Sometimes, it seems like Microsoft’s sole purpose is to confuse computer users. This multi-billion dollar company continues to crank out new versions of Windows, leaving users scrambling to keep up with the latest trends and brand-new operating systems. It’s not enough that Windows 7 has come out on the market for computer users to enjoy; Microsoft wants you to pick from among six different versions of the software, because one just wouldn’t do. So, which one should you use…if you plan on using Windows 7 at all?
Contributed by KC Morgan Rating: / 5 November 04, 2009
Want to upgrade to Windows 7? Before you decide to use this new OS, you've got to decide which version of it best suits your needs. In total (and so far), there are six different versions of this program, each one slightly different from the next. Each one of these different types of Windows 7 will offer a certain package of features.
The versions are: Starter, Home Basic, Home Premium, Professional, Ultimate and Enterprise. However, unless you know what each version does and what it has to offer, those names just don't mean much.
Which Windows 7 should you be using? Take a closer look at each version before you decide -- and take a look at the features this OS has to offer (pictured below). Make sure you're getting what you want with the version you choose. Windows 7 has a lot to offer, but not all versions of the software are going to give you everything you're looking to get out of your new operating system.
Designed mostly for low-end network devices, Windows 7 Starter is perhaps the most basic version of this OS. You will find that you're unable to run more than three programs at once when you're using this version of the software. It also does not provide complete mobility capabilities, nor does it offer HomeGroup.
Limited to specific types of hardware, Starter is only installed on OEM-specific machines and is generally available in emerging markets only. Very few if any computers in the US will have it (you might find it on some netbooks), so for the most part, US users won't even have the option of using Starter.
Windows 7 Home Basic
Also only available in emerging markets, Home Basic does not allow users to share Internet connections and contains no Aero enhancements. There are also no live thumbnail previews available in this version of Windows 7. You can't get Home Basic in the US, Western Europe, Japan or several other countries.
What does that mean for you? If you live in those countries, you don't even need to consider the Home Basic version. That starts to make things a little bit easier when you're choosing a new version of the OS.
Windows 7 Home Premium
Unlike the first two versions mentioned previously, Home Premium is indeed available worldwide and can be purchased by US buyers. With this version of the software, you'll get Aero enhancements, multitouch functionality, media- and movie-playing and DVD-burning. You can also create home network groups with Home Premium.
As the name might suggest, Microsoft intends this version of the software to be enjoyed by home PC users.
Windows 7 Professional is also available worldwide, offering advanced networking features for multiple users. Domain join, advanced backup, offline folders, location-aware printing and a Mobility Center are some of the highlights of this version.
Presentation Mode also offers an extra perk in Professional. This version of the software is more or less intended for small businesses.
Windows 7 Enterprise
Also available to worldwide Microsoft users, Windows 7 includes features like branch cache, BitLocker, DirectAccess and AppLocker. This gives you a lot of security features to enjoy, if safety is your goal when looking for a new OS.
Windows 7 Ultimate
Available through volume licensing only, Windows 7 Ultimate offers absolutely everything, as the name would suggest. With the Ultimate version of the software, you'll have all the security, networking options and other extras that this OS has to offer.
Feel any closer to picking the right version of Windows 7? Most consumers are likely to purchase Home Premium or Professional for their home and office machines. There are no specific hardware suggestions associated with any Windows 7 versions, but Microsoft claims that the OS will be enabled to run on many types of computers -- from small notebooks to hard-core gaming desktops.
Prices have not been announced for the software, either. However, the company says it will be possible to upgrade from one version of Windows 7 to another using Microsoft electronic upgrades.
And yes, it will be very easy to switch from Windows Vista Home Basic or Home Premium to Windows 7 -- it won't take reformatting or any other headaches when you're ready to make the change. Upgrading from XP to Windows 7 will take a new installation, however.
No-Frills Windows 7
Right now, Windows 7 Home Premium is the default version of the OS. New computers will offer this Windows 7 as a matter of course. This makes it easy for you to enjoy the new software, but be advised that this version lacks some of the features you may wish to have. Some security features and customization options will be unavailable with this version of Windows 7. This is, currently, the most common version of the new OS -- the one you're most likely to get if you purchase a brand-new computer. But is it the one you want?
High Security with Windows 7
Want the best security you can get? You'll want Windows 7 Enterprise. Tech support and IT administrators help users with firewall and anti-virus protection, so you'll have your own security team to help you keep your PC safe. You'll also have someone monitoring your network for outbreaks and receive security recommendations as needed. While Enterprise home users won't have all this support, they'll still get a lot of the security features to help them keep their machines safe.
When You Want it All
Don't want to worry about everything you're not going to get? Your best bet is going to be Windows 7 Ultimate, which offers the entire range of features and functions. This version can be especially useful to laptop users because of the BitLocker feature, which protects data in the event that the computer is lost or stolen. Windows 7 Professional, more or less designed for small businesses, does not provide BitLocker, DirectAccess or Branch Cache.
Choosing the Right Version of Windows 7 for You
Which version of Windows 7 is the right one for you? Don't just consider what each version of the OS has or does not have; think instead about what you use your computer for and what you need to get the job done. This should help you find the perfect version of the software for your own personal computer needs.
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