Windows 7 Coming in 6 Versions
April 17, 2009 by Jason Bean
Filed under Computers
It seems Microsoft still missed one lesson it should have learned from Vista. The new Windows 7 operating system will be available in six different versions when it’s released. Microsoft will still release all of them on a single media disc though so that when you realize you got the wrong version you really needed it shouldn’t be too hard to upgrade to the next one.
Windows 7 Screenshot
- Windows 7 Starter Edition
- Windows 7 Home Basic
- Windows 7 Home Premium
- Windows 7 Professional
- Windows 7 Enterprise
- Windows 7 Ultimate
Microsoft says most home users should probably go with the Windows 7 Home Premium version and business users will more than likely go with the Professional or Enterprise version depending on the features they may need like file encryption and higher network security.
I think Microsoft would be smarter to release three versions, at least once just to see how it’s received from the community and their customers.
- One version should be their really lite version, in this case the one they intend to be used by more developing countries. Priced very cheaply, but still available in developed countries for those individuals that would just like an up-to-date operating system that’s secure and supportable. This version should also be extremely light-weight and very skimpy on sucking up system resources.
- One version for your average home user. Everything the home user would need. Basic operating system applications for managing, maintaining and security their system. Get them on the Internet, connect to a home network and enjoy all the digital media that everyone is producting and sharing these days.
- One version for business use. Across the board, simple to manage, install and secure. Obvious ability to connect to networks and be managed over the network. All the security you would need and the ability for any component to be locked down and restricted access by the end user.
Now wouldn’t that be nice? It would make sense and I’ll bet they could increase the prices just enough to cover what they might expect to lose, but the average Joe and corporate Joe would appreciate the simplicity of the decision on which version they need.
Source: Windows 7 to Ship In Six Different Versions
Yes, streamlining the choices would be good.
However, most people shouldn’t need to worry about #1 because it most likely will be only sold to developing nations.
People might want Ultimate to get everything possible. However, this one is only going to be sold to bigger businesses though.
Personally, I think there should be just 4 versions: A very basic, no frills version of Windows that’s mega cheap. A home version for most average consumers. A business version for all types of businesses. An ultimate version for those who want it all. Or maybe just drop the basic version altogether.