Any user who knows anything about computers is well aware that the Microsoft Windows 7 operating system has several versions. According to some, the company did this on purpose, because the price of each edition is different. And the higher the level of "coolness" of the OS, the higher the price. But in fact, different versions of Windows 7 are needed for certain tasks. For example, for those who use the operating system exclusively for music and films, it makes no sense to purchase a Pro version. It will be enough ordinary Home. But in order for the last doubts to dissipate, it is necessary to analyze each edition in detail. And that we will do now.
General classification of Windows editions
There are currently several versions of Windows 7: Starter, Home Basic, Home Premium, Professional, Enterprise, and Ultimate. Each of them has its own parameters and functions. The number of options included depends on the distribution itself. Naturally, the "coolest" version is considered the Ultimate (aka "Maximum"). The same edition is more expensive than everyone else. It is worth noting that the corporate version of the "seven" (Enterprise) is not released for Russia and the CIS countries. The reason for this "disrespect" for domestic companies is unknown. But there are also various assemblies of the "seven" for various needs and computers. As a rule, such assemblies are pirated. An example is Windows 7 Lite, a version created specifically for low-power computers. However, we begin to review the various editions of Windows. First on the list is the Starter Edition. Let’s start with her.
Windows 7 Starter
As the name implies, this operating system is the initial version. It has only 32-bit architecture, can use only one language and is devoid of many options. So, for example, H.265 and MPEG-2 video playback is not available for this OS. The Aero desktop with the most beautiful effects is not here either. Such a system is usually installed on netbooks and laptops when sold. Is it worth mentioning that the license for this edition of Windows is worth a penny? There is definitely nothing to pay here. Microsoft Windows 7 version has never looked so poor. It is unclear what guided the company, releasing this parody of the operating system. It is not surprising that many users after buying a laptop quickly change the pre-installed OS to a full-fledged (albeit pirated) one. In general, Starter is an initial set of functions necessary for work. And nothing more.
The entry-level operating system cannot boast of rich functionality. But it is perfectly installed on low-power PCs. This OS is perfect for those users who did not have time to update their computer. This is the initial edition of Windows 7. The full version includes support from Microsoft in the form of weekly updates. True, they will also be severely limited in functionality. But the license for this version of Windows is inexpensive. There must be at least something pleasant about her. We pass to the next edition.
Home basic
She’s Home Basic. In terms of functionality, it is not much different from the initial edition, but there are some changes. For example, there is Windows 7 64 Russian version. This is not a radical change, but 64-bit systems work much better with modern equipment. Also, it became possible to play videos of any format. However, the Aero interface does not exist. Also, there is no general access to the Internet and window previews in the taskbar. This version of Windows is being shipped to developing countries. These include Microsoft and the CIS countries at Microsoft. This edition of the operating system is designed for weak computers and laptops.
The home base version of Windows 7 is good for housewives who, besides TV shows and Odnoklassniki, need nothing more. For serious users, it is not suitable. A significant drawback is the lack of the ability to run old applications. Please use only new ones. And I would like to see the proprietary Aero interface in this edition. But he is not there. The home base edition of Windows 7 is definitely not worth the money Microsoft is asking for it. Therefore, we move on to other editions of the operating system.
Home premium
This edition of the operating system is already similar to something. The Russian version of Windows 7 Home Premium has an Aero interface and a built-in media center. There is also support for all multimedia files, an adequate menu of the "Explorer" and all the delights of those "Windows" (including Aero Peak, Shake and other effects). There is support for creating user groups and multi-profile access to the Internet. This version of the operating system is quite suitable for use on a home computer or laptop. Of course, if you do not need to solve any special problems. It is worth noting that this version has good performance. It can be used as a gaming platform. For the average user, this edition of Windows is just what you need. And other versions of Windows 7 look completely useless. But some users think differently.
It is worth noting that most domestic retailers install on Windows 7 Home Premium laptops sold. This decision is due to the fact that sellers need to demonstrate all the features of a laptop. And the Aero interface consumes a lot of system resources. Therefore, if a laptop easily reproduces all the effects, then it is good and needs to be taken. But the fact that retailers use unlicensed versions of Windows does not bother anyone. A novice user cannot distinguish between Windows 7 and Vista. What can I say about the license. Nevertheless, on the part of sellers, the use of unlicensed software is somehow ugly. And what's more, it’s criminal.
Professional
Version for "professionals." In the days of Windows XP, it was this edition that was considered the most advanced. But times are changing. And now she is only one of many. The main feature of this edition is the presence of built-in software for file encryption. The full version of Windows 7 Professional also supports the automatic creation of system restore points, the ability to run obsolete programs using the system compatibility option, and the ability to use remote access to a computer. The professional version also boasts more multimedia capabilities. This operating system is already more attractive than other "stripped down" editions. However, her license costs a lot. However, torrents have a bunch of builds with different versions.
The professional edition of Windows 7 is the best suited for business. The thing here is the possibility of data encryption and the normal operation of the system recovery utility. Doing business involves protecting user data at the highest level. Therefore, you can’t do without encryption. Also, the user must be guaranteed complete safety of his data. And if Windows unexpectedly crashes (and this often happens with Microsoft products), then it will be possible to quickly restore the operating system using the recovery utility without losing important data. However, there are several more versions of Windows that deserve attention.
