Windows 7 version differences and which windows 7 is better? This question worries everyone who wants to reinstall or install the Windows 7 operating system on a laptop or computer.
Which windows 7 is better?
Despite the abundance of new versions of the windows operating system and the end of support for version 7, it still has a lot of adherents. This is not surprising, according to many experts - this is one of the most successful versions from Microsoft. But even within one generation, several operating system options are presented, which puts the user over a rather difficult choice. Let's try to figure it out: what is the difference between them?Why do we need different versions of windows 7?
This operating system is used by millions of people. Each of them has its own requirements, preferences and tastes. In addition, everyone has different financial capabilities. Therefore, there is absolutely no need to spend $ 300 on a more expensive full-featured version if the user needs a minimal set of functions that will cost almost half the price. Therefore, after studying the requirements and preferences of potential buyers, Microsoft has developed and released several versions of the Windows 7 operating system:Start (Starter Edition);
Home Basic;
Home Premium;
Professional (Professional Edition);
Maximum (Ultimate Edition);
Corporate (Enterprise).
It is easy to get confused in such a variety, so before choosing a specific OS, you should familiarize yourself with the features of all
The main differences between the start and home versions
It should be noted right away that the Starter Edition version of the OS is supplied only under an OEM license. That is, only with equipment. For example, when buying a new laptop. It has a high speed of response, which is ensured by minimizing the tools used. Possibilities include homegroup work and good interoperability of services and applications. However, it is not possible to buy it at retail - this license is not for sale.
Home Basic is for sale in developing countries only. Its cost is about $ 100. It has a modest interface without additional visual effects, good performance even on "weak" computers and laptops. But the premium version of Home Premium for home use has become the best option for many users - efficiency and speed are successfully combined with a friendly, designer-thought interactive interface Aero Glass, built-in media center, broad network capabilities and multitouch technology for touch panels and touchpads.
The purchase of the Home Premium version will cost about $ 150. It is important to note that both home options support 64-bit platforms, as opposed to the starting one, which is presented only for 32-bit devices.
Benefits of windows 7 Professional Edition
"Business class" version - allows you to join a domain, increase the reliability of data storage by creating backups, set up a computer or laptop for both work and home networks. Also, the professional version allows you to make backups not only of individual files, but of the entire operating system as a whole.
Also, this OS already provides the ability to encrypt data, which significantly increases the reliability of data protection. If the software used to work is not supported by windows 7, then the user will be offered a compatibility mode that will allow you to work using the familiar software. But the cost of such a system will vary in the range of $ 200-230.
Windows 7 Ultimate - everything to the maximum
The name speaks for itself - everything that could have been provided for in the release of windows 7 is here. Multilingual support blurs any boundaries. Optimization functions of the robots of the computer allow you to squeeze the maximum out of the equipment, using its power to the full. With this system, you don't have to worry about data security — data encryption and BitLocker data protection take care of that. If you use a connection to corporate networks, the data will be protected by DirectAccess technology. Thanks to Microsoft AppLocker technology, computers can be protected from running unauthorized programs. For corporate work, Windows 7 Ultimate makes it easy to search for data on your work intranet. Of course, such a list of advantages has a corresponding price - about $ 300.
Windows 7 Enterprise - Enterprise Only
In fact, this version of the Windows 7 operating system is completely identical to Ultimate, but offers a special licensing scheme for corporate users. System administrators can successfully leverage the BitLocker data protection and DirectAccess security features. And Microsoft AppLocker tools let you control the workflow and the use of third-party software.
How to choose the optimal version of Windows 7?
Before proceeding with the choice, you need to find out the bit capacity of your processor, because if you choose the incorrect option, it will either not allow you to install the operating system at all, or will lead to its incorrect operation. It is important to remember that Starter Edition is not available for 64-bit hardware.Going to buy, you should decide on the amount that the user is willing to pay, since the difference of $ 150-200 is very significant, especially for residents of poor countries. Therefore, with modest financial capabilities, it would be reasonable to opt for home versions - they will provide all the necessary functionality that is required for such a category of people. Basically, this is storing and viewing photos and videos, studying, listening to music, surfing the Internet, working in simple editors. It is also the best choice for low-power computers.
