Windows 7 Versions

image On 10/22/2009, Microsoft officially released Windows 7 to the general public, but did you know there are 6 different versions (and a 32 bit and a 64 bit version of each of those (except for Starter edition which is 32 bit only))?

So, which do you buy?  First, let’s list what versions are available, then we’ll describe each one:

  1. Windows 7 Starter
  2. Windows 7 Home Basic
  3. Windows 7 Home Premium
  4. Windows 7 Home Premium Upgrade Family Pack
  5. Windows 7 Professional
  6. Windows 7 Ultimate (also called “Enterprise”)

Now, the details of each:

  • Windows 7 Home Starter
    • This is the bottom level, least features version of Windows 7.  This is the first time a starter edition has been made available in the United States.  Starting with XP, then Vista, starter editions were made available to developing nations, but not in 1st world nations.
    • It lacks file encryption.
    • You can only run 3 programs at once (this is real set back).
    • You can’t buy this.  If you want it, you have to buy a computer with it pre-installed.  Most likely, on a netbook.
    • Price:  Unknown, since you can’t buy it directly.  The cost will be factored into the cost of the machine on which it’s installed.
    • Won’t use more than 2GB of RAM.
    • 32 bit only.
    • Won’t support more than 1 CPU.
    • Can’t back up to a network.
    • Can’t create a Home Group (can join only).
    • No multi-monitor support.
    • No fast user switching.
    • Can’t change desktop wallpaper.
    • Can’t connect mobile devices.
    • No Aero glass visuals.
    • No multi-touch capability.
    • No premium games included.
    • No Windows Media Center.
    • No remote use of Windows Media Player.
    • Can’t remote control with remote desktop.
    • Can’t connect to a Windows Domain.
    • No Windows XP mode.
    • No App Locker.
    • Can’t boot from a virtual hard disk.
  • Windows 7 Home Basic
    • Has everything that Starter edition has plus:
    • Can access up to 8GB of RAM.
    • Available in 32 and 64 bit.
    • Supports multiple monitors.
    • Can change the desktop wallpaper.
    • Can connect mobile devices.
    • Only partial support for Aero glass.
    • All other restrictions for Starter apply to Home Basic.
  • Windows 7 Home Premium
    • Has everything Home Basic has, plus:
    • Can access up to 16GB of RAM.
    • Can create a Home Group.
    • Full support for Aero glass.
    • Supports Multi-Touch (you’ll need a multi-touch monitor or multi-touch mouse to use this).
    • Includes Premium Games.
    • Windows Media Center.
    • Windows Media Player remote playing.
    • All other restrictions on Home Basic apply to this.
    • Price: $119.99
  • Windows 7 Home Premium Upgrade Family Pack
    • 1 Purchase allows you to install it on up to 3 home computers.
    • Price:  $149.99
  • Windows 7 Professional
    • Supports everything that Home Premium does, plus:
    • Can access up to 192GB RAM.
    • Supports up to 2 CPUs.
    • Can backup to the network.
    • Can encrypt the file system.
    • Can remote control with Remote Desktop (This is an invaluable feature for remote controlling your home computer from work!)
    • Can connect to a Windows Domain.
    • Contains Windows XP Mode.
    • Can impose software restriction policies on computers in your office network.
    • Price:  $199.99
  • Windows 7 Ultimate (and Enterprise)
    • The only difference between Windows 7 Ultimate and Windows 7 Enterprise is the licensing.  The two versions are identical.
    • This is the “I’ll have it all” version.  In addition to everything all the other versions have, this one also has:
    • Aero glass when you remote control.
    • AppLocker
    • BitLocker
    • Virtual hard disk booting.
    • $219.99

    You can purchase them directly from Microsoft’s web site here, but I strongly advise finding it at a local store.  Most large retailers will sell it below the MSRP (Manufacturer Suggested Retail Price).  Of course, if you’re a business buying multiple copies, you may want the Enterprise licensing, which you can’t get at retail outlets.  You’ll need to continue to purchase through the vendors you’ve been going through.

    I’ve been running Windows 7 Ultimate 64bit since early August.  Read my reviews (pros and cons) and other articles about Windows 7 here:

  • Windows 7 Hype Vs. Reality
  • 13 Things I Like about Windows 7
  • 42 Things I HATE about Windows 7
  • Windows 7 Upgrade Experience
  • Windows 7 reliability down the tubes
  • Windows 7 Explorer: Getting the tree view back
  • Get your Quick Launch bar back under Windows 7
  • What’s wrong with Windows 7’s Task Bar (or “Super …

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