Windows 7 Editions

After seeing the different versions of Windows that may be running in your environment, you will be pleased to know that Windows 7 editions are not as complex. Microsoft released 11 different Windows 7 editions, counting the different 32-bit and 64-bit versions as separate versions. Some versions you might never see as most administrators will be working with the Professional and/or Enterprise/Ultimate editions. Below is a listing of the 11 different versions:

» Windows 7 Home Basic
» Windows 7 Starter
» Windows 7 Home Premium
» Windows 7 Home Premium 64-bit
» Windows 7 Home Premium N
» Windows 7 Professional
» Windows 7 Professional 64-bit
» Windows 7 Enterprise
» Windows 7 Enterprise 64-bit
» Windows 7 Ultimate
» Windows 7 Ultimate 64-bit


A brief introduction to each version:

» Windows 7 Starter – the most basic version of Windows 7, also known as the budget version. This version can only be obtained preinstalled through a manufacturer and is expected to be popular on netbooks. Not all features will be included in this version, including Windows Aero.

» Windows 7 Home Basic – the home edition for emerging markets. This version will not be available for sale in developed countries such as the United States, United Kingdom, and Australia. Not all features will be included in this version, including some Windows Aero features.

» Windows 7 Home Premium – the home edition for developed nations. This edition is aimed at the home market segment. Most computers sold at retail stores will include this version with all home features including Windows Media Center, Windows Aero, and touchscreen.

» Windows 7 Professional – the preferred edition for small business and enthusiasts. This edition includes everything the Home Premium edition includes as well as the capability to join Windows Server domains. Other features such as Remote Desktop, location aware printing, Encrypting File System (EFS), Presentation Mode, and Windows XP Mode will be included in this version.

» Windows 7 Enterprise – the corporate edition of the operating system. This version is for the enterprise and is only available through volume licensing. This version supports Multilingual User Interface, BitLocker Drive Encryption, and UNIX application support. This version is not available from manufactures or retail.

» Windows 7 Ultimate – the Enterprise version for home or enthusiast users. This version includes everything from the Enterprise edition through retail and some manufacturers.

The above explanation should be enough to give you an idea as to what version you will be working with at home or in your environment. Windows Starter will most likely be seen only on netbooks in the future. Windows Home Basic will not be seen in developed markets meaning Home Premium will be the choice for home users while Professional and Enterprise will be the choice for corporate and business environments. The Ultimate Edition will most likely be used by power home users and in some businesses that require the features that come with the Enterprise edition but do not have the licensing for it.

Source of Information :  Syngress Microsoft Windows 7 Administrators Reference

Windows 7 Editions