If the financial capabilities and the level of hardware allow, then the best option would be to choose Windows 7 Ultimate. Also, this option is for those who clearly understand what tools he needs, has sufficient experience in setting up and optimizing the operating system - in this case, this will maximize the rationalization of working at the computer.
For corporate representatives, the Corporate Edition will be the option. It provides high-quality information protection and extensive administration and work in intranets.
For business class representatives, the Professional release is ideal. The data protection methods used in it will allow you to safely work and transfer any information, including financial.
Why are Windows 7-based builds so popular?
Assemblies are special collections of tools and software that allow you to set up and prepare a computer, laptop, or netbook from scratch. This kit usually includes tools for working with hard drives and testing equipment. Also, the kit includes one or even several versions of operating systems of the windows family. Often they are supplemented by a set of application software that is most often installed: office suites, players, image editors, programs for working on the network. These software collections are really very popular because they allow you to fully automate the process of installing the operating system, software, and performing basic settings. To use them, it is enough to have general cultural knowledge about the features of the OS. You just need to select a version, specify the required programs and wait an hour and a half maximum. In addition, they allow you to have everything “at hand”, on one or two flash drives.
Microsoft Corporation produces for each version of the Windows software product a certain number of editions (distributions), which have different functions and pricing policy. They have different sets of tools and capabilities 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 different 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 at the end of the list will not be covered in this benchmarking.
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 according to your wishes. Established catastrophic restrictions on the hardware configuration of the PC. 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 would also like to note the lack of the ability to change the standard desktop background. All windows will be displayed in opaque mode (as it was on Windows XP). This is not a terrible option for users with extremely outdated hardware. It is also worth remembering that by purchasing a higher version of the release, you can always turn off all its additional functions and turn it into Basic version.
Home Basic Windows 7
Provided that there is no need to fine-tune the system using a laptop or desktop computer just for home activities, Home Basic is not a bad choice. Users can install a 64-bit version of the system, which supports a good amount of "RAM" (up to 8 Gig on 64-bit and up to 4 on 32-bit).
The functionality of Windows Aero is supported, however, there is no way to customize it, which makes the interface look a little old.
Added features (other than Starter Edition) such as:
- The ability to quickly switch between users, which makes it easier for several people to work with one device;
- The function of supporting two or more monitors is included, it is very convenient if you use multiple monitors at the same time;
- There is a possibility 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. There is definitely not a complete set of functional capabilities, there is no application for playing various media materials, a small amount of memory is supported (which is a serious drawback).
Windows 7 Home Extended
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 functions that were presented in the editions described above, and among the additional innovations there is the following:
Windows 7 Professional Edition
Provided that you have a very "fancy" PC, then you should pay close attention to the Professional version. We can say that, in principle, there is no limitation on the amount of RAM (128 GB should be enough for any, even the most difficult tasks). Windows 7 OS in this release is capable of operating simultaneously with two or more processors (not to be confused with cores).
Here are implemented tools that will be extremely useful for an advanced user, and will also be a nice bonus for those who like to "dig deeper" in the OS options. There is a functionality for creating a backup copy of the system over a local network. It can be run via remote access.
There is now a function for creating 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 older PC game that was released before the 2000s.
There is a possibility to encrypt data - a very useful function 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 looked at different versions of Windows 7. From our point of view, the best choice would be Windows Home Premium (Home Premium), because it provides an optimal set of functions at an affordable price.
