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The name of the OS is microsoft windows 7 ultimate. What is the difference between different editions of Windows

There are several Windows 7 packages: Home, Premium, Professional, and Ultimate. Each version of the operating system has a different set of available features. To choose the right version, you need to find out exactly how one Windows 7 differs from another, and decide for what purpose you need the OS.

Key differences between Windows 7 packages

OS versions differ in capabilities, but the minimum requirements for computer performance are the same for all packages:

  • 32-bit (x86) or 64-bit (x64) processor, 1 gigahertz (GHz) or faster;
  • 1 gigabyte (GB) (for a 32-bit system) or 2 GB (for a 64-bit system) of random access memory (RAM);
  • 16 gigabytes (GB) (for a 32-bit system) or 20 GB (for a 64-bit system) hard disk space;
  • DirectX 9 graphics device with WDDM driver version 1.0 or higher.

If the components of your computer meet the above requirements, then any Windows 7 will not hang on it. Remember that these are the minimum requirements for running a clean (no third-party software) system. Compliance with these parameters does not mean that you will run and not freeze all games and applications written for Windows 7.

Now consider the presence of certain functions in different versions of the OS. Each subsequent Windows package will contain all the features of the previous one, while having new features.

Table: list of features of different packages

OpportunitiesHome BasicHome PremiumprofessionalUltimate
Improved desktop navigation makes it easier to complete common tasksYesYesYesYes
Quick and easy launch of programs and search for frequently used documentsYesYesYesYes
Browsing the Internet Fast and Safely with Internet Explorer 8YesYesYesYes
Ability to choose the place and time to watch your favorite TV programs for free using Internet TV YesYesYes
Ability to create a home network and connect homegroup computers to a printer YesYes
Running Windows XP Programs in Windows XP Mode (Separate Download) YesYes
Domain join feature provides secure connection to corporate networks YesYes
Ability to back up data on a home or work network YesYes
BitLocker Drive Encryption will protect your computer data from loss and theft Yes
Ability to select the interface language from 35 available languages Yes
Booting from Virtual Hard Disks (VHD) Yes

Windows 7 Ultimate is also referred to as Windows 7 Ultimate or Windows 7 Enterprise.

Which version to choose

Installing the “highest” version of the OS on your computer is not the best way, on the contrary, it is strongly not recommended to do this.

Each version is optimized for a specific group of users and their basic needs. For example, the functions that are present in the "Maximum" package will never be useful to the average user who does not work in large companies and does not understand the detailed settings of the system registry. Installing a more advanced version of the system that exceeds your needs will only overload your computer and confuse you with incomprehensible functions and programs.

To choose the right Windows package, you need to figure out which OS version is intended for which user group.

"Home"

This package is suitable for those who use the minimum number of programs and functions: browser, explorer, text editor and other similar elementary services. If your needs do not exceed these limits, then you should purchase the "Home" version of the operating system. Windows 7 "Home" is suitable for a user with a weak computer

But there is one caveat: this package is maximally optimized for weak computers. If you have a computer that meets the minimum system requirements threshold listed above in the article, or its performance is near this minimum level, then opt for Windows 7 Home, as it is as lightweight as possible. This version is well suited for laptops and netbooks. If your computer is more powerful than the minimum level, then it is recommended that you consider the following OS package.

"Home Extended"

This version also belongs to the Home package, but has a number of features that are not available in the standard version of Windows 7 Home:

  • Simplified search on the computer and setting up the window interface, support for the Aero function has appeared. This is precisely the main difference between the "Extended" version and the "Home" version, since along with the Aero technology, a lot of visual effects have been added that decorate the appearance of the system, but at the same time load the video card;
  • it became possible to create a home group that allows you to quickly exchange files, documents, photos and other items via the Internet between users in the same group;
  • the Media Center program appeared, through which you can watch TV and record programs running on it.
    Do not install Windows 7 Home Premium on laptops, netbooks and weak PCs
  • So, Windows 7 Home Premium is worth installing if you have enough of its above features, and more fancy features such as special data encryption and Windows XP emulation are not needed. Remember that this package is not suitable for users with a weak PC, it is also better not to install it on laptops and netbooks, since the video card may start to heat up more due to the load and this will harm the device.

