The six flavours of Windows 7 are revealed, showing that Home Premium is likely to be the standard choice among home PC users in the UK
With multiple versions of Windows Vista cornering every square inch of marketing space, it’s easy to forget that there were only two versions of Windows XP, and only one version of most Windows operating systems. It looks as though Vista set a precedent here, though, as Microsoft has now announced that Windows 7 will come in no fewer than six different versions.
Explaining the decision, Microsoft’s general manager for Windows, Mike Ybarra, said that ‘within a customer base of over one billion, there are a lot of important customer niches, or segments, and we want to make sure we have an appropriate product for everybody.’ However, he also pointed out that the ‘majority of customers will be best served by two primary editions of Windows 7: Windows 7 Home Premium for consumers, and Windows 7 Professional for businesses.’
Microsoft hasn’t yet announced any pricing for Windows 7, but users of Windows XP will be pleased to know that they’ll still be able to get a cheaper retail Upgrade version of Windows 7 without having to buy Vista first, although the upgrade process will require a complete reinstall. However, some of the versions will only be available as OEM releases on new PCs, and some will only available in specific markets too. Here’s the rundown:
Starter – Unlike the Starter edition of Vista, Windows 7 Starter will be released all over the world, although it will only be available on new PCs, pre-installed by an OEM. The new PCs featuring the OS will also be limited to specific types of hardware, and will only be able to run a maximum of three programs simultaneously. This OS is mainly targeted at small, low-cost netbook machines, and won’t include Aero graphics, support for multi-touch displays or Windows Media Center.
Home Basic – Described as an ‘entry-point Windows experience’ by Mike Ybarra, Home Basic will only be available in ‘emerging markets’ where people can’t afford to pay for the Home Premium Edition. This is a sweet and simple version of Windows designed for web browsing and everyday use, but it won’t have fancy features such as Aero graphics or Windows Media Center.
Home Premium – The standard Home edition of Windows 7 will feature Microsoft’s multi-touch display technology, along with Aero graphics and Windows Media Center. The OS will also introduce a new Library feature to simplify the process of sharing files on a network.
Professional – Designed for businesses who aren’t purchasing bulk licenses, the Professional edition of Windows 7 will include advanced network backup features, as well as remote desktop hosting and, unlike Vista Business, it will also include everything in Home Premium, including Windows Media Center. However, only the Enterprise and Ultimate editions come with BitLocker.
Enterprise – Designed specifically for large-scale business, the Enterprise edition of Windows 7 won’t be available from retailers or OEMs, and will offer ‘advanced data protection, lower cost compliance and IT tools to streamline PC management and help save costs.’ The tools include BitLocker.
Ultimate – The OS that comes with everything, Microsoft says that Windows 7 Ultimate is ‘designed for PC enthusiasts who “want it all” and customers who want the security features such as BitLocker found in Windows 7 Enterprise edition.’
Link - http://www.custom...>
