For Dummies Windows 7 978-0-470-49743-2 User Manual
Product codes
978-0-470-49743-2
17
Chapter 1: What Is Windows 7?
The Flavors of Windows 7
Windows XP came in two easy-to-understand versions: one for home and one
for business. Windows Vista split into five different versions, each with a differ-
ent price tag, and a confusing array of features. Windows 7 ups the confusion
level with six versions, but the versions are much easier to figure out.
ent price tag, and a confusing array of features. Windows 7 ups the confusion
level with six versions, but the versions are much easier to figure out.
The vast majority of consumers will choose Windows 7 Home Premium, and
most businesses will choose Windows 7 Professional. Still, to clear up the
confusion, I describe all six versions in Table 1-1.
most businesses will choose Windows 7 Professional. Still, to clear up the
confusion, I describe all six versions in Table 1-1.
Table 1-1
The Flavors of Windows 7
The Version of Windows 7
What It Does
Windows 7 Starter
This stripped-down version of Windows 7 runs
mostly on netbooks — tiny PCs that lack the power
for much more than Web browsing and simple
word processing.
mostly on netbooks — tiny PCs that lack the power
for much more than Web browsing and simple
word processing.
Windows 7 Home Basic
Designed for developing countries, this version
contains everything from the Starter edition and
tosses in better graphics, Internet connection
sharing, and settings for more powerful laptops.
contains everything from the Starter edition and
tosses in better graphics, Internet connection
sharing, and settings for more powerful laptops.
Windows 7 Home Premium
Built to fill most consumers’ needs, this version
includes programs to let people watch and record
TV on their PC, as well as create DVDs from their
camcorder footage.
includes programs to let people watch and record
TV on their PC, as well as create DVDs from their
camcorder footage.
Windows 7 Professional
Aimed at the business market, this features
everything from Home Premium, as well as tools
used by small businesses: extra networking
features, for example, and similar business tools.
everything from Home Premium, as well as tools
used by small businesses: extra networking
features, for example, and similar business tools.
Windows 7 Enterprise
Microsoft sells this large business version in bulk
to large businesses.
to large businesses.
Windows 7 Ultimate
This version aims at the wallets of information
technology specialists who spend much of their
lives in front of their keyboards. If you’re reading
this book, you don’t need this version.
technology specialists who spend much of their
lives in front of their keyboards. If you’re reading
this book, you don’t need this version.
Although six versions may seem complicated, choosing the one you need
isn’t that difficult. And because Microsoft stuffed all the versions on your
Windows 7 DVD, you can upgrade at any time simply by whipping out the
credit card and unlocking the features in a different version.
isn’t that difficult. And because Microsoft stuffed all the versions on your
Windows 7 DVD, you can upgrade at any time simply by whipping out the
credit card and unlocking the features in a different version.
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