    This version is good for gaming. It already has all the necessary features and is designed for a more powerful computer capable of running some games, but it is not yet overloaded with additional settings presented in the "Professional" and "Ultimate" versions.

    "Professional"

    The main differences between the "Professional" version of the OS and home packages:

  • built-in Windows XP emulator that allows you to use programs designed for the previous version of the operating system. That is, you do not have to install the XP emulator manually or look for programs rewritten for Windows 7;
  • automatic and advanced backup, allowing you to restore or roll back the system at any time. This feature is very useful, because you never know at what point Windows will refuse to boot, start to fail or slow down. The possibility of such a copy will allow you to use the backup to restore the system;
  • increased degree of data encryption. Useful for users working with important documents and reports;
  • the local group policy editor, which allows you to fine-tune the processes and functions that occur in the system and are performed by it. Users with knowledge of system configuration will be able to use it, although at present, detailed instructions for beginners can be found on the Internet, allowing you to work with the Group Policy Editor without special knowledge;
  • Support for Remote Desktop Connection. With this program, you can remotely control your own or someone else's computer by connecting to it via the Internet using IP and password. A very handy feature for those who want to set up other users' computers without leaving their own, or work with their second computer located in a remote location;
  • a simplified way to connect to local networks of a company or any other group of people.
    Windows 7 Professional is designed for users who work professionally with Windows
  • So, this package is suitable for users who manually change Windows settings and work with old programs and important files, and automatic backup will help you not lose important data in the event of a system breakdown.

    "Maximum"

    This version is also called "Corporate", as it is primarily intended for a group of people working on the same project. Windows 7 Ultimate has the following advantages over previous packages:

  • increased file encryption on built-in and third-party media using BitLocker and BitLocker To Go technologies;
  • increased security and stability when connecting to a local company group via the Internet;
  • the BranchCache service, which provides the fastest possible data exchange over the Internet and access to files stored in the cloud or on some remote server;
  • the AppLocker function, which protects computers from the installation of prohibited programs on them;
  • the ability to work with the system in 35 languages;
  • setting up corporate areas for quick file exchange and searching for the necessary information within a certain circle of data;
  • the ability to create and use network drives for backup.

    Windows 7 "Ultimate" was designed for corporate computers

  • Based on the above, it can be argued that the "Maximum" version of Windows 7 is suitable for those who work in a company or want to monitor several computers of subordinates and partly manage them.

    Video: Comparing Windows Versions

    Finding information about the installed system

    If you have already selected the appropriate package and installed it, or you are using Windows 7 but do not know which version is installed on your computer, there are several ways to find out information about the system, service pack and build number.

    Through system properties

  • Open the "Start" menu, right-click on "Computer" and select "Properties".
    Right-click on "Computer" and select "Properties" in the context menu
  • Examine all the necessary information about the system in the window that opens.
    In the "System" section, you can find out the version and type of Windows 7
  • Through the program Winver

  • Through the Windows search bar, find and run the Winver program.
    Launch Winver through the search bar "Start"
  • In the window that opens, study all the information you are interested in about the installed Windows.
    The Winver program will show information about Windows installed on the computer
  • Video: how to find out the OS version using Winver

    Through the execution of commands

  • Launch "Command Prompt" through the Windows search bar.
    Launch "Command Prompt"
  • Type the command "systeminfo" and press Enter.
    Enter the command "systeminfo"
  • In the lines of detailed information about the system, find all the necessary data.
    Find the version and type of installed OS
  • Through a license key

  • Download and install the Volume Activation Management Tool (VAMT) 2.0 from the official Microsoft website.

