With XP it was still simple: "Home Edition" for PC newcomers and normal users, "Professional" for professionals and network administrators. Has Microsoft learned from the Vista chaos and the countless editions with Windows 7? [By Sandro Villinger]
Anyone hoping that Microsoft will offer one or at most two editions of its new operating system (a la Apple) will be disappointed again. Once again, there will be several editions for different areas of application:
Windows 7 Starter Edition
Will only be available in developing countries and for netbooks.
Windows 7 Home Basic
Will only be available in developing countries
Windows 7 Home Premium
Probably the most frequently used edition (corresponds to XP Media Center Edition and Vista Home Premium)
Windows 7 Professional
Business version for enthusiastic home users and small businesses.
Windows 7 Enterprise
For large customers (only available via volume license)
Windows 7 Ultimate
Includes all functions of all editions!
The good news: The next larger edition contains all the functions of the edition below it!
A cost-effective upgrade from XP and Vista should also be possible.
Unfortunately, Microsoft has not yet announced any prices, but they are likely to be roughly in line with the prices of Windows Vista.
[Sandro Villinger]
