Windows 7 in 6 flavours
Mikey 8 comments
I'm still using Windows 7 beta as my primary OS and so far it's pretty clear Microsoft have gone to lengths to make things easier. But one thing they seem to have not changed since Vista is the confusing choice that will be offered to the consumer.
Just like its predecessor, Windows 7 will comes in many flavours - 6 to be precise. These are:
Windows 7 Starter
- Available worldwide to OEMs on new PCs
- Missing Aero UI tweaks
- Limited to 3 simultaneous applications
Windows 7 Home Basic (Vista equivalent: $US200)
- Only available in emerging markets
- Missing Aero UI tweaks
Windows 7 Home Premium (Vista equivalent: $US260)
- Available worldwide, to OEMs and in retail
- Includes Aero UI tweaks
- Features multi-touch capabilities
- Adds "premium" games
- Adds media capabilities (Media Center, DVD playback, DVD creation, etc.)
- Can create home network groups
Windows 7 Professional (Vista equivalent: $US300)
- Available worldwide, to OEMs and in retail
- Includes all features of Premium
- Adds enhanced networking capabilities (Remote Desktop host, domain support, offline folders, etc.)
- Adds Mobility Center
- Adds Presentation Mode
Windows 7 Enterprise
- Available only in volume licenses
- Includes all features of Professional
- Adds Branch Cache
- Adds Direct Access
- Adds BitLocker
Windows 7 Ultimate (Vista equivalent: $US320)
- Limited OEM and retail availability
- Includes all features of Enterprise
And just like Vista all versions will be on the same disc but it will be your serial number that defines which one you are able to install.
Personally I will always use the Ultimate version except in the home theatre room which runs Home Premium, but I've had a long experience with Vista to know the limitations and benefits of each. As for those who steered away from Vista and stuck with WinXP, having so many choices for Windows7 could make it easy to buy a version that might not meet their needs.
Just do your research.
Jake Farr-Wharton
Wednesday 4th February 2009 | 09:02 AMIt seems logical to just bite the bullet and buy Ultimate...
Anyone in Australia who has a kid and is in family tax benifit A or B can claim any software you buy... why not just get the most comprehensive?
Johnny
Wednesday 4th February 2009 | 09:50 AMWindows sucks - why is this even an issue? I recommend looking into Ubuntu if you need an OS that will hold your hand. It's *free* looks amazing (see compiz fusion) and most likely do everything you need.
Rodney
Wednesday 4th February 2009 | 09:52 AMI would have thought in the current economic environmen, Microsoft might have lowered their prices a little more substantially. Those prices appear to be largely ignorant of the current economic disaster and basically the same cost as Vista, which was priced during a massive boom economy.
If Linux cannot capitalise on this opportunity...
...in response to this comment by Rodney. And let's not forget the price for us Aussies will be higher still
Peter
Wednesday 4th February 2009 | 04:50 PMIf you cant get users to move from IE to firefox, you've got buckleys of getting people to move to linux from windows
The Computer Whisperer
Wednesday 4th February 2009 | 07:44 PMMicrosoft are killing themselves. You ask Microsoft what the new version brings... their answer..... "What do you mean 'what does it bring?', it's the new Windows, it's exciting! who could want more?" douchebags... not to mention "We based it on Vista because we know Vista was the right operating system to create and you know we ARE always right, after all more everything is much better than the right balance.... DON'T YOU SEE!!!!!????.... DON'T YOU SEE!!!!?????
EricVonZipper
Thursday 5th February 2009 | 06:23 PMI've tried the beta of Windows 7. It's good, compared to other Windows I guess. I've tried to like it. I've given it a good thrashing but I just can't use it for my home computers. There are just way too many things I miss from Linux. Even my kids (17, 10, 7) rather use Linux. Ubuntu for 17 and 10 year old; Edubuntu for 7 year old.
A few things I miss when using Windows.
- Ability to middle click to copy and paste. I know it's easy enough to Ctrl-C and Ctrl-V on windows, but a middle/wheel click is easier and i'm used to it damn it.
- Ability to upgrade all my programs using a single utility.
- Security.
- Spyware and virus free, always. And with kids around, this is an absolute must for me.
- No license/keys.
- Awesome control over workspaces.
- Focus follows my mouse. Magnificent.
- Don't need to reboot when installing basic software.
And a great deal more; such as terminal.
Plus the price of Windows (yeah I know they are just a best-guess for now), there is no way I'll use Windows on my home gear.
Mike
Wednesday 4th February 2009 | 07:13 AMthanks God I switched to a Mac in 2004 and the only thing I regret was not switching earliear.