    Download Volume Activation Management Tool (VAMT) 2.0

  • After launching the program, go to the "Product Key" section.

    Go to the "Product Key" section

  • Enter your license key that you used to activate Windows.

    Enter license key

  • Click the "Verify" button. Wait while the program checks your key and gives information about the system.

    Click the "Verify" button and wait for the verification to complete

  • What to do if ServerPack is not displayed and how to install it

    ServerPack ("Service Pack") may not be displayed in the system information if it is not installed on the computer. In order for information about the update package to appear in the information block about the system, you need to install this package.

    For Windows 7, there is only one package with code 1 - ServerPack 1. You can download it from the official Microsoft website. The package includes a set of updates for the stable operation of the system and its optimization. To install it, open the downloaded file and run the program from the current location. Wait for the process to finish and restart your computer.

    ServerPack 1 includes a set of updates for stable system operation and its optimization

    What is the difference between one assembly and another

    In the information block about the system, you can find the line "Assembly".

    A Windows build is a modified installation package for an operating system. It can be either official, created by Microsoft, or unofficial, compiled by third-party developers. Unofficial builds usually have their own set of additional features and presets, disabled or added features.

    There are people who take stock Windows and edit its settings, adding or removing certain features. Then they place the installation file with their creation on some sites, and users have the opportunity to download this file and use it to install Windows, but not a clean system, but with the changes that the author of the assembly made there.
    The build version is listed in the system information

    It's best to install the official builds, as they are as stable and optimized as possible, but if you need a system with certain additions or limitations, you can look for a ready-made build on the Internet. Be careful, you can stumble upon a low-quality or malicious assembly that harms your computer or simply does not work.

    How to check the distribution version

    Distribution - a group of files intended for installing the operating system. If you have found a distribution kit or an installation disk with it, but do not know which version of Windows will be installed when it is activated, then follow these steps:

  • While in the file share folder, navigate to the "sources" subfolder.

    Navigate to the "sources" folder

  • Open the "ei.cfg" file with notepad or any other text editor.

    Open file "ei.cfg"

  • Find the "EditionID" block. In the example shown in the screenshot, the distribution kit installs the "Home Premium" version.

    Look at the second line of the file

  • Go back to the "sources" folder and open the "idwbinfo.txt" file in the same way.

    Open the file "idwbinfo.txt"

  • Find the line "BuildArch", indicating the bitness of the system, and the line "BuildBranch", indicating the presence of a service pack (ServerPack). Now you can start installation.

    Check the string "BuildBranch" and "BuildArch"

  • What do the letters K, N, KN stand for in the version name

    When looking for the right build, you may come across names such as Windows 7 Home N. Such names with an additional letter indicate that this version of Windows is designed for certain countries and does not have built-in programs of the Windows Media group.
    The letters K, N, KN in the name of the series mean that the version of Windows does not have the built-in programs of the Windows Media group

    By installing an assembly with a letter in the name, you refuse to use all programs related to Windows Media. Many users do not use them anyway, installing more convenient programs for watching movies and listening to music. But the built-in programs from Microsoft also do no harm; if desired, they can be removed after installing the system.

    Special builds without these programs are designed for countries where pre-installed software is prohibited, as it deprives a person of independent software choice.

    How to remove the notification "Your copy is not genuine"

    The notification "Your copy is not genuine" appears in the lower right corner of the desktop when the system notices that the system installed on your computer is counterfeit or not activated.
    Notification from the system that the system is not activated

    You have two options to get rid of this inscription: activate Windows or bypass the ban. The first way is simple - find the license key and go through the activation process, the second - you need to remove certain updates. You can do this by doing the following:

  • Open the "Start" menu and navigate to the "Control Panel" of your computer.
    Open the Start menu and go to Control Panel
  • Go to the Uninstall Programs section.
    Go to the "Uninstall programs" section
  • Go to the list of updates.
    Click on the "View installed updates" section
  • Find the update with the code "KB971033" in the general list and uninstall it. If it is missing, then proceed to the next step.