Operating system Windows 7 comes in six editions... Having learned about their number, you do not need to clutch your head and spend sleepless nights on the Internet, trying to determine the most suitable one. You will have to choose from only two, because publications can be immediately divided into two categories. And in each of them, the choice will largely be dictated by the thickness of the wallet.- Home operating systems
- Operating systems for business
Windows Editions Comparison Chart
Windows 7 Starter
"Who needs such a system if more than three programs cannot be run in it?" - this is the first thing that comes to mind if you do not know that Microsoft has abandoned the idea of limiting the number of simultaneously launched applications. Initially, the idea was that a cheap OS is needed by OEMs for installation on cheap netbooks equipped with a network card and / or Wi-Fi module. Imagine for a moment what you can do with three programs. Which one will you launch first? That's right, browser. And here for you:
- music and video
- newspapers, magazines and books
- joint work with documents
- social networks, forums, chats, blogs, websites (where do you read this article?)
- games and so on ...
Windows 7 Home Basic
This edition has everything that is in the initial one, and also added a number of convenient features - Internet connection sharing, fast user switching, mobility center. And this significantly expands the range of computers on which OEMs will install the Home Basic. These so-called budget desktop and mobile computers will go to emerging markets. Yes, this edition does not include some of the "goodies" of the new interface, but it already has a lot of functionality from the latest Microsoft operating system. And by supplementing it with free programs, you can get a system that will satisfy the needs of a very wide range of users.
Windows 7 Home Premium
Here, the full Aero Glass interface is added to the previous edition, as well as interesting navigation features of the desktop - Aero Shake and Aero Peek. You will also be able to create a homegroup, multimedia features, including Windows Media Center, and other nice things like Notes and an expanded set of games. Perhaps this is the best edition for home use if there is no sufficient reason or means to want more.
Windows 7 Ultimate
It has all the best Microsoft has put into Windows 7. At home, you can benefit from file encryption and BitLocker to make your data more secure. AppLocker comes in handy for serious household control. The ability to back up to a network drive may not be superfluous. This edition will be preferred by Windows enthusiasts - those who consciously use a wide range of operating system capabilities. Well, users of pirated versions, of course, where can we go without them ...
Differences between Windows versions of operating systems and basic differences between Windows editions. This is what this article will be about.
Each subsequent version of Windows differs from the previous one in features and functionality. Let's take a closer look at the fundamental differences between all major versions of the operating system. Review the corporation's most popular products in order of market entry.
Windows XP
Windows XP is now considered obsolete. Since mid-2016, Microsoft has not released an update for this operating system. Therefore, modern programs and applications are incompatible with this version. In addition, the algorithm itself differs in the operation of the software.
First of all, it should be noted that the search is not very convenient. The system does not start searching for the required document until you enter the entire keyword. Because of this, the time spent on the operation increases significantly. In addition, it is not ergonomic and launching programs. In order to find the required application, you need to know exactly where it is. Otherwise, you can spend many minutes exploring the pop-up menus, flipping through the pages, and you may not find the required program.
In terms of playing files, Windows XP is also inferior to its modern counterparts. For example, when viewing videos and photos, they are projected only onto the monitor. In other words, the user does not have the opportunity to connect other devices, for example, a plasma TV, to broadcast the signal.
Windows 7
Unlike Windows XP, this version of the software has more sophisticated search and control algorithms. For example, there is an interactive form in the Start menu to search for files. To use it, you just need to start entering the name of the file and application you are looking for. After that, the system itself will offer you several materials suitable for the description.
The network settings have also changed. So in Windows 7, when creating a network, the settings occur automatically, while the user is only asked to select additional options. For example, saving a password. Additional equipment can be connected to a personal computer with the presented OS. For example, TVs with built-in or additional tuners.
File and folder management deserves special attention. Consider a situation where you need to find and play music from the same artist, which, however, is actually located in different folders. In this case, you can sort the entire library according to the specified characteristics and enjoy listening.
These are by no means all the functional features of Windows 7, because this excellent operating system is loved by users due to its impressive functionality and compatibility with most applications. In addition, the OS is compatible even with low technical capabilities of computers.
Windows 10
Windows 10's design is dominated by the flat trend. Recently, this design trick has been especially popular with major developers and publishers around the world. However, let's look at functionality and navigation, leaving out the aesthetic side of things.
