What is the difference between Windows Starter and Home? We are recommended to friends

Differences in Windows 7. Difference between Starter, Home, Professional, Ultimate and Enterpise versions

When buying a laptop or computer without an installed OS, you often have to rack your brains about which OS version to choose. Considering that the difference in money between these versions is significant, it’s worth thinking about. Before choosing an OS, answer yourself a couple of questions: where will you use the laptop or computer (at home or in the office)? What will you use your workstation for?
By answering these questions, you can choose the optimal version, without overpaying for unnecessary features. Let's look at operating system versions.

Windows 7 Starter

Apart from the fact that Windows 7Starter is an OEM version, there is no 64-bit version of Windows 7 Starter. Doesn't play DVD, doesn't support multiple monitors. Essentially, Microsoft Windows 7 Starter is a stripped-down version for netbooks because it is graphically inferior. And many users are mistaken about this, Windows 7 Starter works great with programs such as: Internet Explorer 8, Windows Media Player 12, Paint and WordPad with the controversial ribbon interface, updated Windows Defender, firewall and Action Center. Windows 7 Starter retains a new and improved taskbar, with pinned apps and Jump Lists with an enhanced SuperFetch that makes opening and switching between apps surprisingly fast. And the most interesting thing is that in Windows 7 Starter, you can run more than three applications at the same time, which was not the case during beta testing.

Windows 7 Home Premium

Windows 7 Home Premium is essentially attractive because it is the lowest priced version of Windows 7 and is available at retail. There is also Windows 7 Home Basic Edition, but it is practically no different from the Starter version. Home Premium has more visual features - new themes with background slideshows - that the Starter version doesn't have. Fast user switching, multi-monitor video and touch support. The difference between Starter and Home Premium - in addition to the Aero interface - is the presence of a full Windows Media Center package, with which you can stream from one Windows Media Player to another over the network. Home Premium already includes DVD playback, DVD authoring, and all the media processing of previous versions. In Home Premium, you can create a shared home group, but in Windows 7 Starter, you can only join a PC to them. A HomeGroup is a local LAN that is well suited for managing shared files on a LAN. This is a great option if you have several computers in different rooms and want to share certain music, files or images over a shared network.

Windows 7 Professional

Windows 7 Professional has additional add-ons: local offline file cache, restore point backup for network resources, and Windows 7 Professional can also act as a remote desktop server. But there are two attractive options - Windows Server domain support and XP Mode. Again, Windows 7 Professional is the cheapest edition, which has an XP Mode emulator and to which you can attach a Windows Server domain.

Windows 7 Ultimate/Enterpise (Ultimate/Enterprise)

Two benefits of Windows 7 Ultimate are BitLocker data encryption and the ability to create AppLockers, which can block prohibited programs. It is unlikely that the average user will need to encrypt local files or create a “safe” list of applications. Ultimate also has translators and solutions for network printers, but these are mostly for businesses and not for everyday users. Windows 7 Ultimate supports some UNIX applications, but this feature is mainly aimed at "server farms". Windows 7 Ultimate and Enterpise differ only in that Enterpise is available under Volume Licensing, with some included Windows Software Assurance.

There are several versions of the Windows 7 operating system: Home, Professional, Ultimate. To understand which one is suitable for which user, you must first learn about their differences and features. Each of these versions has its own parameters and available functions, is intended for a specific purpose and, accordingly, differs in price. Each next one has the functionality of the previous one, plus it is complemented by its own.

Windows 7 versions

There are several versions of Windows 7, and each of them has certain characteristics.

• Windows 7 Starter - this is the version you get when you buy a laptop or computer. It is for informational purposes only and has virtually no functionality. Starter only supports 32-bit architecture, and this imposes 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, or watch a movie or listen to music, since the media player is not among the standard programs;

  Windows 7 Starter contains minimal features

• Windows 7 Home Basic - This version, as the name suggests, is suitable for use at home. Its functions are still limited. 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 the remote workplace. The famous Windows Aero exists, but in a stripped down form;

  

  Windows 7 Home Basic is designed for home use by non-professionals

• Windows 7 Home Premium (“Home Extended”) - this version is created for advanced users. Almost all restrictions have been removed: beautiful desktop design, the ability to create a local network. Although domain and remote desktop support are still disabled. The developers considered that these functions would not be needed by ordinary users;

  

