Windows 7 maximum difference. What versions of the Windows operating system are there?

The Windows 7 operating system went on sale at the end of 2009 to replace Windows Vista, and according to recent data, it is already the most used operating system in the world. In terms of appearance, it is largely similar to its predecessor, solves a number of problems that existed in Windows Vista, but is also subject to significant criticism on a number of points. For example, Microsoft stated that the new operating system would be much faster than the previous one, however, this did not happen.

The Windows 7 operating system comes in six versions:

1. Initial (Starter)
2. Home Basic
3. Home Premium
4. Professional
5. Corporate (Enterprise)
6. Maximum

Let's look at what are the main differences between these six versions of Windows 7.

The further down the list, the more the functionality and price of operating systems increase. It should be noted that the Enterprise version is not sold to individuals, but is sold only under corporate licenses.

The most sophisticated version is the Ultimate, which has all the options possible in Windows 7. By the way, it also has the highest price – 220 US dollars.

Below is a table comparing the characteristics of Windows 7 versions for a more detailed study. I’m sure it shouldn’t leave you with any questions regarding the differences between Windows 7 versions.

So Microsoft provides multiple versions of Windows 7. Why?

Unfortunately, this version does not allow you to create a homegroup. This feature is only available in Windows 7 Home Premium, Professional, and Ultimate editions.

Key limitations of Windows 7 Starter:

Unfortunately, in Windows 7 Starter you can't change desktop backgrounds and themes, only change the color of windows or add gadgets to your desktop. Changing desktop backgrounds and themes is only available in Windows 7 Home Premium, Professional, and Ultimate editions.

There is no limit to the number of programs that can be open simultaneously in Windows 7 Starter edition. But you should remember that Windows 7 Starter supports a maximum of 2 gigabytes of random access memory (RAM), and this can affect the performance of the computer if many programs are running on it at the same time. Editions starting with “Extended” allow you to use additional memory (RAM) and allow the computer to work with a larger number of programs.

A number of features such as: Windows Aero interface, support for multiple monitors, desktop manager, Windows Media Center, additional games, domain connection are not supported in this edition.

Windows 7 Home Basic

The Windows 7 Home Basic version is intended exclusively for release in developing countries, including Russia. This version is also limited and most useful features are missing.

Features of Windows 7 Home Basic:

RAM capacity

The maximum amount of memory that this version supports is 8 gigabytes (for 64-bit versions), as opposed to 2 in the “Initial” version.

Multiple monitor support

In this version, you can use multiple monitors when working; in some cases, this is a very convenient feature.

Quickly switch between users

Using a VHD file to boot the Windows operating system, containing a virtual operating system with a complete structure and content similar to a hard drive.

Multilingual User Environment (MUI)- Select the desired interface language and the ability to switch between 35 available languages. Comparison of Windows 7 versions.

And so, after many years of tormenting Windows XP, you decided to install the Windows 7 operating system, but unlike XP, 7 has a lot of different versions (editions), and when the choice comes, you are confused about what to choose, and which version of Windows 7 is better now we will figure it out and compare their differences, advantages and disadvantages.

From these differences it follows that you can install everything except the basic (starter) and home initial versions, there are six of them in total:

All versions of Windows 7

Initial- there is nothing to tell this is a completely stripped-down version, which you can only purchase when purchasing a computer or laptop, and has only an introductory feature, it does not have a 64-bit version of the system (I already wrote what this means in the article), it supports a maximum of only 2 Gb of RAM memory, it does not have desktop visualization, in general, all the beauties of the seven, you cannot connect two monitors (only in clone mode), it will not work and connect to a remote desktop on the computer where this version of the OS is installed. There is no domain support, even the media center was cut out, in general, this operating system does not give you anything in principle, but only the ability to turn on and check the computer for functionality. There is no downgred either, so anyone who decided to cheat won’t be able to do it.

home Basic- what’s more interesting is the ability to install 8 GB of memory (for this reason there are two types of release), everything is also bad with local network capabilities, no home group creation, no domain support. There is no remote desktop. But this version already includes support for multiple monitors. There is no downgrade, and the visual beauty of Windows Aero is still undercut. I would not recommend it for advanced users because in the future you will still want more features from it.

