There are a total of six editions of Windows 7. Two editions for general consumers and business users, and four specialized editions for enterprise customers, tech enthusiasts, emerging markets, and entry-level PCs.
The following editions of Windows 7 are available:
- Windows 7 Starter: This release is for miniature PC forms in all markets. It is only available for the 32-bit platform. Features: improved Windows Taskbar and Jump Lists, Windows Search, the ability to join HomeGroup, Action Center, Device StageTM, Windows® Fax and Scan, improved media streaming including Play To, wide application and device compatibility, with three parallel programs.
- Windows 7 Home Basic: This release is for PCs in emerging markets. This version has Internet access and runs basic productivity applications. This release includes all the features available in Windows 7 Starter, plus additional features such as Live Thumbnail previews, improved event visualization, and improved networking support.
- Windows 7 Home Premium: This release is a standard release for customers. It provides full functionality on the latest hardware, easy connectivity, and a visually rich environment. This release includes all the features available in Windows 7 Home Basic and other features such as Windows® Aero®, improved windows navigation and the Aero theme, Windows® Touch, the ability to create a HomeGroup, DVD video playback and creation, Windows® Media Center, Snipping Tool , Sticky Notes, Windows Journal and Windows® SideshowTM.
- Windows 7 Professional: This release is focused on small and medium business, for users and companies that have a need for networking, backup, security, have multiple PCs or servers. This release includes all of the features available in Windows 7 Home Premium, plus additional essentials for core business including Domain Join and Group Policies, advanced networking data protection, backup and Encrypted File System, the ability to print to the correct home printer or work with Location Aware Printing, Remote Desktop Host and Offline Folders.
- Windows 7 Enterprise: This release provides advanced data protection and information access for businesses using IT as a strategy asset. This business-focused edition is designed for managed environments, primarily large enterprises. This release includes all the features available in Windows 7 Professional plus others such as BitLocker, BitLocker To Go, AppLocker, DirectAccess, BranchCache, Enterprise Search Scopes, all interface languages, enhanced Virtual Desktop Infrastructure (VDI) and the ability to boot from VHD.
- Windows 7 Ultimate A: This release is for tech enthusiasts who want all the features of Windows 7 without a Volume License agreement. It includes all the same features as Windows 7 Enterprise. Windows 7 Ultimate is not licensed for VDI scenarios.
Attention A: Microsoft also produces the N edition of Windows 7 Starter, Windows 7 Home Basic, and Windows 7 Professional. The N editions of Windows 7 include all of the same features as the corresponding editions, but do not include the Windows Microsoft® Media® Player and related technologies. This allows you to install your own media player and its required components.
There are several versions of the Windows 7 operating system: Home, Professional, Ultimate. To understand which of the users is suitable for which, you must first learn about their differences and features. Each of these versions has its own parameters and available functions, is designed for a specific purpose and, accordingly, differs in price. Each next has the functionality of the previous plus is complemented by its own.
Versions of Windows 7
There are several versions of Windows 7, and each of them has certain characteristics.
- Windows 7 Starter ("Initial") - this is the version you get when you buy a laptop or computer. It is introductory and does not carry almost any functionality. Starter only supports 32-bit architecture, and this introduces restrictions on the use of RAM (2 GB). In this version, desktop visualization is disabled - the main feature of Windows 7. You will not be able to play your favorite game on two monitors, as well as watch a movie or listen to music, since the media player is not among the standard programs;
- Windows 7 Home Basic ("Home Basic") - this version, as the name suggests, is suitable for use at home. Functions in it are still cut down. When using it, you will encounter difficulties with creating a user group on the local network, as well as with domain support. You will not be able to connect to a remote workstation. The famous Windows Aero, although there is, but in a stripped down form;
- Windows 7 Home Premium ("Home Extended") - this version is designed for advanced users. Almost all restrictions have been removed: a beautiful desktop design, the ability to create a local network. Although support for the domain and remote desktop is still disabled. The developers felt that these features would not be needed by regular users;
- Windows 7 Professional ("Professional") is the ideal version. Everything that was so lacking in the "Home Extended" appears in it: domains and remote desktop. In addition, a Windows XP emulator has been added to the system to support legacy applications. You can not be afraid of spies, as it has an EFC encryption system. This version will fully satisfy users who have to work at home, or become a reliable assistant at work;
- Windows 7 Enterprise ("Corporate") - a version created specifically for organizations. In addition to all professional features, it supports DirectAcces and contains a subsystem for running Unix applications. It is usually purchased in large quantities for the whole corporation, and at home you can use something simpler;
- Windows 7 Ultimate ("Maximum") - a version that contains all the features of the previous ones. This edition is so complete and powerful that it is often not suitable not only for home clients, but also for most corporate clients. It costs too much, takes up space and resources. However, 70% of Windows 7 users have it.
