Windows 7 difference between versions. Differences between Windows versions of operating systems

Microsoft Corporation produces for each version of the Windows software product a certain number of editions (distributions), which have different functions and pricing policies. They have different sets of tools and capabilities that users can use. The simplest releases do not have the ability to use large amounts of RAM. In this article we will conduct a comparative analysis of different versions of Windows 7 and identify their differences.

We provide you with a list that describes various Windows 7 distributions with a brief description and comparative analysis.

The two distributions described at the end of the list will not be considered in this comparative analysis.

This option is the cheapest and too stripped down, so we do not recommend that you use this version.

In this distribution there is practically no possibility of customizing the system to suit your wishes. Catastrophic limitations have been established on PC hardware. It is not possible to install a 64-bit version of the OS; because of this fact, a limitation is imposed on the processor power. Only 2 Gigabytes of RAM will be used.

Another disadvantage I would like to note is the lack of ability to change the standard desktop background. All windows will be displayed in opaque mode (as was the case on Windows XP). This is not such a terrible option for users with extremely outdated equipment. It is also worth remembering that by purchasing a higher version of a release, you can always turn off all its additional features and turn it into a Basic version.

Windows 7 Home Basic

Provided that there is no need to fine-tune the system using a laptop or desktop computer only for home activities, Home Basic is a good choice. Users can install a 64-bit version of the system, which supports a good amount of RAM (up to 8 Gigabits on 64-bit and up to 4 on 32-bit).

Windows Aero functionality is supported, however, there is no way to configure it, which is why the interface looks a little old.

Added features (different from the Initial version):

• The ability to quickly switch between users, which simplifies the work of several people on one device;
• The function of supporting two or more monitors is included, very convenient if you use several monitors at the same time;
• It is possible to change the desktop background;
• You can use the desktop manager.

This option is not the optimal choice for comfortable use of Windows 7. It definitely does not have a complete set of functionality, there is no application for playing various media materials, and a small amount of memory is supported (which is a serious drawback).

Windows 7 Home Premium

We advise you to opt for this version of the Microsoft software product. The maximum amount of supported RAM is limited to 16 GB, which is enough for most sophisticated computer games and very resource-intensive applications. The distribution has all the features that were presented in the editions described above, and among the additional innovations there is the following:

Professional version of Windows 7

Provided that you have a very sophisticated PC, then you should pay close attention to the Professional version. We can say that here, in principle, there is no limit on the amount of RAM (128 GB should be enough for any, even the most complex tasks). Windows 7 OS in this release is capable of functioning simultaneously with two or more processors (not to be confused with cores).

There are tools here that will be extremely useful for an advanced user, and will also be a pleasant bonus for those who like to tinker with the OS options. There is functionality for creating a backup copy of the system over a local network. It can be launched via remote access.

A function has appeared to create an emulation of the Windows XP environment. Such tools will be incredibly useful to users who want to launch legacy software products. Extremely useful for turning on an old computer game released before the 2000s.

It is possible to encrypt data - a very necessary function if you need to process important documents or protect yourself from intruders who can gain access to confidential data using a virus attack. You can connect to a domain and use the system as a host. It is possible to roll back the system to Vista or XP.

So, we looked at different versions of Windows 7. From our point of view, the optimal choice would be Windows Home Premium (Home Premium), because it provides the optimal set of functions at an affordable price.

More convenient and easier to use

Windows 7 Starter OS simplifies working with laptops, reducing waiting time, the number of clicks, and simplifying the procedure for connecting to the network. Windows 7 Starter combines the latest advances in reliability and speed with the traditional convenience and compatibility of Windows operating systems.

• Contains features such as Jump Lists, Pin, Snap and Windows Search to make your laptop easier to use.
• Setting up a home network and connecting to printers and devices has now become much easier.

Based on the latest technological advances

• Windows 7 Starter supports new hardware and software.

Simplifies home networking

• Connecting to your home network has never been easier with Windows 7 computers.
• Easy and fast connection to wireless networks.
• Internet Explorer 8 provides improved security when browsing the web.