Home extended- now you can work with these without restrictions, all the visual beauty is here, you can also create home groups yourself, and not just join them. We still won’t be able to connect to the domain, nor will we be able to connect to the remote desktop. So I can confidently say this version is ideal for the home. Here, you will have enough of everything.

Professional- this is the most ideal version of Windows 7; it has everything you need. There is support for domains and a windows xp emulator (XP Mode) has appeared for running outdated applications; a downgrade appears, although in this version it is no longer needed. Support for multiple physical processors and finally remote desktop. This is the maximum for home use with a ceiling. As a rule, such versions are installed on work computers in offices; its set fully satisfies the needs of the local network.

Corporate- the version is not for home, only for organizations. Here we have already added support for DirectAccess, a subsystem for launching Unix applications.

Maximum- as the name suggests, there is everything to the maximum, it is very expensive for home and work, you won’t need it.

Conclusion : Of all the above, two leaders can be named: Home extended for the home, and Professional to work, you simply won’t need all other versions of the operating system

P.S.: I would like to note that you have every right to put and Home version in the organization, no one legally prohibits you from doing this.

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. Eg “I want ALL the features of Windows 7” , “Ultimate is faster” and so on. 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 no. Backup is performed to external media or to a network folder. Will most home users use this? I doubt. Encrypted FS? Also no. 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 and consumer customers 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?!!

There are several Windows 7 packages: Home, Premium, Professional and Ultimate. Each version of the operating system has a different set of available features. To choose the appropriate version, you need to find out exactly how one Windows 7 differs from another, and decide for what purposes you need the OS.

The main differences between Windows 7 packages

OS versions differ in capabilities, but the minimum requirements for computer performance are the same for all packages:

• 32-bit (x86) or 64-bit (x64) processor with a clock speed of 1 gigahertz (GHz) or higher;
• 1 gigabyte (GB) (32-bit) or 2 GB (64-bit) random access memory (RAM);
• 16 gigabytes (GB) (32-bit) or 20 GB (64-bit) hard drive space;
• DirectX 9 graphics device with WDDM driver version 1.0 or higher.

If the components of your computer meet the above requirements, then any Windows 7 will not freeze on it. Remember that these are the minimum requirements for a clean (without third-party programs) system. Compliance with these parameters does not mean that all games and applications written for Windows 7 will start and not freeze.

Now let's look at the availability of certain functions in different versions of the OS. Each subsequent Windows package will contain all the functions of the previous one, while also having new features.

Table: list of features of different packages

Windows 7 Ultimate is also called Windows 7 Ultimate or Windows 7 Enterprise.

Which version to choose

Installing the highest version of the OS on your computer is not the best way; on the contrary, it is strongly not recommended.

Each version is optimized for a specific group of users and their basic needs. For example, the functions present in the “Maximum” package will never be useful to the average user who does not work in large companies and does not understand the detailed settings of the system registry. Installing a more advanced version of the system that exceeds your needs will only overload your computer and confuse you with incomprehensible functions and programs.

To choose the right Windows package, you need to figure out which version of the OS is intended for which group of users.

"Home"

This package is suitable for those who use a minimum number of programs and functions: a browser, explorer, text editor and other similar basic services. If your needs do not exceed these limits, then it is worth purchasing the “Home” version of the operating system.

Windows 7 Home is suitable for users with a weak computer

But there is one caveat: this package is maximally optimized for weak computers. If you have a computer whose characteristics meet the minimum threshold of requirements for the system given above in the article, or its performance is around this minimum level, then opt for Windows 7 Home, as it is as lightweight as possible. This version is well suited for laptops and netbooks. If your computer is more powerful than the minimum level, then it is recommended to consider the following OS package.