  Windows 7 Home Premium - for advanced home users

• Windows 7 Professional (“Professional”) is the ideal version. It adds everything that was so missing from Home Extended: domains and remote desktop. In addition, a Windows XP emulator has been added to the system to support legacy applications. There is no need to be afraid of spies, since it has an EFC encryption system. This version will completely satisfy users who have to work at home, or will become a reliable assistant at work;

  

  Windows 7 Professional - ideal for both work and home

• Windows 7 Enterprise (“Corporate”) is a version created specifically for organizations. In addition to all the professional features, it supports DirectAcces and contains a subsystem for running Unix applications. It is usually purchased in large quantities for an entire corporation, and at home you can use something simpler;

  

  Windows 7 Enterprise is simply created for corporate clients

• Windows 7 Ultimate (“Maximum”) is a version that combines 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. Costs too much, takes up space and resources. However, 70% of Windows 7 users have it.

  

  Windows 7 Ultimate combines all the features of previous versions

Table: comparison of characteristics of Windows 7 versions

Video: what versions of Windows 7 are there and how they differ

Which version of Windows 7 is better

The choice of Windows 7 version depends entirely on your needs. Stores that sell computer equipment use Starter to demonstrate the functionality of a computer. The “Home Basic” version is suitable for use by inexperienced users. And for those who have some experience with a computer, it is better to purchase the “Home Extended”.

Corporate clients will also have to think about it when choosing an edition of Windows 7. For small businesses, the “Professional” version is perfect. Large corporations will find it more profitable to buy Enterprise; it costs much less in bulk. “Maximum” will have to be purchased by customers with an in-company infrastructure based on Windows Server 2008 R2.

Any version is suitable for gamers. 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 the required ones and if you have a weak computer, choose 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”

Video: how to find out the version of your operating system

How to find out the version of Windows 7 by key

How to find out the Windows 7 distribution version

How to find out 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 or distribute this version 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 builds are significantly inferior to the official version. Almost all questions on the forums relate specifically to third-party assemblies. Therefore, the official version is always better.

Which service pack is better 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 completely free of charge. If you have Windows Server Update Service enabled with default settings, the Service Pack will download automatically. For Windows 7 there is only Service Pack 1, so there is simply nothing to choose from for the best one for Windows 7. For other versions of Windows, it is recommended to install the latest one 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 specific to certain regions. Elements that differ in these assemblies:

• ActiveX control;
• Windows Media Player and everything connected with it;
• wearable device infrastructure;
• Windows DVD Studio.

Features of regional versions:

• N: for Europe - no Windows Media Player and Internet Explorer;
• K: for Korea - Windows Live Messenger and Windows Media Player are missing;
• 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 frequently asked questions about versions of Windows 7 are how to renew the licensed version, return to the previous Windows, or upgrade to the maximum version.

How to renew your Windows 7 official license

How to roll back to a previous version of Windows 7

In order to perform a recovery, you must find the Windows.old folder on drive C: without it, Windows recovery is impossible. You should also make sure that the size of this folder is smaller than the remaining disk space. Now you can begin recovery.

1. Run the Windows installer.
2. In the Windows Setup window, configure all the necessary settings and click Next.
3. You already have the system, you just need to restore it. To do this, pay attention to the small link below.

   

   Select System Restore from the Windows Setup menu

4. Click on the operating system, click “Next”.
   

   

   During installation, select the system to restore

5. The “Command Line” is suitable as a recovery method.

   

   In the window that opens, select the recovery method “Command Line”

6. To protect yourself from data loss, transfer it to the system you are installing. To do this, enter the following commands in sequence (without semicolons):
   • cd C:\;
   • Md Win7;
   • 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:\.
7. Then enter the command, which differs for different versions of Windows:
   • For Windows Server 2003, Windows XP, or Microsoft Windows 2000 systems, enter “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”.
8. Quit the command line by typing exit and reboot.

   

   After completing the setup, run the exit command on the command line

9. If the operating system is working correctly, delete the C:\Win7 folder.

How to update Windows 7 to the maximum version

Updating to the maximum version occurs provided that you have a license key. You can find some active keys online using Google.

Video: Upgrading Windows 7 to Ultimate

How to Downgrade Windows 7 Without Losing Files

People 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 again. You can change the version without reinstalling and retain all the contents of the computer (except for the old operating system, of course), although you will still need the Windows installer.