Windows 7 OS Features

• Desk
  In Windows 7, it's easier to do more things on the desktop.
  • New window manipulations
    Tired of a clutter of open windows? For working with windows, Windows 7 has three simple but very effective functions called Aero Shake, Aero Peek and Snap, which allow you to clean up your desktop.
  • New spectacular background images
    Let's not argue with this fact: we spend a lot of time staring at PCs. Therefore, aesthetics should not fade into the background. That's why Windows 7 includes a ton of new desktop backgrounds, ranging from beautiful to funny. Notice the desktop slide show, which displays a rotating series of images (standard or custom). Your desktop will never be boring.
  • "Superpanel"
    Since Windows 95, the taskbar has served as the starting point for launching programs and switching windows. Times and habits of working with computers have changed. Therefore, in Windows 7, the taskbar was completely redesigned to perform more functions. It now looks much simpler, is more customizable, and makes multitasking easier.
  • Advanced Gadgets
    Gadgets, the small, popular programs introduced in Windows Vista, are more flexible and fun. User feedback was taken into account: the sidebar was removed. Now gadgets can be placed anywhere on the desktop.
• Home group
  

  HomeGroup solves the problem of sharing files and printers on your home network. Connect two or more Windows 7 computers and HomeGroup automatically shares libraries of audio, pictures, videos, and documents with everyone on your home network. The new Sharing menu allows you to quickly share personal data.
  Worried about privacy? Us too. Therefore, the HomeGroup function is password protected and is under the full control of the computer owner. You decide which data can be shared and which data can be kept private. You can also set certain files to read-only, so that other users can only view those files (but not change their contents).
  The join a homegroup feature is available in all versions of Windows 7, but you can only create a homegroup in the Home Premium, Professional, or Ultimate versions.

• Jump Lists

  Jump Lists is a new feature in Windows 7 that lets you quickly jump to documents, pictures, songs or websites that you use frequently. To open the Jump List, right-click the program icon on the Windows 7 taskbar. (Jump Lists are also available in the Start menu.)
  What appears in the Jump List depends on the program. The Jump List for Internet Explorer 8 displays your frequently viewed websites. And for Windows Media Player 12 - frequently played tunes. The file you want isn't showing up in the jump list? You can “pin” any necessary files to it.
  Jump lists are not just for displaying shortcuts to files. Sometimes they also provide quick access to certain commands, such as commands related to composing new email messages or playing music.

• Snap function
  Snap is a fast and fun new way to resize open windows by simply dragging them to the edges of the screen. Depending on the selected border - top or bottom, left or right - the window will expand vertically, coincide with the borders of the screen, or overlap with other windows. The Snap feature improves the ability to read, organize, and compare information across windows.
• Windows Live
  It is free software that enhances the functionality of a PC running Windows 7. The core components of Windows Live are for email, instant messaging, photo editing, and blogging. The following free downloads are available:
  • Messenger
    Exchange instant messages with friends and family using your PC or mobile phone.
  • Photo album
    Find, edit and share photos.
  • Mail
    Manage multiple email accounts (eg Hotmail) in one place.
  • Blog Editor
    Create a blog, add photos and videos, and then post it online.
  • Studio
    Turn photos and videos into stunning movies and slide shows.
  • Family Safety
    Monitor and monitor your children's online activities to ensure their safety.
  • Toolbar
    Instant search from any web page.
• Windows Search
  In Windows 7, search has become even faster and more efficient.

  When you type something you want into the Start menu search box, you'll immediately see a list of matching documents, pictures, music files, and email messages found on your computer. Results are now grouped by category and contain highlighted keywords and text snippets to make it easier to browse your search results.
  Today, hardly anyone stores all their files in one place. That's why Windows 7 also includes the ability to search external hard drives, networked PCs, and libraries. Are your search results too overwhelming? Now they can be limited by date, file type and other necessary categories.