So, Windows 10 has been updated with a new field for system messages and notifications. Here the user will be able to see important notifications in chronological order, as well as application messages (new letters, completion of download, etc.). The OS can implement several desktops at once, which is extremely convenient. Imagine having different sets of applications and folders on your PC for work and play. It is very comfortable.
The presence of a visual assistant is also an advantage of this version. With its help, you can keep a journal, quickly search for the necessary information. Other updates include the absence of the familiar Internet Explorer. Instead, a new Spartan browser is installed, which is excluded by much more impressive functionality.
The user has extensive opportunities to synchronize data not only between browsers, but also in applications. From the point of view of installing games and add-ons, this version is preferable, because it is compatible with all new game developments. According to analysts' forecasts, Windows 10 will become the most popular operating system in the world over the next year.
Differences between Windows editions
Along with differences between versions, there are multiple differences between editions of the same operating system. Let's discuss these differences in more detail using the example of Windows 10 and Windows 7.
Windows 7 editions:
Starter is the simplest edition for non-demanding users.
Home - there is a minimum range of settings required for comfortable work.
Professional (Professional) - the edition contains a sufficient set of tools for managing the content and functionality of the OS.
Enterprise (Enterprise) - the operating system is designed for corporate use, compatible with office programs and applications. Optimally adapted for efficient work.
Maximum (Ultimate) - combines all the functionality of the previous editions and fully corresponds to its name.
Windows tenth editions:
Windows 10 Home - Designed for home use and contains only basic features.
Windows 10 Professional - has advanced customization tools and has a list of business features.
Windows 10 Enterprise - software for large corporations and holdings.
Anyone who knows anything about computers is well aware that the Windows 7 operating system from Microsoft has several versions. According to some, the company did this on purpose, as the price of each edition is different. And the higher the level of "coolness" of the OS, the higher the price. But in fact, different versions of Windows 7 are needed for certain tasks. For example, for those who use the operating system exclusively for music and movies, there is no point in purchasing the Pro version. The usual Home will be enough. But in order for the last doubts to be dispelled, it is necessary to disassemble each edition in detail. And this is what we are going to do now.
General classification of Windows editions
There are currently several versions of Windows 7: Starter, Home Basic, Home Premium, Professional, Enterprise, and Ultimate. Each of them has its own parameters and functions. The number of options included depends on the distribution itself. Naturally, the "coolest" version is considered the Ultimate version (aka "Maximum"). This edition is more expensive than all the others. It should be noted that the corporate version of the "seven" (Enterprise) is not released for Russia and the CIS countries. What is the reason for this "disrespect" to domestic companies is unknown. But there are also different assemblies of "seven" for different needs and computers. As a rule, such assemblies are pirated. An example is Windows 7 Lite, a version designed specifically for low-power computers. However, let's start reviewing the various editions of Windows. First on the list is the Starter Edition. Let's start with her.
Windows 7 Starter
As the name suggests, this operating system is the initial release. It has only 32-bit architecture, can only use one language, and lacks many options. So, for example, H.265 and MPEG-2 video playback is not available for this OS. Aero desktop with beautiful effects is not here either. Such a system is usually installed on netbooks and laptops when sold. Is it worth mentioning that the license for this edition of "Windows" is worth a penny? There is definitely nothing to pay for here. Microsoft Windows 7 version has never looked so poor. It is not clear what the company was guided by when releasing this parody of the operating system. It is not surprising that many users, after buying a laptop, quickly change the pre-installed OS to a full-fledged one (albeit a pirated one). In general, Starter is the initial set of functions required to get the job done. And nothing more.
The entry-level operating system cannot boast of rich functionality. But it installs perfectly on low-power PCs. This OS is perfect for those users who have not had time to update their computer. This is the initial release of Windows 7. The full version comes with support from Microsoft in the form of weekly updates. True, they will also be severely limited in functionality. But the license for this version of Windows is inexpensive. There must be something nice about her. Let's move on to the next edition.
