Windows 7 will have Six Versions

(image found on maximum pc)
Microsoft is giving details on the new versions of Windows 7 that will be available. The company believes that 80% of its users will be using either Windows 7 Home Premium or Windows 7 Professional, so they will be putting most of their marketing in these areas.

We have over 1 billion customers. It's hard to satisfy all of them [with a single version]," Windows General Manager Mike Ybarra has said. "There are vocal customers who want every feature, and more regular consumers who say 'I want a version that can grow with me.'"

Here are the flavors of 7:

Windows 7 Starter:
This version comes in a 32-bit bare bones design. It is intended for distribution in developing countries giving users the most basic computer needs. It is designed for light weight netbooks. Also, the Aero Glass GUI will not be included in this version. Plus, a user can only run 3 applications at once. Some other features included will be the jump lists, revamped taskbar, Windows Media Player, Home Group file sharing feature, Action Center, Backup and Restore options too.

The Starter version will only be offered on pre-installed new PC's sold by Microsoft OEM's, no retail versions will be available.

Windows 7 Home Basic:
This version will be a bit of a middle step child that sits between the Starters and Home Premium editions. It will not include the Aero Glass GUI but it will give users the option to run more then 3 programs at once and also be available in a 64-bit version too. There will be a Mobility Center to manage various network connections and a thumbnail preview option on the taskbar.

This version will not be available for sale in the United States.

Windows 7 Home Premium:
The Home Premium version will have all the features of Starter and Home with a few additional goodies thrown in too. Microsoft is banking that pretty much all customers will be using this version. It will include such features as an Aero Glass GUI, Aero Background, Windows Touch, Home Group creation, DVD creation and playback, Media Center, Premium Games and the Mobility Center.

This version will be available world wide, sold in retail stores and available from Microsoft OEM's for distribution too.

Windows 7 Professional:
The Professional version will offer all the features of the Home Premium edition with some additional Networking options and some data protection features too. But, it will not be including some of the options available in the Enterprise edition such as DirectAccess or BranchCache.

This version will be available world wide, sold in retail stores and available from Microsoft OEM's for distribution too.

Windows 7 Enterprise:
The Enterprise editions offers all the features of Professional with more options for security and networking. Plus, users will have the BitLocker encryption option, DirectAccess for connecting to corporate networks securely without a VPN, AppLocker with will prevent unauthorized software from running on a machine, BanchCache with will help to speed up access of large files remotely from branch offices.

This version is designed for the corporate world and large business. It will only be available to businesses with a volume licensing account. No versions will be distruted for retail sale or OEM's for installing on a new machine.

Windows 7 Ultimate:
The Ultimate edition will give everyone the whole enchalada. It features all the options of the other versions giving the super user everything they need. Think of it as the Enterprise edition for the consumer without the voluming licenses attached to it.

This version will be available limited in retail but typically sold on via OEM machines pre-installed.

Well folks looks like microsoft has offered people a version for everyone's tastes. So far the beta version works great. I have it installed on my Samsung netbook and i love it.


Windows 7: The Six Versions Explained (itworld)