Home-Payment systems-The differences between Windows 7 and home windows are the greatest. Differences between Windows versions of operating systems

The differences between Windows 7 and home windows are the greatest. Differences between Windows versions of operating systems

Before the seventh version of Windows appeared, each new release of this OS had one or two subversions. Thus, XP was released in two versions: “Professional” and “Home” - this was quite suitable for most users. Those who wanted to save money purchased the modest “Home”, while those who wanted to enjoy full functionality purchased the professional edition of this system.

Domestic users rarely thought about this issue, since they traditionally installed a pirated version of the operating system on their home or work PC. Today the situation has changed. Firstly, no one will allow you to install an unlicensed OS at your workplace, and secondly, the marketing policy has given rise to a whole brood of subversions of the next product - Windows 7 (we are not considering Vista due to the complete failure of this project).

Now even our user has to delve into the differences between individual branches of the system. Some of them are intended for the average home user. Here is a list of these branches with brief explanations about them:

Alternatives for the pros

The difference between the following branches and the previous ones is that, strictly speaking, they are not intended for the average user inexperienced in programming and administration.

Or for those who do not need to squeeze maximum capabilities out of the system (like those who like to play resource-intensive toys). There are also three such alternatives:

  • Professional version.
  • Ultimate version (Maximum).
  • Enterprise.

Everything is clear with the latest OS - it is installed in large enterprises to ensure increased productivity and security. But what is the difference between the Professional and Ultimate versions is really worth discussing. How does the Windows 7 maximum axis differ from the professional axis? Windows 7 professional is not positioned as a version for home use. Its main feature is the availability of system administration tools, which are really useful only in industrial operation conditions.

This includes a disk encryption mechanism, group policies for user rights to access local and network resources, remote desktop technology, advanced printing options for network printers, and the like.

None of this is useful at home. The system interface is not adapted to the needs of inexperienced users. It only makes sense to install such a system on your home computer for the sake of studying it.

The maximum branch includes absolutely everything that is in Windows 7, but is aimed at the average household user. This is the Enterprise version adapted to his needs. One might wonder: which of these OSs is better? The answer will hang in the air - none.

It all depends on your interests and needs. But if you’re going to install something more powerful than Home, then it’s better to pay attention to Ultimate. In addition to all the advantages of Windows 7 professional, Ultimate has many decorations for real enthusiasts and those who like to delve into the insides and nooks of the operating system.

For each version of its operating system, Microsoft creates several distributions (editions) that differ in price and functionality. They differ in the set of tools and capabilities that users receive. The simplest releases have various restrictions on the use of large amounts of RAM. This article discusses what versions of Windows 7 there are (professional, basic home, and so on) and what differences they have.

There are different versions of Windows 7, 6 in total. Each of them has limitations on processor power and the amount of installed RAM, and its own arsenal of capabilities. This review will look at the differences between versions of Windows 7, except for the two most expensive ones, since Maximum and Enterprise are rarely used and only by specialists who are already well versed in this.

General information

This list describes which distributions you can purchase or download from the Internet. Brief comparison of Windows 7 versions:


The last 2 versions of Windows 7 are not considered in this review.

Initial

As written above, Basic is the cheapest version. If you are downloading a pirated version of the operating system, it is recommended that you choose anything other than this.

Firstly, unlike all subsequent versions, this distribution practically does not allow you to customize the OS to suit your needs. Secondly, there are huge restrictions on the configuration of a personal computer. You cannot install the 64-bit version, so the features of the powerful process will not be available. Windows will not see more than 2 gigabytes of RAM.

In addition to this, you will not be able to change the default desktop image. In addition, all windows will be opaque, like in Windows XP. This is a good solution for owners of very old and weak computers. However, do not forget that by purchasing a more advanced release, you can disable all its bells and whistles at any time, essentially turning it into Basic.