Table: Comparison of features of Windows 7 versions
| Windows 7 Starter | Windows 7 Home Basic | Windows 7 Home Premium | Windows 7 Professional | Windows 7 Enterprise | Windows 7 Ultimate | |
| Architecture | 32 bit only | 32 bit and 64 bit | 32 bit and 64 bit | 32 bit and 64 bit | 32 bit and 64 bit | 32 bit and 64 bit |
| Maximum number of simultaneously running applications | Not limited | Not limited | Not limited | Not limited | Not limited | Not limited |
| Number of physical processors | 1 | 1 | 1 | 2 | 2 | 2 |
| Number of processor cores | Not limited | Not limited | Not limited | Not limited | Not limited | Not limited |
| Max RAM (32-bit) | 2 GB | 4 GB | 4 GB | 4 GB | 4 GB | 4 GB |
| Max RAM (64-bit) | - | 8 GB | 16 GB | 192 GB | 192 GB | 192 GB |
| CPU | 1 GHz | 1 GHz | 1 GHz | 1 GHz | 1 GHz | 1 GHz |
| RAM (32-bit) | 1 GB | 1 GB | 1 GB | 1 GB | 1 GB | 1 GB |
| RAM (64-bit) | - | 2 GB | 2 GB | 2 GB | 2 GB | 2 GB |
| Free hard disk space (32-bit) | 16 GB | 16 GB | 16 GB | 16 GB | 16 GB | 16 GB |
| Free hard disk space (64-bit) | - | 20 GB | 20 GB | 20 GB | 20 GB | 20 GB |
| Price | 50$ | 100$ | 150$ | 260$ | sold only under licenses (FSTEC) | 330$ |
Video: what are the versions of Windows 7 and how they differ
Which version of Windows 7 is better
The choice of version of Windows 7 depends entirely on your needs. Computer retailers use Starter to demonstrate that the computer is working. The "home basic" version is suitable for use by inexperienced users. And for those who have some experience in owning a computer, it is better to purchase "Home Extended".
Corporate customers will also have to think about choosing the edition of Windows 7. For a small business, the "Professional" version is perfect. Large corporations will be more profitable to buy Enterprise, it costs much less in bulk. "Maximum" will have to be purchased by customers with an infrastructure in a company based on Windows Server 2008 R2.
For gamers, any of the versions will do. The performance of any game depends on the characteristics of the computer. The minimum requirements have been described above. Compare the technical characteristics of your device with those required, and if you have a weak computer, choose a 32-bit architecture.
How to determine which version of Windows 7 is installed
There are several ways to find out your version of Windows 7.
Determining the version through "Computer Properties"
- To determine which version of Windows 7 is on your computer, open the Start menu and search for "Computer" using search or manually.
- Right-click on the found item and open "Properties".
- You will see a system window, where the version of your system will be written in the "Windows Edition" section.
Video: how to find out the version of your operating system
How to find out the version of Windows 7 by key
- To find out the version of Windows 7 by key, go to the official Microsoft website and download the Volume Activation Management Tool by clicking the Download button.
- Run the downloaded file and go through the standard installation process.
- Open the program. All available functions will be displayed on the left. Select Product Key.
- Copy your key into the top field and click Verify.
- After that, new text boxes with the number of your version of Windows 7 will be displayed on the screen.
How to find out the version of the Windows 7 distribution
- To find out the version of the Windows distribution, insert the disc. If the installation starts, close the window.
- Open the disk through the standard explorer to look at its files.
- The sources folder contains the ei.cfg file, which you need to open with WordPad or Notepad++.
- In the paragraph you will see your version of Windows.
- To determine which architecture the image belongs to, open the idwbinfo.txt file in the same folder.
- The inscription BuildArch=x86 means that you have a 32-bit system, BuildArch=amd64 - 64-bit.
