o So many choices, what should I do?

Now for the shock¸ there are a total of 6 versions of Windows 7. But, no need to be overwhelmed, we will cover just the 3 popular versions shortly. Here is full list for your entertainment and pleasure:

• Starter: Only sold with new PCs. For “emerging markets,” Basically the core system without any of the eye candy, desktop enhancements, or extra security features. Limited to three concurrent applications.

• Home Basic: Starter with more than three apps allowed.

• Home Premium: This one is included on most PCs. It´s missing the extended security and mobility features of Professional.

• Professional: Everything in Premium, plus encryption and network features more business-oriented.

• Enterprise: Like Professional, but includes Bitlocker and Applocker among other system-management capabilities geared toward volume-licensing.

• Ultimate: Everything included.

So, if you have one of the versions listed below of Windows 7 and are considering upgrading or have not yet purchased Windows 7 and would like to know the differences, below you will see key points that separate each of the popular versions of Windows 7. The most important thing to remember here is that in order to log on to a work domain (usually medium to large companies) you will need Windows 7 Ultimate or Professional. If you are 100% home-office, or rarely go to the office, or you don´t log into a domain there, Windows Home Premium should be able to meet all your needs.

If you are thinking about buying a specific version of Windows 7, this comparison chart will help you. There is also Windows 7 Starter version which you will find on the smaller Netbooks. To clarify, Netbooks are smaller sized laptops that are not quite as powerful as typical laptops but usually suffice for the applications and software involved with real estate and people who do not want that nagging shoulder ache that can come with carrying around a heavy laptop.

In the next article, I will cover the basics of deciding whether to upgrade Vista or XP to Windows 7, the advantages and pitfalls.

Windows 7 Versions	Home Premium	Professional Upgrade	Ultimate Upgrade
Features
Make the things you do every day easier with improved desktop navigation.
Start programs faster and more easily, and quickly find the documents you use most often.
Make your web experience faster, easier and safer than ever with Internet Explorer 8.
Watch many of your favorite TV shows for free when and where you want with Internet TV.
Easily create a home network and connect your PCs to a printer with HomeGroup.
Run many Windows XP productivity programs in Windows XP Mode (separate download).
Connect to company networks easily and more securely with Domain Join.
In addition to full-system Backup and Restore found in all editions, you can back up to a home or business network.
Help protect data on your PC and portable storage devices against loss or theft with BitLocker.
Work in the language of your choice and switch between any of 35 languages.

Here´s to happy computing!

Richard Tausch, MCSE, CCNA, CompTia Security +