    Uninstall the update with the code "KB971033"

  • Return to the main page of the Control Panel.
    Return to the main page of the "Control Panel"
  • Go to the System and Security section.
    Open the "System and Security" section
  • Proceed to the "Turn automatic updates on or off" subsection.
    Click on "Turn automatic updates on or off"
  • Disable automatic updates completely. This is necessary so that remote updates are not downloaded again.
    Turn off automatic updates
  • Return to the "System and Security" section and go to the "Administration" subsection.
    Go to the "Administration" subsection
  • Select the "Services" feature.
    Select "Services"
  • In the general list of services, find the line "Software Protection", select it and click on the "Stop" button.
    Stop the Software Protection service
  • Open File Explorer. To do this, right-click on "Computer" in the "Start" menu and click on "Open".
    Right click on "Computer" and click on "Open"
  • Expand the "Tools" menu in the "Explorer" Quick Access Toolbar.
    Expand the "Tools" menu
  • In the menu that opens, select Folder Options.
    Open Folder Options
  • Go to the "View" tab in the window that opens. Open the "View" tab
  • Turn on the "Show hidden files, folders and drives" feature. Turn on the feature that allows you to show hidden files and click "Apply"
  • Through the search bar of "Explorer", find two files using the key ".C7483456-A289-439d-8115-601632D005A0".
    Find the required files by code
  • Delete these files. They are usually located on the main partition of the hard drive where Windows itself is installed.
    Delete found files
  • Return to the list of services and enable the "Software Protection" that was disabled earlier.
    Turn on the Software Protection service
  • Now you can use any activator to activate Windows for free.
  • Video: how to remove the inscription "Your copy of Windows is not genuine"

    How to upgrade from one version of Windows 7 to another

    If you want, for example, to switch from the “Home” version of Windows to “Extended” or, conversely, from “Extended” to “Home”, then you can reinstall the system to the desired version, having previously saved all important data to another medium. But this method is not always optimal, since all information and settings will be irretrievably lost. Therefore, you can use other methods to update or roll back the version of the operating system to the desired level.

    Upgrade

    This instruction is suitable for those who want to upgrade from a simpler version of the system to a more advanced one. You can do this in the following way:

  • Through the Windows search bar, open the Windows Anytime Upgrade (WAU) program, it is installed in all versions of the system by default, with the exception of "Maximum". If you do not have it, then you can download the WAU installation file by finding it on the Internet.
  • Write down the license key. The key can be purchased on the Internet, received with a boxed edition of Windows, or generated for free in pirated programs.
    Enter the license key
  • After entering the key, the update process will begin. Please note that the system will only be raised one level higher: if you had a "Home" version, it will install "Home Premium", if it was "Professional", then it will install "Maximum", etc. Jump from "Home" to "Professional" will not work. If you want to go up more than one level, then after finishing the installation of the system, repeat the upgrade again.
    Wait for the system upgrade to finish
  • Downgrade

    To roll back a version, for example, from "Professional" to "Home Premium", you will need a license key for the system you are installing and the installation file itself, from which Windows is usually installed.

    This method is not a reinstallation of the system, since the update will be performed without data loss, but with a downgrade. The instructions below will also come in handy if you want to restore to a previous version of Windows after upgrading it. The problem is that downgrading Windows is prohibited, it can only be upgraded, but this prohibition can be bypassed.

