Windows 7 Will Come in Six Different Versions

Microsoft confirmed that Windows 7 will indeed come in six different versions. Windows 7 maker Microsoft confirmed the multiversion release of Windows 7 to various sources like Gizmodo. However, Microsoft has not released any official statement to the public regarding this decision.

Windows 7 is broken down to six versions such as: Starter, Home Basic (developing markets only), Home Premium, Professional, Enterprise and Ultimate.

Here is a rundown of Windows 7′s versions:

Windows 7 Starter Edition

The Starter Edition (SE) is mainly aimed at emerging market and netbook users. With SE, customers will be able to run only three applications at the same time but will benefit from user interface (UI) improvements such as the new taskbar and JumpLists. Also, users will be able to join a Home Group (to share media files over a local network).

Windows 7 Home Basic

The Home Basic Edition (HB) is basically the equivalent of Vista’s Media Center edition and will allow the use of unlimited applications at the same time, while bringing further UI enhancements such as live thumbnail previews and ‘enhanced visual experience.’ Additionally, HB enables advanced networking support like Internet connection sharing (including over wireless) and provides the Mobility Center (power management for laptops).

Windows 7 Home Premium

The Home Premium (HP) version will bring all the visual goodies of Windows 7 like the Aero Glass UI and the advanced window navigation. Besides touchscreen implementations (handwriting recognition, multitouch), the Home Premium edition also brings improved media format support and enhancements to Windows Media Center and media streaming.

Windows 7 Professional

The Professional edition of Windows 7 brings along more security and networking features like the Encrypting File System, advanced network backup and joining managed networks with Domain Join. Also, the Pro version supports location-aware printing.

Windows 7 Enterprise

Windows 7 Enterprise is for businesses buying OS licenses in bulk, so you probably won’t have to worry about it (unless you’re paid to). It’s got everything Professional does, but with a few additions like BitLocker full-disk encryption and direct access capability, so you don’t have go through a VPN for remote access.

Windows 7 Ultimate

Windows 7 Ultimate as the name implies is the ultimate version of Windows. This version is like the end user version of Enterprise—in other words, the Enterprise version that regular people can buy. It has BitLocker, DirectAccess for corporate networking based on Windows Server 2008 R2, and will lock unauthorized software from running with AppLocker.

Looks like regular users will just have to pick between Home and Professional, while netbook users should aim for the Starter version. It is also recommended for business users to use either the Professional or the Enterprise edition.

Prices are still not announced but will be in a couple of months.

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