Ultimate
She’s "Maximum." Judging by the name, it should have everything that is possible. And indeed it is. This edition allows you to copy content to network drives, has even wider multimedia capabilities, comes with BitLocker, is able to work with encryption, includes more than thirty language packs and has the option to control user accounts (the same annoying pop-ups that appear when attempt to install any program and ask to confirm the action). Windows 7 64, the latest version of the Maximum edition, works much better with hardware, is able to see a fairly large amount of RAM, and has certain tweaks in the registry that are designed for performance. The maximum edition of the operating system provides the user with access to all the functions of the "seven". But a license is quite expensive. Regrettably.
The maximum edition of "Windows 7" is the best suited for upgrades, acceleration and other bullying of a computer. This version of the operating system supports working with new equipment. By the way, programs for overclocking the processor and the video card will not work on operating systems of other editions. It is not known why. Therefore, true gamers prefer exactly the "Maximum" version of "Windows 7". And the high price of a licensed product does not stop them at all. Apparently, this shows some fanaticism of gamers.
Enterprise
The corporate edition, the one that is not available for Russia. It has all the functionality of the "Maximum" version. However, there is additional network functionality in it. But its potential is revealed only when working in large corporations on a decent number of computers. Is it worth mentioning that a license for this version of Windows costs fabulous money? And there are no discounts on bulk purchases. The latest Russian version of Windows 7 Enterprise is a mythical unicorn that does not exist in nature. An operating system of such a plan can only be found on torrent trackers in the form of a pirated assembly. But for free. However, using pirated assemblies is strongly discouraged, since it is not known what the creator of the assembly "put" there. It’s better to use licensed software. This is the only way to be sure that no one is following you. Although with the release of the "tens" and the last statement has become quite controversial.
The enterprise version of Windows 7 (latest version) has enhanced protection for network connections. This is vital for large corporations, since there are a lot of cybercriminals who want to acquire sensitive data. In the US and Europe, the share of Windows 7 in the corporate segment is still quite high. Despite the fact that the company announced the termination of support for the product. But the Seven will still be alive while the corporate sector is sitting on it. But with the eighth version of Windows, the issue has already been resolved. Just last week, Microsoft executives announced that support for versions 8 and 8.1 was officially discontinued. That is how the company from Redmond is trying to forcibly transfer all users to the "top ten". The very operating system with "spy inclinations."
Which edition to choose for home use?
It all depends on the specific tasks that will need to be solved using a personal computer. For most users, the Home Premium Edition is enough. But she does not know how to run old programs. In general, it is recommended to set "Maximum". Then you won’t have to worry about unsupported applications. Also, using the maximum edition is justified in terms of performance. And when updating the computer configuration there will be no problems, since the "Maximum" version works perfectly with the equipment and can identify new components. We will not forget about the possibility of restoring the system from a checkpoint. Sometimes it is simply necessary. Versions of Windows 7 differ in a set of options and options for working with hardware. That's all. But on the user’s side, this Microsoft behavior seems outrageous. It is understandable. Who wants to use a "stripped down" operating system.
However, if you are the owner of a game server, then all of the above editions (even Windows 7, the latest version) will not work for your needs. Here you will need to install a special version - Server Edition. Although knowledgeable administrators prefer to use server editions of Linux distributions (especially Debian) for these needs. They are more secure, stable and always work correctly with the network. And the latter is very important for the server administrator.
There is also a special assembly - Windows 7 Flash version. There is nothing unusual in it. It’s just an operating system with the ability to install from a USB drive. Now many people use just this installation method, since the read speed of the USB port is much more than reading from a regular disk. Moreover, versions of Windows 10 are now distributed by Microsoft itself in digital form for subsequent installation from any drive.
Should I upgrade to the latest version?
This is a moot point. More recently, a serious vulnerability has been identified in processors (both Intel and AMD). In this regard, Microsoft and the developers of Linux distributions quickly began to release security updates. And if Linux is fine after the update, then the comrades from Microsoft screwed up. The latest Russian version of Windows 7 (if upgraded to it through the Update Center) takes the system to the "blue screen of death." So much for the security update. They also say that the highest-level professionals work at Microsoft. In operating systems such as Linux or MacOS, such a situation is even impossible to imagine. But these guys were able to distinguish themselves.
Therefore, if you currently have Windows 7 installed, the old version is working fine and there are no glitches, then do not try to update. Will have to reinstall the entire operating system as a result. Wait a moment and the Redmond programmers will find their mistake and fix it. In the meantime, you can completely sit on the old version. Especially if it works quite stably for you. As for processor vulnerabilities, just throw it out of your head. Your computer and personal photos from the sea are completely not interesting to attackers. You're not a celebrity, right?
Conclusion
So, we reviewed the various editions of Windows 7. All of them differ in options, support for various applications and work with equipment. For home use, "Home Premium." The Russian version for Windows 7 64 bit is available. But if you need all the features of the operating system, then your choice is the "Maximum" edition. It works best with new equipment, supports large amounts of RAM and can run obsolete programs in compatibility mode with Windows XP. She has only one drawback - the high cost of a license. But you can pay for such rich functionality.