Windows 7 Editions – What’s in them

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I recently purchased a netbook, and unfortunately had to install XP on it.  I wanted to install the Windows 7 Beta, but unfortunately it doesn’t support my Verizon Broadband card.  I have seen it working on the RC however, so I’m waiting for it to be publicly released before I put it on the netbook.  Rumor has it that the RC is coming in May (due to a page publish slip at Microsoft).

There’s been so much excitement about Windows 7, I decided to do a little research to see what’s in store for us.  Below is a list of the Editions that Windows 7 will come in (as of now, subject to change I’m sure), and what will be in each edition.

Windows7 SKU Editions and Feature Sets

Windows 7 Starter (limited distribution)

  • Broad application and device compatibility with up to three concurrent applications.

  • Safe, reliable, and supported .

  • Home Group makes it easy to share media, documents and printers across multiple PCs in offices without a domain.

  • Improved taskbar and JumpLists

Windows 7 Home Basic (emerging market only)

  • Broad application and device compatibility with unlimited concurrent applications.

  • Safe, reliable, and supported .

  • Home Group makes it easy to share media, documents and printers across multiple PCs in offices without a domain.

  • Improved taskbar and JumpLists .

  • Live thumbnail previews and enhanced visual experience.

  • Advanced networking support (ad-hoc wireless networks and internet connection sharing).

  • Mobility Center is included.

 

Windows 7 Home Premium

  • Broad application and device compatibility with unlimited concurrent applications.

  • Safe, reliable, and supported .

  • Home Group makes it easy to share media, documents and printers across multiple PCs in offices without a domain.

  • Improved taskbar and JumpLists .

  • Live thumbnail previews and enhanced visual experience.

  • Advanced networking support (ad-hoc wireless networks and internet connection sharing).

  • Mobility Center is included.

  • Aero Glass and advanced windows navigation.

  • Easy networking and sharing across all your PCs and devices.

  • Improved media format support , enhancements to Windows Media Center and media streaming, including Play To.

  • Multi-touch and improved handwriting recognition.

 

Windows 7 Professional

  • Broad application and device compatibility with unlimited concurrent applications.

  • Safe, reliable, and supported .

  • Home Group makes it easy to share media, documents and printers across multiple PCs in offices without a domain.

  • Improved taskbar and JumpLists .

  • Live thumbnail previews and enhanced visual experience.

  • Advanced networking support (ad-hoc wireless networks and internet connection sharing).

  • Mobility Center is included.

  • Aero Glass and advanced windows navigation.

  • Easy networking and sharing across all your PCs and devices.

  • Improved media format support , enhancements to Windows Media Center and media streaming, including Play To.

  • Multi-touch and improved handwriting recognition.

  • Domain Join enables simple and secure server networking.

  • Encrypting File System protects data with advanced network backup.

  • Location Aware Printing helps find the right printer when moving between the office and home.

 

Windows 7 Enterprise and Ultimate

  • Broad application and device compatibility with unlimited concurrent applications.

  • Safe, reliable, and supported .

  • Home Group makes it easy to share media, documents and printers across multiple PCs in offices without a domain.

  • Improved taskbar and JumpLists .

  • Live thumbnail previews and enhanced visual experience.

  • Advanced networking support (ad-hoc wireless networks and internet connection sharing).

  • Mobility Center is included.

  • Aero Glass and advanced windows navigation.

  • Easy networking and sharing across all your PCs and devices.

  • Improved media format support , enhancements to Windows Media Center and media streaming, including Play To.

  • Multi-touch and improved handwriting recognition.

  • Domain Join enables simple and secure server networking.

  • Encrypting File System protects data with advanced network backup.

  • Location Aware Printing helps find the right printer when moving between the office and home.

  • BitLocker protects data on removable devices.

  • DirectAccess links users to corporate resources from the road without a virtual private network (VPN).

  • BranchCache makes if faster to open files and Web pages from a branch office.

  • AppLocker easily restricts unauthorized software and enables greater security.