On October 22, 2009, Windows users will finally have the chance to upgrade their operating systems to Windows 7.  In 2006, when Microsoft committed to creating the newest version of its operating system, it took a serious look at comments Windows users made about earlier experiences with Windows XP and Vista—keeping what worked and tossing out the rest.  Rumors suggest that Windows 7 should be the best Microsoft OS ever created.

Windows 7 is intended to be intuitive and simple to use—with any luck, you’ll figure out how use the new OS before your five year old installs the first service pack that Microsoft releases.  In an attempt to meet the needs of the many different types of computer users, Windows 7 will be released in six versions:

• Starter- is for PCs with limited hardware capabilities (netbooks, lower end laptops and workstations).  Users are limited to using a maximum of three simultaneously running programs at a time.
• Home Premium- offers enhanced Windows navigation, improved taskbars and jumplists, live thumbnail previews, Mobility Center for smart phone users, Aero Glass—a new way to view folders, enhancements to Windows Media Center and Media Streaming, and the ability to simultaneously run an unlimited number of applications.
• Home Basic- is a scaled down version of Home Premium that is intended for the overseas market.  This version has been modified to run on PCs with smaller processers.
• Professional- includes all the features of Home Premium as well as providing simple and secure server networking, advanced network backup, file and folder encryption, and location-aware printing to help your PC find the correct printer, regardless of location.
• Enterprise- is similar to Professional but is intended for large corporate customers that are business volume-licensed. In addition to the features offered in Professional, it also includes enhanced security features such as Bitlocker data protection and advanced management capabilities.
• Ultimate- provides home users all the features of the Enterprise version but doesn’t require a volume license.  Unfortunately, this version will have only limited availability through occasional promotional deals.

While Microsoft has created six versions of Windows 7 to meet the varying needs of end users, the two main editions are Home Premium—which is aimed at end users—and Professional—which is aimed at business users and IT professionals.  To learn more about which version of Windows 7 is best for your specific needs, please call the IT professionals at All Covered at 866-446-1133.

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