• Performance Improvements
  Nobody likes to wait. That's why we designed Windows 7 to be faster and always ready to use. Major performance improvements.
  • Standby mode
    Windows 7 also speeds up the process of entering standby, hibernation, and reconnecting to a wireless network.
  • Search
    When looking for any information, you want to get an answer quickly, not wait. In Windows 7, search results appear on the screen faster. Sorting and grouping search results is also much faster.
  • USB devices
  • The first time you connect a portable flash drive or other USB device, Windows 7 gets it ready to use in seconds. If this device has been used before, the connection is even faster.
  • Simplification and less workload
    Unlike previous versions of the OS, Windows 7 allows you to start performance-reducing services running in the background only when necessary. Haven't used a Bluetooth device? This means that the Bluetooth service in Windows 7 remains disabled. Windows 7 also allows you to use less memory than Windows Vista, which improves overall performance
• Simplified wireless networking
  Windows 7 makes it easy to browse and connect to networks when using your laptop anywhere. Just click the network icon on the taskbar. The View Available Networks feature displays all the necessary parameters for the wireless and wired connection you are using: Wi-Fi, broadband, dial-up, or corporate VPN connection. One click and the connection is done.
• Windows Media Center
  • Watch, pause and record TV shows.
    Listening to music. View a collection of photos. Entertainment on the Internet. And you can do all this while sitting on the sofa in the living room. So it's no surprise that Media Center is called the crown jewel of Windows.
    In Windows 7, we've made Media Center even better, adding great new features (many of them customer-driven) and graphical touch buttons. Windows Media Center is only supported on Windows 7 Home Premium, Professional, and Ultimate editions.
  • Additional video viewing options...
    Windows Media Center supports a variety of worldwide TV standards and TV tuners (including digital and high-definition standards). Media Center also allows you to play the most common audio and video formats, including 3GP, AAC, AVCHD, DivX, MOV and Xvid. …less waiting time
    Tired of the tedious task of switching TV channels or searching for the desired file in your extensive music library? Instantly move music tracks and display data faster with the new Turbo Scroll feature.
  • Great new slide show feature
    Create stunning photo collages (with background music) with the new slide show editor - great entertainment for parties or family events. Also try out the updated slideshow screensaver. Words cannot describe its stunning graphic effects!
  • Simplified media sharing
    Play TV shows, audio and video files, even if they are stored on a remote storage device. The new HomeGroup feature makes it easier to play media files on any home computer running Windows 7.
  • New gadget, larger preview images
    New Media Center gadget. Quickly view a video clip. More information about the music composition and image. Larger, more convenient sketches. The list of improvements continues to grow.
• Windows Touch
  Move the mouse away. With Windows 7 and a touchscreen, you can browse online newspapers, flip through photo albums, and randomly open files and folders with just one touch.
  Limited tablet technology has been used in Windows for many years. But in Windows 7 it has been extended for PC in every way. The Start menu and taskbar now have larger touch icons. Well-known Windows 7 programs also support touch controls. The Paint app even lets you draw with your finger!
  Windows Touch is only supported on Windows 7 Home Premium, Professional, and Ultimate editions and allows multi-touch gestures to be recognized (using the right monitor). Need to zoom in? Squeeze your fingers. Need to right-click an object? Tap it with one finger, and then tap the screen with another.

Comparison of Windows 7 features

System requirements Windows 7

• Processor speed: 1 gigahertz (GHz) or faster
• Desktop Processors
  • Intel Atom D425
  • Intel Atom D525
  • Intel Dual Core E6500
• Mobile processors
  • AMD Athlon II N350
  • AMD Athlon II Neo K325
  • AMD Athlon II P340
  • AMD V140
  • Intel Atom N550
  • Intel Celeron ULV U3400
  • Intel Dual Core P6000
  • Intel Dual Core P6100
• RAM
  Minimum requirements: 1 gigabyte (GB) of RAM
  Maximum requirements: 2 GB RAM
• Disk space
  Minimum requirements: 16 gigabytes (GB) of free disk space
  Maximum requirements: 320 GB disk space
• Video resolution
  Minimum: DirectX 9 graphics devices with WDDM 1.0 or higher
• Internet access
• Depending on the resolution, video playback may require additional memory and advanced graphics hardware
• Audio output

Windows 7 was released for free sale in the fall of 2009 and has since become the most popular of all Microsoft operating systems. Let's try to figure out what innovations and improvements compared to its predecessors brought Windows 7 such popularity and love from numerous users around the world.

Improvements and innovations

A big gift for lovers of the latest technologies was the appearance of multi-touch control support. This technology allows you to control your touchscreen laptop with multiple finger movements at the same time. In addition, it recognizes various user gestures, making operation simple and intuitive. Windows 7 is tightly integrated with driver manufacturers for various devices. Thanks to this, users are relieved of the need to independently determine, search and install the necessary drivers; in most cases, the system will do this automatically.

Fans of older applications will be pleased with the compatibility mode with earlier operating systems, such as Windows XP. This means that users will be able to easily run games that were designed for previous versions of Windows.

The Windows 7 operating system includes a DirectX 11 installation package, which supports a number of new technologies in graphics processing. Users now have the opportunity to fully enjoy the magnificent picture on the computer screen, which is created thanks to improved tessellation mode and support for new compute shaders, as well as expanded ability to render images in multiple threads.

Finally, high-quality operation of the Windows Media Player built into the operating system has been realized, which this time received serial number 12. Previous versions of the program played only a limited number of video formats; to improve the work, the installation of a large number of codecs was required. Users did not like this approach, which is why they increasingly chose software from third-party manufacturers. In the latest version of the player, the list of supported video formats has been significantly expanded.

Windows 7 has received a modified, more convenient and functional taskbar. Now the panel displays only icons without labels, which allows you to fit many more applications on it at the same time. In addition, a “Collapse all windows” button has appeared on the panel.

It is now possible to manage the reserved disk space allocated for system recovery. The user can also determine what exactly should be restored - system settings, changed files, or all together.

