mobility Center, Home Group creation features, and can run only three applications at once.
Windows 7 Home Basic
Availability: Emerging market, OEM channel only
Key Features: All features of Windows 7 Starter in addition to advanced networking feature, live thumbnail previews, and Windows Mobility Center.
Limitations: Missing Aero Glass, many Aero desktop enhancements, Aero windows navigation, Windows Touch, Windows Media Center and Home Group creation features.
Windows 7 Home Premium
Availability: Mainstream Windows 7 SKU, worldwide release and available for both OEM and retail channels
Key Features: Aero Glass, Aero Background, Windows Touch, Home Group creation, Media Center, DVD playback and authoring, premium games, in addition to all features of Windows 7 Home Basic.
Limitations: Missing Domain join, Remote Desktop host, advanced backup, EFS, and Offline Folders features
Windows 7 Professional
Availability: Mainly for small businesses, worldwide release, and available in OEM, retail and volume licensing (VL) channels
Key Features: Domain join, Remote Desktop host, location aware printing, EFS, Presentation Mode, Offline Folders, Windows Media Center beside inclusive of all features and functionalities from Windows 7 Home Premium
Limitations: Missing BitLocker, BitLocker To Go, AppLocker, Direct Access, Branche Cache, MUI language packs and boot from VHD abilities or features
Windows 7 Enterprise
Availability: Software Assurance or Volume-License enterprise business customers only
Key Features: BitLocker, BitLocker To Go, AppLocker, Direct Access, Branche Cache, MUI language packs and boot from VHD – basically, all features of Windows 7.
Windows 7 Ultimate
Market: Retail channel or upgrade from Windows 7 Home Premium and Professional UI
Key Features: BitLocker, BitLocker To Go, AppLocker, Direct Access, Branche Cache, MUI language packs and boot from VHD – basically, all features of Windows 7.
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