How to find the build number and service pack of Windows 7
Video: how to find out the version of Windows 7 using winver
Which build is better
What is a Windows build? Experienced programmers download the operating system after its release, activate it, add their own improvements, and they get their own build. They already sell this version or distribute it for free. For example, the Windows XP Zwer build used to be very popular.
These builds are based on the original distribution, plus there are various additional programs that you can add during the installation process. But in terms of stability, these assemblies are significantly inferior to the official version. Almost all questions on the forums are related to third-party assemblies. Therefore, the official version is always better.
Which service pack is best for Windows 7
Service Pack is a package of updates and improvements for the operating system. They are usually numbered SP1, SP2, etc. Microsoft distributes updates for free. If you have the Windows Server Update Service enabled with default settings, then the Service Pack will download automatically. For Windows 7, there is only Service Pack 1, so there is simply nothing to choose the best one for Windows 7. For other versions of Windows, it is recommended to install the latest as it contains the latest updates.
Windows 7 KN and N what is the difference
The KN and N editions of Windows are designed for residents of certain regions. Functionally, they fully comply with all the requirements of a modern operating system, but instead of the usual software, they contain links to alternatives that are specific to certain regions. Items that differ in these assemblies:
- ActiveX control;
- Windows Media Player and everything related to it;
- portable device infrastructure;
- Windows DVD Maker.
Features of regional versions:
- N: for Europe - missing Windows Media Player and Internet Explorer;
- K: for Korea - missing Windows Live Messenger and Windows Media Player;
- KN: For Korea and Europe, Windows Media Player and Windows Live Messenger are missing.
Frequently asked questions about Windows 7
When using Windows 7, the user may have questions. The most common questions about versions of Windows 7 are how to renew the licensed version, return to the old Windows, or upgrade to the maximum.
How to renew the official license of Windows 7
- To renew the official version of Windows 7, first open the Start menu and select Control Panel, then go to Administrative Tools > Services.
- Among all services, find software protection (to make the search easier, you can sort the services by name) and stop this process.
- Navigate from the Start menu to Control Panel > Folder Options > View.
- You will need to display extensions for all files, as well as files and folders that the Windows developers have chosen to hide.
- In the C:\Windows\System32 folder, you need to delete 2 files. C7483456-A289-439d-8115-601632D005A0. Use the search to make things easier.
- Return to the Software Protection Service via Start > Control Panel > Administrative Tools > Services and resume it.
- Download any utility for generating a Windows 7 key from the network.
- Following the instructions, select the key to your system and reboot.
How to roll back to a previous version of Windows 7
In order to restore, you must find the Windows.old folder on the C drive: without it, you cannot restore Windows. You should also make sure that the size of this folder is smaller than the remaining disk space. Now you can start the recovery.
- Run the Windows installer.
- In the Install Windows window, configure all the necessary options and click the Next button.
- You already have the system, you just need to restore it. To do this, pay attention to the small link below.
- Click on the operating system, click "Next".
- As a recovery method, the "Command Prompt" is suitable.
- To protect yourself from data loss, transfer them to the system you are installing. To do this, enter the following commands in sequence (without a semicolon):
- cd C:\;
- MdWin7;
- Move Windows Win7\Windows;
- Move "Program Files" "Win7\Program Files";
- Move Users Win7\Users;
- Attrib -h -s -r ProgramData;
- Move ProgramData Win7\ProgramData;
- Rd "Documents and Settings";
- move /y c:\Windows.old\Windows c:\;
- move /y "c:\Windows.old\Program files" c:\;
- move /y c:\Windows.old\ProgramData c:\;
- move /y c:\Windows.old\Users c:\;
- move /y "c:\Windows.old\Documents and Settings" c:\.
- Then enter the command, which differs for different versions of Windows:
- for Windows Server 2003, Windows XP, or Microsoft Windows 2000 systems, type "D:\boot\bootsect /Nt52 c:";
- for Windows Vista, you need the command "D:\boot\bootsect /nt60 c:";
- for Windows XP or Windows 2000, enter the following commands in order: "Attrib -h -s -r boot.ini.saved", then Enter and "Copy boot.ini.saved boot.ini".
- Exit the command line by typing exit, reboot.
- If the operating system works correctly, delete the C:\Win7 folder.