How to Allow Users to Choose an Edition of Windows 7 During Installation

When installing from a standard Windows 7 image, you can only select 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:

1. Using Explorer or UltrISO, open the Windows 7 image.
2. Go to the sources folder and delete the ei.cfg file.
3. Save your changes and burn the installation disc again.

What is the trial version of Windows 7

The trial version is designed for 90 days and is 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 these 90 days have expired, you will have to completely reinstall the system, since it is impossible to change it completely.

Before purchasing Windows, think about why you need this operating system, and then select the required version according to your requirements. So it’s better not to waste time and money on functionality that doesn’t suit you.

• Operating systems for home
• Operating systems for business

Windows Edition Comparison Chart

“Who needs such a system if you can’t run more than three programs in it?” - this is the first thing that comes to mind, if you don’t know that Microsoft has abandoned the idea of ​​​​limiting the number of applications that can be launched simultaneously. Initially, the idea was that OEMs needed a cheap OS for installation on cheap netbooks equipped with a network card and/or Wi-Fi module. Imagine for a moment what you could do with three programs. Which one will you launch first? That's right, browser. And here you go:

• e-mail
• music and video
• newspapers, magazines and books
• collaboration with documents
• social networks, forums, chats, blogs, websites (where are you reading this article?)
• games and so on...

Windows 7 Home Basic

This edition has everything that is in the initial edition, and also adds a number of convenient features - Internet connection sharing, quick user switching, and a mobility center. And this significantly expands the range of computers on which OEMs will install Home Basic. These so-called budget desktop and mobile computers will go to emerging markets. Yes, this edition doesn't have some of the goodies of the new interface, but it already has a lot of the functionality of 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, a full-fledged Aero Glass interface is added to the previous edition, as well as interesting desktop navigation capabilities - Aero Shake and Aero Peek. You will also have access to creating a home group, multimedia capabilities, including Windows Media Center, as well as other nice features - like Notes and an expanded set of games. Perhaps this is the optimal edition for home use if there are no sufficient reasons or means to want more.

Windows 7 Ultimate

It takes the best of what Microsoft put into Windows 7. At home, you can benefit from file system encryption and BitLocker to improve data security. AppLocker is useful for serious control over household members. The possibility of backing up to a network drive may also be useful. This edition will be preferred by Windows enthusiasts - those who consciously use the wide range of capabilities of the operating system. Well, and users of pirated versions, of course, where would we be without them...

Windows 7 Starter (Initial). This version only ships with new computers. The initial edition is “stripped down” as much as possible; for example, it does not have a functional part for playing media files with AAC, H.264 and MPEG-2 codecs.

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

Windows 7 Home Premium (Home Extended). This version includes all the features of the Home Basic System, plus Multitouch support, Windows Media Center and additional gaming programs. Also available in this version is the ability to improve handwriting recognition.

Windows 7 Professional (Professional). This version differs from Home Enhanced in its ability to use Remote Desktop as the host computer. It is equipped with EFS encryption system. It contains a number of additional processes and AppLocker. The professional version can be downgraded 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 an organization. This edition is distributed exclusively under a corporate license and has a 90-day free trial period.

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

What are the main differences between the versions of Windows 7 besides those that have already been described in the 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, the Windows Mobility Center, or the ability to change the desktop background.

All these functions are already present in the Home Basic version, which, however, is devoid of a number of other functions. The differences between the Windows 7 Starter and Home Basic versions 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 the Multitouch function and improved handwriting recognition, the lack of Windows Media Center, additional games, the ability to act as Remote Desktop host computer, support 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 the ability to connect to a Windows NT domain. These versions cannot be downgraded to Windows XP or Vista. And only the Corporate and Maximum versions support a multilingual user environment.

The differences between versions of Windows 7 also include the end of support 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 versions are supported for 5 years longer. As for the amount of RAM, the Basic edition supports up to 2 GB, Home Basic - up to 8 GB, Home Extended - up to 16 GB, and Professional, Enterprise and Ultimate - up to 192 GB (all figures are for 64-bit versions, because . The 32-bit version of any OS supports no more than 3.25 GB of RAM).

Here, in brief, are all the main differences between the 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.

More and more often on the Internet (usually on forums or on social networks) I come across an approach to choosing an edition of Windows 7 that I do not understand. As many surveys and discussions show, the vast majority of users use the Windows 7 Ultimate edition.