"Home Extended"

This version also belongs to the Home package, but has a number of features that are not available in the standard version of Windows 7 Home:

The Media Center program has appeared, through which you can watch TV and record programs running on it.
You should not install Windows 7 Home Premium on laptops, netbooks and weak PCs

So, Windows 7 Home Premium is worth installing if the above capabilities are enough for you, and more sophisticated features such as special data encryption and Windows XP emulation are not needed. Remember that this package is not suitable for users with weak PCs; it is also better not to install it on laptops and netbooks, since the video card may begin to heat up more due to the load and this will damage the device.

This version is good for games. It already has all the necessary functions and is designed for a more powerful computer that can handle some games, but at the same time it is not yet overloaded with additional settings presented in the “Professional” and “Maximum” versions.

"Professional"

The main differences between the “Professional” version of the OS and the home packages:

a simplified way to connect to local networks of a company or any other group of people.
Windows 7 Professional is designed for users who work professionally with Windows

So, this package is suitable for users who manually change Windows settings and work with old programs and important files, and automatic backup will help not lose important data in the event of a system failure.

It's better to put it on your computer. There are several editions of the operating system. This:

Starter

Ultimate

Well, there is also a version called Enterpise (Corporate), but I think the name speaks for itself and we are not considering it. And here the Russian mentality comes into force and says - The more, the better. And few people know what more, as long as there is. Okay, if finances allow it, then let it be, even though it’s not clear what and why. But if you are planning to buy a licensed Windows operating system, and your family budget is bursting at the seams (but you still really want to), then you should read this article on how to choose the most suitable Windows for your computer, while saving 5 thousand rubles.

First, let's look at the cost of each of them. Here is an approximate summary of prices for Windows 7 operating systems (prices are considered for boxed versions, i.e. boxes with disks):

Starter (Initial) - price around 1,500 thousand rubles

Home Basic (Home Basic) - 3000 tr.

Home Premium (Home Extended) - 5000 tr.

Professional (Professional) - 8500 rub.

Ultimate (Maximum) - up to 11,500 tr.

Now let's look at how all these releases differ from each other. First of all, the higher the version of the program, the more functionality, features and bells and whistles it has. Let's start with the most stripped down and go ascending

Windows 7 Starter

The main difference between this edition and other versions is that it is released only in 32-bit format. There is no 64 bit version. The most incomprehensible thing about it is that it does not have the ability to create and play DVDs. It also does not have support for such graphical capabilities as an effect Aero. There are no scissors or notes in it yet. No remote desktop connection possible. You cannot change the wallpaper on your desktop. In short, there is nothing in it. Trimmed as much as possible. It was also deprived of support for multiple monitors and printing over the network. Well, in principle, this is the most basic thing that does not exist. But she flies with a bang!

Conclusion: just right for netbooks, old computers and devices with low performance.

Home Basic

This version is practically no different from the previous version. Except that it now has a mobility center. That's basically all the differences. She didn't go far. I can’t even say why there is such a difference in price. Microsoft has its own cockroaches in its head and we can clearly see this in the recently released Windows 8 OS.

Conclusion: also suitable for low-performance laptops or older computers.

Home Premium

Here we are already seeing the emergence of a 64-bit version for more powerful computers that support 64-bit architecture, or in other words, quad-core processors. There are more graphical options, such as enabling an effect Aero and automatic change of desktop wallpaper. It is possible to create and play DVD discs. A fully functional Windows Media Center has appeared. There is support for multiple monitors, scissors (I’ve never used them and I don’t even understand what to cut with them), notes. There is support for tablet computers. In principle, this is a more complete version of the operating system. And you can already think about buying it.

Conclusion: suitable for more powerful computers and laptops. Not bad for games.

Professional

What are the main differences between this version of Windows and the previous one? It has the ability to run applications that you previously used on Windows XP, which is good news, since they will not work in previous versions, but this feature is implemented here. You can also make a restore point and backup data via the network. It is possible to print based on the network location and connect to a remote desktop.

Conclusion: suitable for more powerful computers and laptops. Well suited for games, including online ones.

