Archives

Windows 7 Editions Explained In Simple Terms

2010-09-02 19:31
Since the late 20th century the market for personal computers has been growing and developing rapidly. The sudden diversity among customers and their increasingly differential demands created a need for specialized operating systems. During the late 1990 8217;s, Microsoft developed Windows versions specifically targeted at businesses or home PC users.With its introduction of Windows 2000, Microsoft started to release its operating systems in multiple editions. On the one hand this united previously diverse products under one hat and simplified marketing. On the other hand different groups of users were accommodated. Windows 7 comes in six different flavors. In this article I have briefly reviewed the features of each edition. I have also made recommendations as to which version you should get, depending on the user group you belong to.StarterThis is the most basic Windows 7 edition. Since Windows 7 Starter supports less features than any other edition, it requires less system resources. It is typically found pre-installed on netbooks.limit: three concurrent applications, home group join only, Backup and Restore Center manual to local HDD or DVD onlynot included: Aero themenot changeable: desktop wallpaper and visual stylenot supported: .NET Framework and 64-bitIf your computer has a weak CPU (minimum 1GHz) and no more than 1GB of RAM, you should go with Windows 7 Starter to avoid a slow system.Home BasicThis edition is not available in 8216;first world 8217; countries. It was designed for emerging markets and forms an intermediate between Starter and Home Premium. Due to a geographical activation restriction, it can only be activated in countries where it is sold.included: Desktop Window Manager, Windows Mobility Centerunlimited: concurrent applicationssupported: 64-bit, multiple monitors, fast user switching, change of desktop wallpaperlimit: home group join only, partial Aero themeYou should use this edition as a budget alternative to Home Premium, if it is sold in your country.Home PremiumThis is the standard edition of Windows 7. It was specifically outfitted to satisfy home users.included: Windows Aero theme, Windows Media Center, premium gamesunlimited: create and join home groupsupported: multi-touchHome Premium provides all the functionality required on a daily basis. It puts minor limits on networking and lacks backup and security features, which can however be complemented by additional software.There is no need to spend extra cash on one of the following editions, unless you must have one of its additional features.ProfessionalThe Professional edition was designed to be used in a work environment. Its additional features compared to Home Premium are not typically required in a home environment. The Professional Backup and Restore Center for example supports backup to a home or business network. Features like Location Aware Printing and Remote Desktop Host recognizes the mobility involved in today 8217;s (professional) life.included:...
Read More...