How to update Windows 7 to the maximum version
Upgrading to the maximum version occurs on the condition that you have a license key. You can find some active keys online using Google.
- You will need the Windows Anytime Upgrade program. In all versions except "Maximum", you can find it in the programs.
- Open the upgrade wizard and select "Enter Upgrade Key".
- Copy your key into the text field.
- The system will check it and update itself.
Video: Upgrade Windows 7 to Ultimate
How to downgrade Windows 7 without losing files
They usually want to change the version of Windows when the current edition does not meet the requirements. The problem is that there are already a lot of files and folders on the computer located in convenient places, and it’s simply too lazy to redo it all over again. It is possible to change the version without reinstalling and retaining all the contents of the computer (except for the old operating system, of course), although the Windows installer is still needed.
- Go to the Start menu, open All Programs > Accessories > Run.
- Type regedit in the text box.
- In the left window, go to the branch HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Microsoft\Windows NT\CurrentVersion.
- The EditionID field contains the version of the system - replace this line with the desired version.
- Run the Windows installer and upgrade the system by selecting Upgrade.
How to allow users to select an edition of Windows 7 during installation
When installing from a standard Windows 7 image, you can only choose one version, although you may see others among the files. You can force the installer to ask the user for the desired version as follows:
- Use File Explorer or UltrISO to open the Windows 7 image.
- Go to the sources folder and delete the ei.cfg file.
- Save your changes and burn the installation disc again.
What is a trial version of Windows 7
The trial version is designed for 90 days and will be useful for IT specialists for testing. In trial mode, you can only download Windows Enterpride. According to the rules for using the trial version, after the expiration of these 90 days, you will have to completely reinstall the system, since you cannot change it to the full one.
Before buying Windows, think about why you need this operating system, and then choose the version you need according to your requirements. So it’s better not to waste time and money on functionality that doesn’t suit you.
The Windows 7 operating system went on sale at the end of 2009 to replace Windows Vista, and according to the latest data, it is already the most used operating system in the world. In terms of appearance, it is largely similar to its predecessor, it solves a number of problems that existed in Windows Vista, but it also receives significant criticism on a number of points. So, for example, Microsoft stated that the new operating system would be much faster than the previous one, however, this did not happen.
The Windows 7 operating system comes in six versions:
- Starter
- Home basic (Home Basic)
- Home extended (Home Premium)
- Professional (Professional)
- Corporate (Enterprise)
- Maximum (Ultimate)
Let's take a look at what are the main differences between these six versions of Windows 7.
The further down the list, the more the functionality and price of operating systems increase. It should be noted that the Enterprise version is not sold to individuals, but is sold only under corporate licenses.
The most "fancy" version is the Ultimate, which has all the options available in Windows 7. By the way, it also differs in the biggest price - 220 US dollars.
Below is a table comparing the characteristics of Windows 7 versions for a more detailed study. I'm sure it shouldn't leave you with any questions regarding the differences between versions of Windows 7.
So Microsoft provides multiple versions of Windows 7. Why?
Unfortunately, this version does not allow you to create a homegroup. This feature is only available on Windows 7 Home Premium, Professional, and Ultimate editions.
Key limitations of Windows 7 Starter:
Changing the wallpaper and themes
Unfortunately, in Windows 7 Starter, you can't change desktop backgrounds and themes, only change the color of windows or add gadgets to your desktop. Changing the desktop background and themes is only available in Windows 7 Home Premium, Professional, and Ultimate editions.
There is no limit to the number of programs you can have open at the same time in Windows 7 Starter edition. But be aware that Windows 7 Starter supports a maximum of 2 gigabytes of RAM (RAM), and this can affect the performance of your computer if you run a lot of programs on it at the same time. Editions starting with "Enhanced" allow you to use additional memory (RAM) and allow your computer to run more programs.
A number of features such as: Windows Aero interface, multi-monitor support, desktop manager, Windows Media Center, additional games, domain connection are not supported in this edition.
Windows 7 Home Basic
Windows 7 Home Basic is intended exclusively for release in developing countries, including Russia. This version is also limited and most of the useful features are missing.
Features of Windows 7 Home Basic:
RAM
The maximum amount of memory that this version supports is 8 gigabytes (for 64-bit versions), as opposed to 2 in Starter.