Ultimate

In short, it contains everything that Microsoft came up with for the Windows 7 operating systems. But here’s the question. Do you need it? Unlikely. What are the differences from previous versions? Basically, this is a BitLocker function to protect data from theft located on computer hard drives or removable media. There are also improvements to virtual desktop infrastructure (VDI), enterprise search areas, direct boot from a virtual hard disk, DirectAccess, BranchCache, AppLocker. If these words mean something to you (which I very much doubt), then you can think about buying this version.

Yes, and there is also no option to select the system language from 35 different ones.

Here's a quick overview of the different editions of the Windows 7 operating system.

Conclusion: I think the most optimal of them for home work is Home Premium or Home Extended. Well, you can also think about buying Professional (Professional), which is also not bad for home use.

For each version of its operating system, Microsoft creates several distributions (editions) that differ in price and functionality. They differ in the set of tools and capabilities that users receive. The simplest releases have various restrictions on the use of large amounts of RAM. This article discusses what versions of Windows 7 there are (professional, basic home, and so on) and what differences they have.

There are different versions of Windows 7, 6 in total. Each of them has limitations on processor power and the amount of installed RAM, and its own arsenal of capabilities. This review will look at the differences between versions of Windows 7, except for the two most expensive ones, since Maximum and Enterprise are rarely used and only by specialists who are already well versed in this.

General information

This list describes which distributions you can purchase or download from the Internet. Brief comparison of Windows 7 versions:

The last 2 versions of Windows 7 are not considered in this review.

Initial

As written above, Basic is the cheapest version. If you are downloading a pirated version of the operating system, it is recommended that you choose anything other than this.

Firstly, unlike all subsequent versions, this distribution practically does not allow you to customize the OS to suit your needs. Secondly, there are huge restrictions on the configuration of a personal computer. You cannot install the 64-bit version, so the features of the powerful process will not be available. Windows will not see more than 2 gigabytes of RAM.

In addition to this, you will not be able to change the default desktop image. In addition, all windows will be opaque, like in Windows XP. This is a good solution for owners of very old and weak computers. However, do not forget that by purchasing a more advanced release, you can disable all its bells and whistles at any time, essentially turning it into Basic.

home Basic

If you use your personal computer only for office work or entertainment and do not intend to do any fine-tuning, Home is an excellent choice. Users get the opportunity to install the 64-bit version. Such a system already supports a fairly significant amount of RAM (8 gigabytes for 64-bit and 4 GB for 32-bit).

Support has also been added, but there is still no ability to configure anything here, so the interface will look somewhat outdated. Unlike Initial, useful functions have been added here, such as:

• Fast user switching – allows several people to work comfortably on one PC at once.
• Multiple monitor support is a very handy feature if you have a second monitor.
• Desktop Manager.
• Ability to change your desktop background.

However, it is also not the best choice for the modern user. Quite limited functionality, lack of applications for playing media content, small amount of physical memory are a huge minus. These two versions of Windows 7 are rarely used.

Home Extended

Home Premium is the ideal choice for the vast majority of users. The amount of RAM is limited to 16 gigabytes, which is enough for even the most modern games and demanding applications. The distribution also has all the functions that are present in the above-described editions.

In this version of Windows 7, in addition to them, the following useful things have been added:

Professional

If you have a modern and powerful personal computer and you are thinking about which version to download, pay attention to Professional. There are practically no restrictions on the amount of RAM used (128 gigabytes is enough for anyone). Starting with this release, Windows can work with multiple processors simultaneously (not to be confused with multi-core).

Also added here is a huge number of useful tools that may be useful to advanced users, as well as those who like to delve into the settings of their operating system. It is now possible to create a backup copy of the OS on a local network and start Windows recovery remotely.

Added the ability to emulate Windows XP. This tool will be appreciated by users who need to run outdated applications on their PC. This is especially useful for running older games pre-2000. Most likely, they will not work correctly under the new system, but will behave perfectly on HP.

A data encryption function has also appeared - useful if you work with important documents or simply do not want attackers to gain access to your personal information through virus attacks. You can also connect your computer to a domain, use it as a host for , roll back the OS to Vista or XP, and much more.