Windows 7 – editions and Features Comparison

In our last article on Windows 7 we wrote about “What’s New in Windows 7″.

This article will make sure you understand the different editions of windows 7 and for whom which edition is perfect.

 

 

 

 

 

Once you understand the differences, you  will be buying or recommending to someone only the features needed, not everything and can save some bucks as well.
[stextbox id="info"]Below is an overview of the different windows 7 editions. [/stextbox]

 

Windows® 7 Enterprise	Enterprise is the business-focused SKU for managed environments, advanced data protection, networking and security needs. This version of Windows is offered exclusively through Microsoft Software Assurance agreement. It is designed for large enterprises and organizations with complex desktop infrastructures.   Enterprise will ship in both a 32-bit and 64-bit version.
Windows® 7 Ultimate	Ultimate is the no-compromise SKU for those who want all Windows features, including business. Windows 7 Ultimate has the same features as the Enterprise Edition but is licensed differently. Customers can buy Ultimate preinstalled from OEMs or as a retail upgrade.   Ultimate will ship in both a 32-bit and 64-bit version.
Windows ® 7 Professional	Professional is the business-focused SKU for small and lower mid-market companies and users who have networking, backup, and security needs and multiple PCs or servers. This version of Windows is offered through both OEM and retail as well as through volume licensing agreements.   Professional will ship in both a 32-bit and 64-bit version.
Windows® 7 Home Premium	Home Premium is the standard consumer SKU, providing full functionality on the latest hardware and easy ways to connect. Home Premium features advanced graphics effects, support for touch-screen interfaces, and Media Center, among other features. This version of Windows is offered through both OEM and retail channels.   Home Premium will ship in both a 32-bit and 64-bit version.
Windows® 7 Home Basic	Home Basic is a simple version of Windows 7. It offers a basic Windows interface and feature list. Home Basic is meant for accessing the internet and running basic productivity applications. This version of Windows is offered through OEM and retail channels in emerging markets only.   Home Basic will only ship in a 32-bit version.
Windows® 7 Starter	This edition of Windows 7 is aimed at beginning computer users. It has the fewest features of the Windows 7 editions. Windows XP and Vista also had Starter Editions with significant limitations. However, Starter Editions of those OSs were available exclusively in emerging markets, while Windows 7 Starter Edition will be available to OEMs worldwide. This version of Windows is offered Worldwide through OEM only.   Starter will ship in a 32-bit version.

 

[stextbox id="alert"]  This chart compares individual features available in all the editions.[/stextbox]

 

 

Feature	Windows® 7 Starter	Windows® 7 Home Basic (EM only)	Windows® 7 Home Premium	Windows ® 7 Professional	Windows® 7 Enterprise/ Windows® 7 Ultimate
Improved Windows® Taskbar & Jump Lists	Available	Available	Available	Available	Available
Windows® Search	Available	Available	Available	Available	Available
Join a HomeGroup	Available	Available	Available	Available	Available
Windows Media® Player	Available	Available	Available	Available	Available
Back-up & Restore	Available	Available	Available	Available	Available
Enhanced Media Playback	Available	Available	Available	Available	Available
Action Center	Available	Available	Available	Available	Available
Device Stage™	Available	Available	Available	Available	Available
Enhanced home media streaming, including Play To	Available	Available	Available	Available	Available
Bluetooth support	Available	Available	Available	Available	Available
Fax & Scan	Available	Available	Available	Available	Available
Basic “inbox” games	Available	Available	Available	Available	Available
Credential Manager	Available	Available	Available	Available	Available
Application Capabilities	Up to 3 concurrent programs	Unlimited	Unlimited	Unlimited	Unlimited
Improved Windows® Taskbar & Jump Lists	Available	Available	Available	Available	Available
Live Thumbnail Previews from Taskbar		Available	Available	Available	Available
Fast User Switching		Available	Available	Available	Available
Create ad-hoc wireless networks		Available	Available	Available	Available
Internet Connection Sharing		Available	Available	Available	Available
Multi-monitor support		Available	Available	Available	Available
Windows Mobility Center (w/o presentation settings) *		Available	Available	Available	Available
Aero® Glass & advanced Window navigation			Available	Available	Available
Aero® Background			Available	Available	Available
Windows® Touch (Multi-touch and handwriting support)			Available	Available	Available
Create a HomeGroup			Available	Available	Available
Windows Media Center			Available	Available	Available
DVD Video playback and authoring			Available	Available	Available
Premium “inbox” games			Available	Available	Available
Snipping Tool, Sticky Notes, Windows Journal			Available	Available	Available
Windows Slideshow (auxiliary display)			Available	Available	Available
Location Aware Printing				Available	Available
Domain Join & Group Policy Controls				Available	Available
Remote Desktop Host				Available	Available
Advanced Back-up (Network & Group Policy)				Available	Available
Encrypting File System				Available	Available
Windows Mobility Center. Presentation Mode.				Available	Available
Offline Folders				Available	Available
BitLocker & BitLocker To Go					Available
AppLocker					Available
DirectAccess					Available
BranchCache					Available
MUI Language Packs					Available
Enterprise Search Scopes					Available
VDI Enhancements					Available
Boot from VHD					Available

 

 

 

[stextbox id="info"]Still confusion ? Below flow chart will make it clear [/stextbox]

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Hope the above comparison gives you a fare idea about when to choose which edition of windows 7 for you or for your friend / customer.In next artiles we will learn more and more about windows 7.

 

 

So, Got any question about Windows 7 Editions ?

 

 

Sources  : www.microsoft.com, www.wikipedia.com