Multi-monitor support
In this version, you can use multiple monitors while working, in some cases, this is a very convenient feature.
Fast switching between users
You can conveniently switch from one user to another, for example, to restrict rights.
Change your desktop wallpaper
This version introduces the ability to change the desktop background, which is completely absent in Windows 7 Starter.
This is where Windows 7 Home Basic comes to an end.
Consider the main restrictions:
Not available: Windows Media Center, Windows Aero interface with Shake, Peek and taskbar preview, additional games, and domain connection.
This version does not provide the ability to create a homegroup, only joining a group.
Windows 7 Home Premium
The version of Windows 7 Home Premium is of most interest to the home user, as it includes features that are essential for working from home and disables those that are of interest primarily to organizations.
Let's take a look at what's new in this version.
Aero Interface
The user can now take advantage of new navigation features - Aero Shake, Jump Lists and Snap. Customize the look and feel of Windows by changing desktop themes and programs on the taskbar.
RAM
The amount of RAM can be up to 16 GB (for 64-bit versions).
home group
Now you can easily create a home network using a homegroup and transfer various files to each other.
Windows Media Center
The ability to watch TV programs (if you have a TV tuner), as well as record, rewind and pause them.
Additional games
This version includes additional games that will help brighten up your leisure time on the road or at home.
Now consider what is not in this version.
Windows XP Emulator
It allows you to run the Windows XP shell from a Windows 7 system. The main purpose of this function is to launch programs that are not compatible with Windows 7.
Data Encryption System (EFS)
Due to the lack of a data encryption mechanism, Windows 7 Home Premium cannot protect personal data through encryption. To do this, you will have to resort to third-party programs.
Remote Desktop
With the Remote Desktop feature, you can connect to other computers and perform various actions. Relevant in the case of user support, for example, in organizations or groups.
Domain connection
What is a domain? This is a collection of computers on a network that are organized and managed as a single entity using common rules and actions. Basically, the domain structure of the network is used to create networks in companies. This version doesn't have it.
The following features are also not supported: multi-processor support, AppLocker, BitLocker and BitLocker To Go, Branch Cache, DirectAccess, and localization.
Windows 7 Professional
The version of Windows 7 Professional is more suitable for the corporate environment than for the user. Its main differences from previous versions are that it supports running programs in Windows XP mode, allows you to restore data using the data recovery function and archiving data over the network.
In addition, a more secure connection to corporate networks through a domain is provided, which was not previously available, the Data Encryption System (EFS) is enabled and allows you to roll back the system to Windows Vista or Windows XP. This version also supports multiple processors.
Remained, not considered the final version of Windows 7 Ultimate. As the name implies, this version includes all the features described earlier and some others that remain to be considered.
Windows 7 Ultimate
Windows 7 Ultimate includes a number of features not found in previous versions, including Windows 7 Professional.
System localization
Allows you to select any of 35 languages for operation.
Encryption
There is more advanced data loss and theft protection with BitLocker and BitLocker To Go. It can be used to encrypt all drives in the system, including the system drive, as well as removable media.
AppLocker
Use for loading the Windows operating system - a VHD file containing a virtual operating system that has a complete structure and content similar to a hard disk.
Multilingual User Environment (MUI)- Select the desired interface language and the ability to switch between 35 available languages. Comparison of Windows 7 versions.
And so, after many years of tormenting Windows XP, you decided to install the Windows 7 operating system for yourself, but unlike XP, there are a lot of different versions (editions) in XP, and when the choice comes, you get into a stupor what to choose, and which version of Windows 7 is better now We will understand and compare their differences, advantages and disadvantages.
From these differences it follows that you can install everything except the basic (starter) and home initial versions, there are six of them in total:
All versions of Windows 7
Initial- nothing to tell this is a completely stripped-down version, which you can only purchase when buying a computer or laptop, and has only an introductory feature, it does not have a 64-bit version of the system (which I already wrote in the article), it only supports a maximum of 2 Gb of RAM memory, it does not have desktop visualization, in general, all the beauties of the seven, you will not be able to connect two monitors (only in clone mode), it will not work and connect to a remote desktop on a computer where this version of the OS is installed. There is no domain support, even the media center was cut out, in general, this operating system does not give you anything in principle, but only the ability to turn on and check the computer for performance. There is no Downgred either, so whoever decides to cheat will not work.
