How to Choose the Windows 7 Edition Right for You
October 23, 2009 | In: Computers, Consumer Electronics, Featured
So Microsoft has decided to launch a new Windows version in order to save itself from the debacle that was Windows Vista. Honestly, I’ve been an early adopter of Vista and there were times when I really think, “What the heck was wrong with XP anyway?”
If there’s one feature that Vista pampered me with is the Start Search bar primarily because I’m a keyboard ninja. Otherwise, Vista was simply too clunky to be of any real good.
And what’s up with the editions? You got Starter, Home Basic, Home Premium, Business, Enterprise and Ultimate. With differences only fully understandable by real techies, choice has been a bitch.
Anyway, on to Windows 7. The new Windows will also technically feature seven editions, namely, Starter, Home Basic, Home Premium, Professional, Enterprise, and Ultimate.
However, mainstream markets will only be exposed to three - Home Premium, Professional and Ultimate. Since, chances are, you’ll be running into these three, lets consider them as choices.
Here’s our simple guide in choosing which edition is for you.
1. Is upgrading a matter of essence? With Windows XP supported until 2014, you can still stretch it out especially if you can live with its functionalities and if your computing needs are plain and simple. Our take is that going for 7 for now is reserved for people who are buying new machines and those that are sick and tired of Vista.
2. Check your hardware. Higher-end 7 editions will install more components, which take up more disk space and utilize more computing resources. Supposedly, you need the following to run Windows 7:
- 1 gigahertz (GHz) or faster 32-bit (x86) or 64-bit (x64) processor
- 1 gigabyte (GB) RAM (32-bit) or 2 GB RAM (64-bit)
- 16 GB available hard disk space (32-bit) or 20 GB (64-bit)
- DirectX 9 graphics device with WDDM 1.0 or higher driver
3. Consider your own use. Check out the Wikipedia entry showing the table of features. Chances are, for the ordinary person (Internet, office productivity, entertainment, and a bit of gaming), Home Premium will be more than enough for your computing needs. You might also want to try checking the features search criteria in the Microsoft Store site to guide you.
4. Check your budget. The Microsoft Store lists the prices and definitive features:
- Home Premium – $199.99 (Home network, record TV on your PC)
- Professional – $ 299.99 (Advanced networking, administrator and power user features)
- Ultimate – $319.99 (Beefier security for coporate use)
Definitely, the higher-end 7 editions like professional and Ultimate will cost you more. But check out the difference between Professional and Ultimate. A $20 difference is what you pay for features like Aero Glass Remoting, AppLocker, Drive Encryption, Multiligual User and Virtual Disk Booting.
The last two are often considered in tandem. But as we’ve said, most ordinary users will be content getting Home Premium.
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