Desktop gadgets in Windows 7 are no longer tied to a bar on the left side of the screen. The user can independently move them to any place convenient for him.

Windows 7 has expanded the list of fonts included by default. In addition, the fonts have been redesigned to display various characters correctly. The list of non-Latin fonts available to the user has been significantly expanded.

The Aero interface, known to users from the previous version of the Windows Vista operating system, now supports several design options. It also adds new features that make it easy to manage the location and size of windows on your desktop.

Safety

Windows 7 provides greater security features for your personal computer. Now the user has access to the function of prohibiting the launch of individual applications using the AppLocker service. BitLocker encryption technology has undergone significant improvements and now allows you to encrypt information on removable media. The Windows Firewall has been significantly improved to notify the user when applications are blocked. Thanks to the DirectAccess function, it is now possible to establish a secure connection with a remote server without user intervention.

Editorial

Windows 7 has six different editions, which differ in functionality and cost.

Initial version or Windows 7 Starter characterized by limited functionality, for example, it does not even allow you to change the picture on the desktop. This edition of the operating system is supplied exclusively in the OEM version and, as a rule, was pre-installed on laptops and netbooks.

The next edition is called Windows 7 Home Basic and also has a very limited set of capabilities. It does not support the proprietary Windows Aero interface and Multitouch technology, and has little functionality when working with local networks. Designed for OEM sales and supplies to emerging markets.

The most popular versions were Windows 7 Professional and Home Premium. They are actively sold at retail, and are also pre-installed on a large number of computers assembled around the world. They support all the functions necessary for the average user; the functionality limitations affected only the segment necessary for working in large corporate networks and performing specific tasks.

The maximum range of capabilities is provided by the versions Windows 7 Ultimate and Enterprise. They are identical in functionality, but the first version is intended for retail sales, and the second for deliveries to corporate clients. Windows 7 Ultimate is the top version of the system, which includes absolutely all the features laid down by Microsoft developers.

Hardware requirements

To correctly install the operating system on the user’s computer, it must have the following: minimum characteristics:

• Processor with a frequency of at least 1 GHz;
• 1 gigabyte of RAM (2 gigabytes for the 64-bit version);
• A video adapter with a capacity of at least 128 megabytes (required to enable the Aero interface) and DirectX9 support;
• 16 gigabytes of free hard disk space (20 gigabytes for the 64-bit version).

The Windows 7 operating system is becoming increasingly popular among users. But this OS was released in several versions at once, and many users do not know which version to give preference to. What are the main differences between versions of Windows 7?

The Windows 7 operating system was released in six versions (editions). Of course, the first difference between the versions of Windows 7 that immediately catches the user's eye is the price. But the difference in price is due to different functionality. Let's take a closer look at each version of the operating system, and then look at the differences between the versions of Windows 7.

Description of Windows 7 versions

Windows 7 Starter. This version only ships with new computers. The initial edition is “stripped down” as much as possible; for example, it does not have a functional part for playing media files with AAC, H.264 and MPEG-2 codecs.

Windows 7 Home Basic. This version of the OS is intended for sale in emerging markets (including CIS countries). In this version, only the basic Windows Aero interface theme is available; a number of functions are not available, such as Shake, Peek, Internet connection sharing, taskbar preview, etc. Playback restrictions in this version are the same as in the Starter version.

Windows 7 Home Premium. This version includes all the features of the Home Basic System, plus Multitouch support, Windows Media Center and additional gaming programs. Also available in this version is the ability to improve handwriting recognition.

Windows 7 Professional. This version differs from Home Enhanced in its ability to use Remote Desktop as the host computer. It is equipped with EFS encryption system. It contains a number of additional processes and AppLocker. The professional version can be downgraded to Windows Vista and Windows XP.

Windows 7 Enterprise. This release is intended primarily for IT professionals to provide them with an opportunity to familiarize themselves with the OS within an organization. This edition is distributed exclusively under a corporate license and has a 90-day free trial period.

Windows 7 Ultimate. As the name implies, this version includes all the available features of the Windows 7 operating system.

What are the main differences between the versions of Windows 7 besides those that have already been described in the brief description of each edition? Let's start with differences between Windows 7 Starter and more “advanced” versions operating system. This edition does not have a 64-bit version, it does not support the Windows Aero interface, the ability to quickly switch between users, the desktop manager, the Windows Mobility Center, or the ability to change the desktop background.

