Windows 7 Will Also Come In Six Flavors

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thumb_windows_barcodeBy Luke Anderson

Variety is the spice of life, or so the saying goes. Unfortunately for the uneducated, having too many choices can just be confusing. Such was the case with Windows Vista. There were six versions of the software, which were aimed at six different specific markets. This unfortunately made some people confused, while others were left to deliberate on whether they wanted to sacrifice remote desktop functionality for Media Center. So will Windows 7 be any different? Sort of.

Once again Microsoft has decided to grace us with six different versions of their operating system. However, unlike Vista, each time you go up to a higher version, you are getting all of the features of the lesser ones, plus extra functionality. Plus it looks like there are really only going to be three versions that most consumers will see. Home Premium, Professional and Ultimate. There isn’t any word on pricing, however, if you hit the jump we have a breakdown of what each version will include.

  • Windows 7 Starter (worldwide via OEM only): up to three concurrent applications, ability to join a Home Group, improved taskbar and JumpLists
  • Windows 7 Home Basic (emerging markets): unlimited applications, live thumbnail previews and enhanced visual experience, advanced networking support (ad-hoc wireless networks and Internet connection sharing), and Mobility Center
  • Windows 7 Home Premium (worldwide): Aero Glass and advanced windows navigation, improved media format support, enhancements to Windows Media Center and media streaming, including Play To, multi-touch and improved handwriting recognition
  • Windows 7 Professional (worldwide): ability to join a managed network with Domain Join, data protection with advanced network backup and Encrypting File System, and print to the right printer at home or work with Location Aware Printing
  • Windows 7 Ultimate (worldwide): BitLocker data protection on internal and external drives, DirectAccess for seamless connectivity to corporate networks based on Windows Server 2008 R2, BranchCache support when on networks based on Windows Server 2008 R2, and lock unauthorized software from running with AppLocker
  • Windows 7 Enterprise (volume licenses): same as Ultimate, includes the following improvements: DirectAccess, BranchCache, Search, BitLocker, AppLocker, Virtualization Enhancements, Management, as well as Compatibility and Deployment.

VIA [ Ars ]

2 COMMENTS

  1. So basically, MS wants the deep pockets of corporate and power users but still be able to weedle into OEM of budget systems with the same OS. Oh well, it worked well for Vista. *sigh*

    MAYBE if the low end prices really are low end and if you can upgrade at a reasonable rate (and process) when/if you need. Even then, I'm doubtful this will be any more popular than its predecessor.

  2. So basically, MS wants the deep pockets of corporate and power users but still be able to weedle into OEM of budget systems with the same OS. Oh well, it worked well for Vista. *sigh*

    MAYBE if the low end prices really are low end and if you can upgrade at a reasonable rate (and process) when/if you need. Even then, I'm doubtful this will be any more popular than its predecessor.

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