  • Through the Windows search bar, open the "Run" window.
    Open the Run window
  • Use the "regedit" command to open the "Registry Editor".
    Enter the command "regedit"
  • Using the folder tree on the left side of the program, navigate to the following path: HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Microsoft\Windows NT\CurrentVersion.
    Find the "CurrentVersion" folder
  • In the destination folder, change the value of the "EditionID" element to the name of the version you are about to install. Let's say if you want to roll back to the "Home" version, then write the value HomeBasic.
    Change the value of the "EditionID" file
  • After you are done with editing the registry, start the Windows setup process. At the "Select installation type" step, go to the "Upgrade" option and go through the process to the end. The version of Windows will be downgraded without reinstalling the system.
    Select installation type "Upgrade"
  • How to choose a version during installation

    You can also select the version of Windows 7 during the installation process. This is done at one of the steps: the program will offer all the versions included in the installation file, and you will have to select one of them, after which you can continue the installation process.

    During installation, select one of the proposed versions

    License key cost

    For different versions of the system, the price will be different. Officially, Microsoft has already stopped supporting and, accordingly, distributing keys for Windows 7, but some resellers are still reselling keys.

    What is a "trial version"

    A trial version is a trial version issued to you for a certain period of time, for example, 30 days. At the end of this period, a notification will appear stating that the system is not activated. The trial version is issued so that you can evaluate the product and decide whether it is worth paying the full price for the license or not.

    Instructions on how to remove the inscription "Your copy is not genuine", which appears after the end of the trial version, are given in one of the previous paragraphs of the same article.

    Each version of Windows 7 is designed for a specific set of tasks. To opt for one or another version, you need to decide for what tasks you install it. You can upgrade or downgrade your operating system at any time. After installing one of the versions of Windows, you need to activate it in order to work on it without restrictions.

    Microsoft Corporation produces a certain number of editions (distribution kits) for each version of the Windows software product, which have different functions and pricing policies. They have different sets of tools and features that users can use. The simplest releases do not have the ability to use large amounts of "RAM". In this article, we will conduct a comparative analysis of various versions of Windows 7 and identify their differences.

    We provide you with a list that describes the various distributions of Windows 7 with a brief description and comparative analysis.


    The two distributions described at the end of the list will not be considered in this comparative analysis.

    This option is the cheapest and too "cut down", so we do not recommend you to use this version.

    In this distribution, there is practically no possibility of customizing the system to your desires. Catastrophic restrictions on PC hardware have been set. There is no way to install a 64-bit version of the OS, because of this fact, a limitation is imposed on the processor power. Only 2 gigabytes of RAM will be used.

    Of the minuses, I also want to note the lack of the ability to change the standard desktop background. All windows will be displayed in opaque mode (this was the case on Windows XP). This is not such a terrible option for users with extremely outdated equipment. It is also worth remembering that by purchasing a higher version of the release, you can always turn off all its additional features and turn it into a Basic version.

    Windows 7 Home Basic

    As long as you don't need to fine-tune your system, using your laptop or desktop just for activities at home, Home Basic is a good choice. Users can install a 64-bit version of the system, which supports a good amount of "RAM" (up to 8 gigs for 64-bit and up to 4 for 32-bit).

    The functionality of Windows Aero is supported, however, there is no way to configure it, which is why the interface looks a little old.

    Added features (other than Starter Version) such as:

    • The ability to quickly switch between users, which simplifies the work of several people on one device;
    • The function of supporting two or more monitors is included, it is very convenient if you use several monitors at the same time;
    • It is possible to change the background of the desktop;
    • You can use the desktop manager.

    This option is not the best choice for comfortable use of Windows 7. It is definitely not a complete set of functionality, there is no application for playing various media materials, a small amount of memory is supported (which is a serious drawback).

    Windows 7 Home Premium

    We advise you to opt for this version of the Microsoft software product. The maximum amount of supported RAM is limited to 16 GB, which is enough for most sophisticated computer games and very resource-intensive applications. The distribution has all the features that were introduced in the editions described above, and among the additional innovations are the following:


    Professional version of Windows 7

    Provided that you have a very “fancy” PC, then you should pay close attention to the Professional version. We can say that here, in principle, there is no limit on the amount of RAM (128 GB should be enough for any, even the most complex tasks). Windows 7 OS in this release is able to function simultaneously with two or more processors (not to be confused with cores).

