Windows 7 SKUs Announced

image Today Microsoft announced the SKUs for Windows 7.

The version lineup is different than Vista. Home Basic is now only available in “emerging markets”, and a new “Starter” edition has been added for lower-powered PCs (think netbooks). That’s a bit of a reversal compared to Vista where “Home Basic” was on just about every PC at big box stores.

Also noteworthy is that the “Ultimate” version won’t be sold directly to businesses or consumers, and will only be offered as an add-on. Here are the highlights of the different versions of Windows 7:

  • Windows 7 Starter
    – Broad app and device compatibility with up to 3 concurrent applications
    – Ability to join a Home Group
    – Improved taskbar and JumpLists
  • Windows 7 Home Basic
    – Available in Emerging Markets only
    – Unlimited applications
    – Live thumbnail previews & enhanced visual experience
    – Advanced networking support (ad-hoc wireless networks and internet connection sharing)
    – Mobility Center
  • Windows 7 Home Premium
    – Unlimited applications
    – Aero Glass & advanced windows navigation
    – Easy networking & sharing across all your PCs & devices
    – Improved media format support, enhancements to Windows Media Center and media streaming, including Play To
    – Multi-touch and improved handwriting recognition
  • Windows 7 Professional
    – Unlimited applications
    – Ability to join a managed network with Domain Join
    – Protect  data with advanced network backup and Encrypting File System
    – Print to the right printer at home or work with Location Aware Printing
  • Windows 7 Enterprise
    – Available through Microsoft Volume Licensing only
    – Unlimited applications
    – BitLocker data protection on internal and external drives
    – DirectAccess provides seamless connectivity to your corporate network.  (requires Windows Server 2008 R2)
    – Decrease time branch office workers wait to open file across the network with BranchCache. (requires Windows Server 2008 R2)
    – Prevent unauthorized software from running with AppLocker
  • Windows 7 Ultimate
    – Unlimited applications
    – Includes all Enterprise and all Home Premium features, including multi-language packs

Source: PC Magazine and Microsoft Press Release

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