All these functions are already present in the Home Basic version, which, however, lacks a number of other functions. The differences between Windows 7 Starter and Home Basic versions from other OS editions are as follows:: Inability to create a homegroup (you can only join), lack of support for multiple monitors, lack of Multitouch and improved handwriting recognition, lack of Windows Media Center, additional games, the ability to act as a Remote Desktop host, support for multiple physical processors. These features are present in the following editions of Windows 7.

Also Windows 7 Starter, Home Basic and Home Premium do not have a Windows XP emulator, EFS data encryption system, location-based printing, or the ability to connect to a Windows NT domain. These versions cannot be downgraded to Windows XP or Vista. And only the Corporate and Maximum versions support a multilingual user environment.

The differences between Windows 7 versions also include support end date and maximum RAM size for 64-bit versions. Support for all versions except Professional and Enterprise ends on January 13, 2015; Professional and Enterprise versions are supported for 5 years longer. Regarding amount of RAM, The Starter edition supports up to 2 GB, Home Basic - up to 8 GB, Home Premium - up to 16 GB, and Professional, Enterprise and Ultimate - up to 192 GB (all figures are for 64-bit versions, because the 32-bit version any OS supports no more than 3.25 GB of RAM).

Here are all the main differences between Windows 7 versions. Version selection depends on the configuration of your computer, the minimum functionality you need and, of course, the amount of money you are willing to pay for the operating system.

Installing the system on a PC is very simple and generally does not differ from installing Windows Vista. And it should be noted that the system requirements for a 64-bit system are somewhat high - it can run on 1 GB of RAM. Below in the article we will discuss the pros and cons of 64-bit versions, as well as “which is better – a 32-bit or 64-bit version.”
Windows 7 comes in several editions (editions). Data on them is given in the table:

But you can see such signs (or similar ones) on any site where Windows 7 is mentioned. And, frankly, for the average user they are not very informative: it looks like you need to take the Maximum version (you won’t be able to buy the Enterprise version - this version is not for free sales). But do you need it? Let's try to figure it out...

What to install - 32-bit or 64-bit?

Deciding on the edition of Windows 7

Note. It is recommended to open all links to the Microsoft website that will be in the article in Internet Explorer.

Windows 7 Starter

Windows 7 Home Basic

Windows 7 Home Premium

Windows 7 Professional

Note for a professional. Starting with this version, the distribution includes such useful snap-ins as lusrmgr.msc (Manage local users and groups), gpedit.msc (Group Policy Editor), secpol.msc (Security Policies).

Windows 7 Ultimate and Enterprise

Yes, I would like to note that Windows Media Player is available in all versions of Windows 7. Also, recently it has become possible to select the desired browser when installing Windows 7 (the so-called “browser selection dialog box”), almost all popular browsers are available to choose from (Opera, Chrome, Firefox, IE...).

Which version of Windows 7 should I choose?

1. Beginners / Regular users. They are either just starting to learn the basics of working with a computer, or they use the computer as a typewriter and for surfing the Internet. They periodically watch films, listen to music;
2. Advanced users/Interested. “Just working” with a computer is no longer enough for them; they are looking for ways to make this work faster, more convenient, and easier. And also in many cases they try to understand “how it works” and “what else can be done”;
3. IT professionals / students of IT specialties. For them, computers are a profession. They use it to do everything - from hammering nails with a computer to developing large control systems and security systems. They tend to require more features from the operating system.

Windows 7 Ultimate can be recommended to those who work in a large organization as at least a system administrator or want to encrypt data using BitLocker out of the box, without having to worry about purchasing and configuring third-party software, which is not always able to work as expected (i.e. e. may not be compatible with this version of Windows).
Why don’t we recommend “Elementary” and “Home Basic” to any of our readers? Because, in our opinion, these are slightly inferior systems, greatly reduced and devoid of useful functions that are often needed in the modern world. It's just a matter of saving money. In addition, the “Initial” edition is not sold in Russia and the CIS.
All of the above is not presented as truth in the highest authority, the choice is yours, given that many do not buy Windows, but download from various Internet resources - there is no question of saving money here. Well, those who honestly buy an OS should approach the choice of editors responsibly, because the money is yours and overpaying for something that you will never use is stupid, to say the least.
Exceptions (where would we be without them!). If you have a tablet computer or a device with a touch screen, it is better for you to install at least Windows 7 Home Premium. If you need a presentation function (seamless connection of a projector), then it would seem that your choice is “Professional”? Not necessarily. Of all the features of this edition, you only need one function - and pay almost double the amount for it? Wouldn't it be easier to use a third-party utility - it comes with almost every projector and laptop?

Current official prices can be found here:
http://www.microsoftstore.ru/shop/ru-RU?WT.mc_id=StoreCountryToggle_RU

That's all. Thank you for reading the article. I hope it was useful to you.