Windows 7 to Ship In Six Different Versions

If you thought that Microsoft has learned from its experiences with Vista, you'll soon be disappointed. Despite the fact that Windows 7 Beta is to get the most positive reviews, revelations that Microsoft plans to release six different versions of Windows 7 left many in the tech world stupefied and wonder why. Microsoft confirmed the multi-version release of Windows 7 to various sources, including Gizomodo and Paul Thurrott of Windows Super Site. But Microsoft has not issued any official statement to the public regarding this decision.

Many were critical of Microsoft's decision to release multiple versions of Windows Vista. The shift is due to consumer confusion as to which version may be best to buy. It is also caused compatibility problems with both software and hardware, when people want to upgrade from XP to Vista. Finally, much as the strategy for multiversions of Vista as a self-service way for Microsoft to charge different prices for different versions of Vista with little benefit for end users. We can not know about pricing or availability (although some speculate Windows 7 will be available early next year), but here is a list of what we know and the differences between the different versions of Windows 7 First of all users of XP and Vista will be able to upgrade the OS license for Windows 7 upgrades, the prisoner must be a clean installation of Windows 7, which means that you must install the programs and back up and replace data.

Windows 7 Starter Edition
The Starter Edition (SE) is primarily aimed at new markets and Netbook users. With SE, customers will be able to run only three programs simultaneously, but will take advantage of the user interface (UI) improvements, for example, the new taskbar and Jump lists. Also users will be able to participate in a home-group (to share media files via a local area network).

Windows 7 Home BasicHome Basic Edition (HB) is essentially similar to Vista's Media Center Edition, and will allow unlimited use of the applications at the same time, while bringing several UI enhancements live thumbnails and "enhanced visual experience." Moreover, HB advanced network support such as Internet Connection Sharing (including wireless), and provides Mobility Center (power management for laptops).

Windows 7 Home Premium
Home Premium (HP) version has all the visual value of Windows 7 as the Aero Glass UI and advanced window navigation. Besides the touch screen implementations (handwriting recognition, multi-touch), the Home Premium version also has better media format support and enhancements for Windows Media Center and media streaming.

Windows 7 Professional
Professional edition of Windows 7 gathers more security and network features as Encrypting File System, advanced networking solutions and backup end managed network domain with Delta. In addition, the Pro version supports location-based print clearly.

Windows 7 Enterprise and Windows 7 Ultimate
Whether you are a home user or a company, Enterprise and Ultimate editions (probably broken down by price at the end) will have a similar set of advanced features such as BitLocker data protection for internal and external drives, direct access to corporate networks based on Windows Server 2008 R2 and will lock the unauthorized software to run with AppLocker.

Windows 7..


My guess is that Microsoft will market aggressively Home Premium and Professional versions for home users, while Netbook users should invest in the Starter Edition version. Microsoft also recommends that business users using either the Professional or Enterprise Edition. How do you feel about Microsoft's implementation of Windows 7? Would it be better or worse than Windows Vista? plz give your comment...