Home Basic
She is "Home Basic". In terms of functionality, it does not differ much from the initial edition, but there are some changes. For example, there is Windows 7 64 Russian version. It's not exactly a drastic change, but 64-bit systems perform much better with modern hardware. It also became possible to play videos of any format. However, there is still no Aero interface. Also, there is no general access to the Internet and a preview of windows in the taskbar. This version of Windows is shipped to developing countries. Among them, Microsoft includes Russia and the CIS countries. This edition of the operating system is designed for weak computers and laptops.
The home basic version of "Windows 7" is good for housewives who, apart from serials and "Odnoklassniki", do not need anything else. It is not suitable for serious users. A significant drawback is also the lack of the ability to run old applications. Please use only new ones. And I would like to see the proprietary interface "Aero" in this edition. But he still does not exist. The home base edition of Windows 7 is definitely not worth the money Microsoft is asking for it. Therefore, let's move on to other editions of the operating system.
Home Premium
This version of the operating system looks like something. The Russian version of Windows 7 Home Premium has an "Aero" interface and has a built-in media center. There is also support for all multimedia files, an adequate "Explorer" menu and all the delights of the "Windows" themes (including Aero Peak, Shake and other effects). There is support for creating user groups and multidisciplinary Internet access. This version of the operating system is quite suitable for use on a home computer or laptop. Of course, if you do not need to solve some special problems. It should be noted that this version has good performance. It can be used as a gaming platform. For the average user, this edition of Windows is exactly what you need. And there is absolutely no need to look for other versions of Windows 7. But some users think differently.
It should be noted that the majority of domestic retailers install Windows 7 Home Premium on the notebooks they sell. This decision is due to the fact that sellers need to demonstrate all the capabilities of the laptop. And the "Aero" interface consumes a lot of system resources. Therefore, if the laptop easily reproduces all the effects, then it is good and you need to take it. But the fact that retailers use unlicensed versions of Windows no longer worries anyone. A novice user cannot tell the difference between Windows 7 and Vista. What can we say about the license. Nevertheless, on the part of sellers, the use of unlicensed software is somehow ugly. Moreover, it is criminal.
Professional
Version for "professionals". At the time of "Windows XP" this edition was considered the most advanced. But times are changing. And now she is just one of many. The main feature of this edition is the built-in file encryption software. The full version of Windows 7 Professional also supports the automatic creation of system restore points, the ability to run legacy programs using the system compatibility option, and the ability to use remote computer access. The professional version also boasts more multimedia capabilities. This operating system is already more attractive than the rest of the "stripped down" editions. However, its license costs a lot. However, there are a bunch of assemblies with different versions on torrents.
The professional edition of "Windows 7" is perfect for business. It's all about the ability to encrypt data and the normal operation of the system recovery utility. Doing business involves protecting user data at the highest level. Therefore, encryption is indispensable. Also, the user must be guaranteed the complete safety of his data. And if Windows suddenly crashes (and this often happens with products from Microsoft), then you can quickly restore the operating system using the recovery utility and not lose important data. However, there are several other versions of Windows that deserve attention.
Ultimate
She is "Maximum". As the name suggests, it should contain everything that is possible. And indeed it is. This edition allows you to copy content to network drives, has even richer multimedia capabilities, is bundled with BitLocker, is able to work with encryption, includes more than thirty language packs and has a user account control option (those same annoying pop-up windows that appear when trying to install any program and ask to confirm the action). Windows 7 64, the latest version of the Ultimate edition, works much better with hardware, is able to see a fairly large amount of RAM, and has certain registry tweaks designed for performance. The maximum edition of the operating system provides the user with access to all the functions of the "seven". But the license is quite expensive. Sad as it is.
The maximum edition of "Windows 7" is perfectly suited for upgrades, overclocking and other computer abuse. It is this version of the operating system that supports work with new equipment. By the way, programs for overclocking the processor and video card will not work on operating systems of other editions. It is not known why. Therefore, true gamers prefer the "Maximum" version of "Windows 7". And the high price of the licensed product does not stop them at all. Apparently, this is where some fanaticism of game lovers is manifested.