When asked why this is so, the answers are very different, both adequate and not so adequate. For example “I want ALL the features of Windows 7” , “Ultimate is faster” etc. Many people don’t even know why they created this edition. Some probably think that if they install the Professional or Maximum edition, they automatically become professionals... The worst thing is that even when users are interested in the prices of “7-ku”, they look straight at... Maximum! And then “in shock” they write: “ I'm not a complete idiot, throwing out 12 pieces on Windows”…

Therefore, I decided to write the differences between some editions of this OS and show that for home use there is no need to install the Windows 7 Ultimate edition, in most cases there is no need to even install the Professional edition.

So, we will briefly describe the functionality of each edition, the differences between them and examples of the need to use one or another edition.

Windows 7 Home Basic

Windows 7 Home Basic edition is the entry-level edition that is aimed at customers with low-cost computers. It has all the benefits of Windows 7 (security, reliability, speed, active thumbnails, advanced networking support, etc.)

But compared to Home Premium, it does not have a number of the following features:

• Improved navigation and window customization with enhancements to the Microsoft Aero desktop;
• the ability to create a homegroup to facilitate file sharing among 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.

In what cases is it worth buying this edition? If you do not have a new computer and the video card does not support Aero. In all other cases, I would recommend purchasing the Home Extended.

Windows 7 Home Premium

Windows 7 Home Premium is the best edition for home users. Easily connect to other computers and devices in an interface that's packed with visuals to make your daily tasks easier and more fun. This release of the OS supports the creation of a HomeGroup, which allows you to share various content with other networked Windows 7 computers, such as your favorite photos, videos, or music files. And thanks to the ability to easily connect to Internet TV with Windows Media Center, you can watch TV shows from anywhere.

Compared to Professional, it does not have the following features:

• joining a domain;
• advanced backup and recovery;
• encrypted file system for data protection;
• Windows XP mode for running legacy business applications in Windows XP;
• local group policy editor;
• Network Location Aware Printing, which helps you set different default printers on your network;
• ability to connect to a computer using Remote Desktop Connection.

This edition has all the necessary features for full use at home. The same features that are not presented in it are overwhelmingly not needed by users. Indeed, do many people have a domain structure deployed at home? Do they need the ability to connect to a domain? I think not. Backup is performed to external media or to a network folder. Will most home users use this? I doubt. Encrypted FS? Not either. Maybe Windows XP mode is needed? Tell me at least one application that is necessary on a home computer, and which does not run under 7.

I'm not saying that there are absolutely no users who find the features of this release insufficient. There are some, but they are clearly not the overwhelming majority. As a rule, these are people who use a computer as a work tool, and therefore they can afford to pay more for a Professional edition.

Windows 7 Professional

Windows 7 Professional combines all the business features you need with the entertainment features of Windows 7 Home Premium. You'll be able to run a variety of Windows XP productivity programs directly from Windows 7 or using Windows XP mode, and easily restore data with automatic backup capabilities on your home or work network. Connecting to company networks has become easier and safer.

There is a group of users who lack the capabilities provided by the Windows 7 Home Premium edition. Some people need Remote Desktop Connection features, some deploy a domain structure at home, some work at home with older software that requires the Windows XP environment. In these cases, it makes sense to purchase this edition.

Compared to Ultimate, it does not have the following features:

• Microsoft BitLocker™ and BitLocker To Go™ drive encryption and 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 branch file and web servers;
• Microsoft AppLocker™ technology, which prevents unauthorized software from running on employee computers;
• Enterprise search scopes that make it easier to discover and search content on intranet portals;
• Multilingual user interface packages that provide operation in any of 35 languages.

Windows 7 Ultimate

Windows 7 Ultimate is the most feature-rich and powerful edition designed to meet the needs of enterprise customers and consumers who need the full Windows 7 experience. This edition lets you work productively anywhere, improves security and control, and optimizes PC management. It also provides a flexible interface with support for various languages.

The functionality of this edition that is not in the Professional edition is described a little higher. And now name me at least one of them that could be at least somehow useful at home use! None of this for home users no need! Moreover, often these features are not needed even by corporate users, provided, of course, that the organization’s network infrastructure is not built on the basis of 2008 R2.

So why do more than 70% of our home users use this particular edition? Why?!!