    Tools are implemented here that will be extremely useful for an advanced user, and will also be a nice bonus for those who like to “dig deeper” in OS options. There is a functionality for creating a backup copy of the system over a local network. It can be launched via remote access.

    There was a function to create an emulation of the Windows XP environment. Such a toolkit will be incredibly useful for users who want to launch legacy software products. Extremely useful for turning on an old PC game released before the 2000s.

    There is an option for data encryption - a very necessary feature if you need to process important documents or protect yourself from intruders who, using a virus attack, can gain access to confidential data. You can connect to a domain, use the system as a host. It is possible to roll back the system to Vista or XP.

    So, we examined the various versions of Windows 7. From our point of view, the best choice would be Windows Home Premium (Home Extended), because it presents the optimal set of features at an affordable price.

    So Microsoft provides multiple versions of Windows 7. Why?

    If you look at the full version of Windows 7 Ultimate (Ultimate), then its price is in the region of $300. This is not so little for the common man. Most, having learned the price, immediately begin to resent that they will not give such an amount for the OS. But on the other hand, they do not need all the functions that are available in it. Therefore, versions are released with a limited set of functions and, accordingly, a lower price. However, you can always upgrade to a higher version and gain access to additional features.

    Now let's look at the different versions and their capabilities.

    Windows 7 Starter (Initial)- makes it easier to work with small laptops and other computers with limited hardware capabilities. Designed for users with minimal requirements, this edition combines reliability and speed with a familiar interface. The main features are the following:

    • extensive application and service compatibility;
    • safety, reliability and speed of work;
    • the ability to join a home group.

    This version is not available for retail sale.

    Windows 7 Home Basic (Home Basic) is an entry-level release that will be sold in some developing countries to customers with low-cost computers. Windows 7 Home Basic makes accessing frequently used programs and documents faster and easier. The main features are the following:

    • active thumbnails;
    • enhanced networking support (wireless PC-to-PC networks and Internet Connection Sharing);
    • the ability to extend the screen to multiple monitors.

    The retail price of this version is about $100.

    Windows 7 Home Premium (Home Premium) is the best release for consumers: now the whole world of entertainment in your computer. You can easily connect to other computers and devices in an interface with a variety of visual effects designed to simplify and diversify the performance of daily tasks. In this edition, you can create a homegroup and share photos, videos, and music in it. And with Windows Media Center's easy connection to Internet TV, you can watch free TV from anywhere. In addition to the features available in the above editions, Windows 7 Home Premium includes the following:

    • improved navigation and window customization with improvements to the Microsoft Aero desktop;
    • the ability to create a home group to facilitate file sharing for networked computers and devices;
    • the ability to watch Internet TV and record TV shows on your computer using Windows Media Center;
    • remote media streaming and improved support for various media formats.

    Windows 7 Home Premium retails for about $150.

    Windows 7 Professional (Professional)- Combines all the essential business features with the entertainment features of Windows 7 Home Premium Edition. You can run a variety of Windows XP work programs directly in Windows 7 or with Windows XP Mode, and easily restore data with automatic backup capabilities for your home or work network. Connecting to corporate networks just got easier and safer. This release includes the following additional features:

    • domain join, which allows you to connect to a managed Windows Server network;
    • advanced backup and restore, with which you can create a backup copy of the entire system on your home or work network, as well as an encrypted data protection file system;
    • Windows XP mode for running legacy business applications in a Windows XP environment;
    • network location-aware printing, which helps you set different default printers for your home and work networks.

    The retail price of this issue is about $200 - $230.