home Basic- more interestingly, it is possible to install 8 GB of memory (for this reason, two types of release), everything is also bad with local network capabilities, no creation of a home group, no domain support. Remote Desktop is missing. But this version already has support for multiple monitors. There is no downgrading, and the visual beauties of Windows Aero are still under cut. I would not recommend it for advanced users, since in the future you will still want more features from it.
home extended- here you can already work with these without restrictions, here are all the visual beauties, you can also already create home groups yourself, and not just join them. We still will not be able to connect to the domain, as well as connect to the remote desktop. So I can say with confidence this version is ideal for the home. Here, everything will be enough for you.
Professional- this is the most ideal version of Windows 7, it has everything you need. There is support for domains and a windows xp (XP Mode) emulator has appeared to run outdated applications, a downgrade appears, although it is no longer needed on this version. Support for multiple physical processors and finally remote desktop. This is the maximum for home use with a ceiling. As a rule, such versions are installed on working computers in offices; its set fully satisfies the needs of a local network.
Corporate- version not for home, only for organizations. Support for DirectAccess, a subsystem for running Unix applications, has already been added here.
Maximum- as the name implies, there is everything to the maximum here, it is very expensive for home and you will not need this for work.
Conclusion : Of all the above, two leaders can be named: home extended for home, and Professional to work, you simply do not need all other versions of the operating system
P.S.: I want to note that you have every right to put and home version in the organization, no one forbids you legally.
There are two ways to expand home windows 7 for free. Download Windows 7 Home Premium 64 bit with activator via torrent. Or purchase a license key for windows 7 home extended SP1 from Microsoft for about 150 Baku $. In fact, the extended home windows 7 x64 Russian version is almost like Windows 7 professional, in terms of functionality and capabilities they are not much different from the pro version. Windows 7 64 Extended has many more features than Home Basic 7.
Windows Seven is also relevant for 2017, in terms of popularity it is still ahead of the top ten. It is this version that is suitable for those users who play games, get stuck on YouTube and download abstracts from the Internet, communicate on all kinds of Skype and social networks. In general, this operating system is enough for any non-confusing user. You can download windows 7 home premium torrent original iso image with sp1 updates without registration. Please do not delete the file from the distribution, remember that you yourself downloaded quickly and without problems thanks to those who distribute it. Let's not be stupid)
Download Windows 7 Home Premium 64 bit torrent - activator built in
Additional info:Windows version: 7 home premium x64 SP1 rus update.v.2017
Interface language: Russian
Remedy: Built-in Activator Windows 7 home premium loader.
ISO size: 3.26 Gb
System minimum requirements for installing 64 bit Windows 7 Home Premium sp1
RAM - 1 GB, preferably 4 GB or more
Processor - 1 GHz single core, preferably 2 cores or more.
HDD, preferably SSD - 20 Gb
The process of installing extended Windows 7 Home takes place in a standard semi-automatic mode
Windows 7 Home Premium activation takes place in two clicks of a shortcut on the desktop and then reboot
What's in Windows 7 Premium and what's not in Basic
By analogy with the maximum version of Windows 7 64, the extended home also has such functions as viewing available networks and supporting all kinds of sensors, as well as restoring and creating DVDs, supporting multiplayer games, transferring and working with multimedia. The biggest difference will probably be 64-bit support. For gamers, it is important that in windows 7 home extended in Russian it supports multiple monitors and touch control. And in general, there are a lot of little things to make life easier, such as scissors, notes, etc. You can download the original image from our website via torrent Windows 7 home premium x64 in 5 minutes if your Internet allows.
Users who come across a different abbreviation referring to different versions of Windows operating systems have a lot of questions. Today we will try to decipher all this alphabet a little.
If you have already read about the acquisition methods, then let's move on and talk about the Windows editions themselves.
Time has passed, although many still use it. Windows 7 is still relevant, for now, but it is also at the end of its popularity. Support for Windows 7 will end on January 14, 2020.
The time has come and Why not Nine? So Microsoft already had versions of the Nines in the past - these are Windows 95 and 98. Therefore, everything is so confusing, although what is there to be surprised, they have it so
Let's take for example, since all subsequent ones, such as Windows 8.1 and Windows 10, are the same with an abbreviation.