Enterprise
The corporate edition, the one that is not issued for Russia. It has all the functionality of the "Maximum" version. However, it also has additional network functionality. But its potential is revealed only when working in large corporations on a decent number of computers. Is it worth mentioning that the license for this version of Windows costs fabulous money? And there are no discounts for a wholesale purchase. The latest Russian version of Windows 7 Enterprise is a mythical unicorn that does not exist in nature. An operating system of this kind can only be found on torrent trackers in the form of a pirated assembly. But it's free. However, it is strongly discouraged to use pirated assemblies, since it is not known what the creator of the assembly "put" there. It's better to use licensed software after all. This is the only way to be sure that no one is following you. Although with the release of the "dozens" the last statement became rather controversial.
The corporate version of Windows 7 (latest version) features enhanced security for network connections. This is vital for large corporations, since there are a lot of attackers who want to take over confidential data. In the US and Europe, the share of Windows 7 in the corporate segment is still quite high. Despite the fact that the company announced the end of support for the product. But the G7 will still be alive as long as the corporate sector is sitting on it. But with the eighth version of "Windows" the issue has already been resolved. Just last week, Microsoft announced that support for versions 8 and 8.1 was officially discontinued. This is how the Redmond-based company is trying to force all users to be in the top ten. That same operating system with "spy tendencies".
Which edition to choose for home use?
It all depends on the specific tasks that need to be solved using a personal computer. For most users, the "Home Premium" edition is enough. But she does not know how to run old programs at all. In general, it is recommended to set "Maximum". Then you don't have to worry about unsupported applications. Also, using the maximum revision is quite justified from a performance point of view. And when updating the configuration of the computer, there will be no problems, since the "Maximum" version works perfectly with the equipment and is able to detect new components. Let's not forget about the possibility of restoring the system from a checkpoint. Sometimes it is simply necessary. Versions of Windows 7 differ in a set of options and options for working with hardware. That's all. But on the part of the user, this behavior from Microsoft seems outrageous. This is understandable. Who wants to use a "stripped-down" operating system.
However, if you are the owner of a game server, then all of the above editions (even Windows 7, the latest version) will not work for your needs. Here you will need to install a special version - Server Edition. Although knowledgeable administrators prefer to use server editions of Linux distributions (especially Debian) for these needs. They are more secure, more stable and always work correctly with the network. And the latter is very important for the server administrator.
There is also a special build - Windows 7 Flash version. There is nothing unusual about it. It's just an operating system that can be installed from a USB stick. Nowadays, many people use this installation method, since the read speed of the USB port is much faster than reading from a regular disk. Moreover, versions of "Windows 10" are now distributed by Microsoft itself in digital form for subsequent installation from any drive.
Should you update your OS to the latest version?
This is a moot point. More recently, a serious vulnerability has been identified in processors (both Intel and AMD). In this regard, Microsoft and the Linux distributions developers quickly began to release security updates. And if everything is fine with "Linux" after the update, then the comrades from "Microsoft" screwed up. The latest Russian version of Windows 7 (if updated to it through the Update Center) takes the system into the "blue screen of death". So much for the security update. They also say that Microsoft has top-notch professionals. In such operating systems as Linux or MacOS, such a situation is even impossible to imagine. But these guys were able to excel.
Therefore, if you have on this moment Windows 7 is installed, the old version is working fine and there are no glitches, then do not try to update. As a result, you will have to reinstall the entire operating system. Wait a bit, and the Redmond programmers will find their mistake and fix it. In the meantime, you can sit quite well on the old version. Moreover, if it works for you quite stably. As for processor vulnerabilities, just get it out of your head. Your computer and private photographs from the sea are of no interest to intruders. You're not a celebrity, right?
Conclusion
So, we looked at the various editions of Windows 7. They all differ in options, support for various applications and work with equipment. For home use "Home Premium" is suitable. Russian version for Windows 7 64 bit is available. But if you need all the features of the operating system, then your choice is the "Maximum" edition. It works best with new hardware, supports large amounts of RAM, and can run legacy programs in Windows XP compatibility mode. It has only one drawback - the high cost of the license. But you can pay for such a rich functionality.