    Windows 7 Ultimate (Ultimate) is the most complete and powerful edition for enterprise customers and customers who need a complete set of features. This release allows you to work efficiently anywhere, improves security and control, and optimizes PC management. Combines the entertainment features of Windows 7 Home Premium with the business features of Windows 7 Professional edition, and a flexible, multilingual interface. In addition to the previously listed features, this release includes the following:

    • Drive encryption and Microsoft BitLocker and BitLocker To Go data protection on internal and external drives and storage devices;
    • DirectAccess technology for a more secure connection to the corporate network via the Internet;
    • Microsoft BranchCache technology, which provides accelerated access to content from remote file and web servers of branch offices;
    • Microsoft AppLocker technology, which prevents unauthorized software from running on employees' computers;
    • enterprise search scopes that make it easier to discover and search for content on intranet portals;
    • multilingual user interface packs that provide operation in any of 35 languages.

    The retail price of this issue is about $300.

    Windows 7 Enterprise (Corporate)- Identical to the Ultimate edition, but includes Volume Licensing support and is only available to customers with a Microsoft Software Assurance Agreement.

    This is the end of the brief review. If you look at it, it becomes obvious that for a simple user, the Windows 7 Home Premium edition will be enough, which will save about $ 150. So, if you are going to buy Windows 7, do not rush to chase everyone, think about which version you need. After all, it may turn out that the cheapest edition, Home Basic, is quite suitable for your requirements.

    Windows 7 Starter (Initial). This version only comes with new computers. The initial edition is "cut down" as much as possible, for example, it lacks a functional part for playing media files with AAC, H.264 and MPEG-2 codecs.

    Windows 7 Home Basic (Home basic). This OS version is intended for sale in emerging markets (including CIS countries). In this version, only the basic Windows Aero theme is available, and some features are not available, such as Shake, Peek, Internet connection sharing, taskbar preview, etc. Playback restrictions in this version are the same as in Starter.

    Windows 7 Home Premium (Home Extended). This version includes all the features of the Home Base System, plus multitouch support, Windows Media Center, and additional gaming software. Also in this version, the possibility of improved handwriting recognition is available.

    Windows 7 Professional (Professional). This version differs from Home Enhanced with the ability to use Remote Desktop as a host machine. It is equipped with the EFS encryption system. It contains a number of additional processes and AppLocker. The professional version can be rolled back to Windows Vista and Windows XP.

    Windows 7 Enterprise (Corporate). This version is intended primarily for IT professionals to provide them with an opportunity to familiarize themselves with the OS within the organization. This edition is distributed exclusively under a corporate license and has a 90-day free trial period.

    Windows 7 Ultimate (Maximum). As the name implies, this version includes all the available features of the Windows 7 operating system.
    Differences between versions of Windows 7

    What are the main differences between versions of Windows 7, in addition to those that have already been described in a brief description of each edition? Let's start with the differences between Windows 7 Starter and more "advanced" versions of the operating system. This edition does not have a 64-bit version, it does not support the Windows Aero interface, the ability to quickly switch between users, the desktop manager, Windows Mobility Center, the ability to change the desktop background.

    All these functions are already present in the Home Basic version, which, however, lacks a number of other functions. The differences between versions of Windows 7 Starter and Home Basic from other editions of the OS are as follows: the inability to create a home group (you can only join), the lack of support for multiple monitors, the lack of Multitouch and improved handwriting recognition, the lack of Windows Media Center, additional games, the ability to act as Remote Desktop host computer, support for multiple physical processors. These features are present in the following editions of Windows 7.

    Also, Windows 7 Starter, Home Basic, and Home Premium do not have the Windows XP emulator, EFS data encryption, location-aware printing, or Windows NT domain connection. These versions cannot be rolled back to Windows XP or Vista. And only the Enterprise and Ultimate editions support the multilingual user environment.

    The differences between versions of Windows 7 also lie in the end of support period and the maximum amount of RAM for 64-bit versions. Support for all versions except Professional and Enterprise ends on January 13, 2015; Professional and Enterprise editions are supported for 5 years longer. In terms of RAM, Starter edition supports up to 2 GB, Home Basic up to 8 GB, Home Premium up to 16 GB, and Professional, Enterprise and Ultimate up to 192 GB (all figures are for 64-bit versions, as 32-bit version of any OS supports a maximum of 3.25 GB of RAM).

