This almost sounds like a Baskin-Robbins commercial. Microsoft has finally confirmed that there will be six editions of Windows 7, just like there were for Windows XP and Windows Vista.
Customers will be able to choose from Windows 7 Starter Edition, Windows 7 Home Basic Edition, Windows 7 Home Premium Edition, Windows 7 Professional Edition, Windows 7 Ultimate Edition, and Windows 7 Enterprise Edition.
The majority of users will use the Home Premium, Professional, and Ultimate versions, which is why Microsoft is expected to only offer upgrade paths for these three.
What’s the difference between each version?
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.
So many flavors, what will your choice be?
It depends on what i will choose. It mainly depends on the price. If the cost is acceptable, I’ll probably go for the Professional or Ultimate version?
What about you?
Keshav,
I agree, but I am leaning towards the Home Premium version.
Will also have to lookout for the next Ubuntu version then :P
Love Ubuntu and I appreciate you comments. Do you have a blog? What is your expertise in tech?
The pricing:
Windows 7 Starter $199.95
Windows 7 Home Premium $259.95
Windows 7 Professional $299.95
Windows 7 Ultimate $319.95
Windows 7 Enterprise Unknown
Not cheap, not what they need to fix the mess they made with Vista.