Unlike previous versions of Windows, Windows 8 has reduced the number of different OS revisions as much as possible. In fact, when buying an operating system, an ordinary user will choose from only two options - the usual Windows 8 and the more “advanced” Windows 8 Pro, since the other two versions are intended for the corporate market (Windows 8 Enterprise) and for ARM systems (for tablets). — Windows RT). This is a clear simplification compared to the same one, which has as many as six different versions.
- Windows 7 Starter(Initial)
- Windows 7 Home Basic(Home Basic)
- Windows 7 Home Premium(Home Extended)
- Windows 7 Professional(Professional)
- Windows 7 Enterprise(Corporate)
- Windows 7 Ultimate(maximum)
The simplest version of Windows for x86 and x86-64 architectures. It is designed for home users and, logically, offers only basic functionality.
Windows 8 Pro
The successor to Windows 7 Professional and Ultimate, aimed at enthusiasts and business users. In addition to the basic functionality of Windows 8, it additionally offers the ability to work as a Remote Desktop server, Windows domain logon, support for group policies and an encrypted file system, Hyper-V virtualization system, BitLocker disk encryption, booting from VHDs. Windows Media Center will be available as a separate free add-on.
Windows 8 Pro N
Special European version of Windows 8 Pro, distinguished by the absence of the system (in accordance with the requirements of the European Commission of the European Union).
Windows 8 Enterprise
An older version of Windows 8. In addition to all the functionality available in Windows 8 Pro (with the exception of the ability to install an add-on with Windows Media Center), it offers a number of enterprise features, such as Windows To Go (the ability to start the system from an external drive), AppLocker (allow or block access to launching software based on white and black lists), support for DirectAccess technology (an analogue of a VPN connection that allows client computers to connect to DirectAccess servers immediately after connecting to the Internet).
A special edition of Windows 8 for devices based on ARM processors. It comes with a touch-optimized core set of Office 2013 desktop applications (Word, Excel, PowerPoint, and OneNote). It will have only partial support for the desktop environment, it will be possible to install applications only from the Windows Store. It also lacks Bitlocker (instead, it uses the encryption capabilities of the device itself), Storage Spaces, the ability to log into a domain, group policies, Remote Desktop, etc. Windows RT will be distributed only as a pre-installed system, you cannot buy it separately.
The same abracadabra, for example, in Windows 8.1
Windows 8.1 (Core)- basic version for PC, laptop and tablet users.
Windows 8.1 Single Language is Windows for one language. Completely similar to Windows 8.1 (Core), but the ability to change the language is disabled. Comes with laptops and netbooks. It is impossible to change the base, regional language of the system in this version without violating the license agreement. Windows 8 Single Language only has the ability to use one language pack. Don't worry, this doesn't mean that when you press Ctrl+Shift you won't change the language, or you won't be able to add any other to the language bar. It's just that when you install the system, only one system interface language will be available to you. If suddenly some Englishman sits down at your computer and wants to change the language of the system, nothing will come of it: your computer will “communicate” with him only in Russian! Otherwise, the release is no different from the base Windows 8.1.
- Windows 8.1 "With Bing" - version of Windows 8.1, in which the default search engine in Internet Explorer is Bing, and it cannot be changed.
- Windows 8.1 Professional with WMC is Windows with the addition of Windows media center (wmc).
- Windows 8.1 Enterprise - version for enterprises with advanced features for enterprise resource management, security, etc.
In addition, three versions of Windows 8.1 were released for the European market: Windows 8.1 N , Windows 8.1 Pro N and Windows 8.1 Pro Pack N . These versions lack Windows Media Player, Camera, Music, Video applications.
Upgrade options
If you already have Windows 7 and would like to upgrade to Windows 8, you can do so without purchasing the full version. It is only necessary to take into account one nuance - there are certain restrictions in terms of which version to which it will be possible to upgrade.
So, you can’t upgrade to Windows RT at all (which is logical). If you have Windows 7 Starter, Home Basic or Home Premium, then an upgrade to Windows 8 or Windows 8 Pro is available, to choose from. Windows 7 Professional can be upgraded to either Windows 8 Pro or Windows 8 Enterprise, while Windows 7 Ultimate can only be upgraded to Windows 8 Pro. Finally, corporate Windows 7 Enterprise can also only be upgraded to Windows 8 Enterprise.