    Here is a summary of all the main differences between versions of Windows 7. The choice of version depends on the configuration of your computer, the minimum functionality you need and, of course, the amount of money you are willing to pay for the operating system.

    The Windows 7 operating system is becoming more and more popular among users. But this OS was released in several versions at once, and many users do not know which version to prefer. What are the main differences between versions of Windows 7?

    The Windows 7 operating system was released in six versions (editions). Of course, the first difference between Windows 7 versions that immediately catches the eye of the user is the price. But the difference in price is due to different functionality. Let's take a closer look at each version of the operating system, and then dwell on the differences between versions of Windows 7.

    Description of Windows 7 versions

    Windows 7 Starter (Initial). This version only comes with new computers. The initial edition is "cut down" as much as possible, for example, it lacks a functional part for playing media files with AAC, H.264 and MPEG-2.

    Windows 7 Home Basic (Home Basic). This OS version is intended for sale in emerging markets (including CIS countries). In this version, only the basic Windows Aero theme is available, and some features are not available, such as Shake, Peek, Internet connection sharing, taskbar preview, etc. Playback restrictions in this version are the same as in Starter.

    Windows 7 Home Premium (Home Premium). This version includes all the features of the Home Base System, plus multitouch support, Windows Media Center, and additional gaming software. Also in this version, the possibility of improved handwriting recognition is available.

    Windows 7 Professional (Professional). This version differs from Home Enhanced with the ability to use Remote Desktop as a host machine. It is equipped with the EFS encryption system. It contains a number of additional processes and AppLocker. The professional version can be rolled back to Windows Vista and Windows XP.

    Windows 7 Enterprise (Corporate). This version is intended primarily for IT professionals to provide them with an opportunity to familiarize themselves with the OS within the organization. This edition is distributed exclusively under a corporate license and has a 90-day free trial period.

    Windows 7 Ultimate (Ultimate). As the name implies, this version includes all the available features of the Windows 7 operating system.

    What are the main differences between versions of Windows 7, in addition to those that have already been described in a brief description of each edition? Let's start with differences between Windows 7 Starter and more "advanced" versions operating system. This edition does not have a 64-bit version, it does not support the Windows Aero interface, the ability to quickly switch between users, the desktop manager, Windows Mobility Center, the ability to change the desktop background.

    All these functions are already present in the Home Basic version, which, however, lacks a number of other functions. The differences between versions of Windows 7 Starter and Home Basic from other editions of the OS are as follows: Can't create a homegroup (can only join), no multi-monitor support, no multitouch, no better handwriting recognition, no Windows Media Center, no additional games, no ability to act as a Remote Desktop host, no support for multiple physical processors. These features are present in the following editions of Windows 7.

    Also Windows 7 Starter, Home Basic and Home Premium do not have a Windows XP emulator, EFS data encryption, location-based printing, or Windows NT domain connectivity. These versions cannot be rolled back to Windows XP or Vista. And only the Enterprise and Ultimate editions support the multilingual user environment.

    The differences between versions of Windows 7 are also in support end date and maximum RAM size for 64-bit versions. Support for all versions except Professional and Enterprise ends on January 13, 2015; Professional and Enterprise editions are supported for 5 years longer. Concerning amount of RAM, Starter edition supports up to 2 GB, Home Basic up to 8 GB, Home Premium up to 16 GB, and Professional, Enterprise and Ultimate up to 192 GB any OS supports no more than 3.25 GB of RAM).

    Here, in a nutshell, are all the major differences between Windows 7 versions. Version selection depends on the configuration of your computer, the minimum functionality you need and, of course, the amount of money you are willing to pay for the operating system.

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