Home basic

If you use your personal computer only for office work or entertainment and do not intend to do any fine-tuning, Home is an excellent choice. Users get the opportunity to install the 64-bit version. Such a system already supports a fairly significant amount of RAM (8 gigabytes for 64-bit and 4 GB for 32-bit).

Support has also been added, but there is still no ability to configure anything here, so the interface will look somewhat outdated. Unlike Initial, useful functions have been added here, such as:

  • Fast user switching – allows several people to work comfortably on one PC at once.
  • Multiple monitor support is a very handy feature if you have a second monitor.
  • Desktop Manager.
  • Ability to change your desktop background.

However, it is also not the best choice for the modern user. Quite limited functionality, lack of applications for playing media content, small amount of physical memory are a huge minus. These two versions of Windows 7 are rarely used.

Home Extended

Home Premium is the ideal choice for the vast majority of users. The amount of RAM is limited to 16 gigabytes, which is enough for even the most modern games and demanding applications. The distribution also has all the functions that are present in the above-described editions.

In this version of Windows 7, in addition to them, the following useful things have been added:


Professional

If you have a modern and powerful personal computer and you are thinking about which version to download, pay attention to Professional. There are practically no restrictions on the amount of RAM used (128 gigabytes is enough for anyone). Starting with this release, Windows can work with multiple processors simultaneously (not to be confused with multi-core).

Also added here is a huge number of useful tools that may be useful to advanced users, as well as those who like to delve into the settings of their operating system. It is now possible to create a backup copy of the OS on a local network and start Windows recovery remotely.

Users who come across different abbreviations related to different versions of Windows operating systems have many questions. Today we will try to decipher this whole alphabet a little.

We previously published articles on this topic:

If you have already read about acquisition methods, then let’s move on and talk about the Windows editions themselves.

Time has passed, although many people still use it. Windows 7 is still relevant for now, but it is also at the end of its popularity. Windows 7 will end of support on January 14, 2020.

The time has come and... Why not Nines? So Microsoft already had versions of Nines in the past - these are Windows 95 and 98. That’s why everything is so confusing, although why be surprised, this is how they do it

Let's take for example, since all subsequent ones, such as Windows 8.1 and Windows 10, are the same with the abbreviation.

Unlike previous versions of Windows, Windows 8 has minimized the number of different OS revisions. In fact, when purchasing an operating system, the average user will choose only from two options - the regular Windows 8 and the more “advanced” Windows 8 Pro, since the other two versions are intended for the corporate market (Windows 8 Enterprise) and for ARM systems (for tablets - Windows RT). This is a clear simplification compared to the same one, which has as many as six different versions.

  • Windows 7 Starter(Initial)
  • Windows 7 Home Basic(Home Basic)
  • Windows 7 Home Premium(Home Extended)
  • Windows 7 Professional(Professional)
  • Windows 7 Enterprise(Corporate)
  • Windows 7 Ultimate(Maximum)

The simplest version of Windows for x86 and x86-64 architectures. It is designed for home users and, logically, offers only basic functionality.

Windows 8 Pro

The successor to Windows 7 Professional and Ultimate, it is aimed at enthusiasts and business users. In addition to the basic functionality of Windows 8, it additionally offers the ability to work as a Remote Desktop server, Windows domain logon, support for group policies and an encrypted file system, the Hyper-V virtualization system, BitLocker disk encryption, and booting from VHD virtual hard drives. Windows Media Center will be available as a separate free add-on.

Windows 8 Pro N

A special European version of Windows 8 Pro, characterized by its absence from the system (in accordance with the requirements of the European Commission of the European Union).

Windows 8 Enterprise

The older version of Windows 8. In addition to all the functionality available in Windows 8 Pro (with the exception of the ability to install an add-on with Windows Media Center), it offers a number of enterprise functions, such as Windows To Go (the ability to run the system from an external drive), AppLocker (allow or deny launching software based on white and black lists), support for DirectAccess technology (an analogue of a VPN connection that allows client computers to connect to DirectAccess servers immediately after connecting to the Internet).

A special edition of Windows 8 for devices based on ARM processors. It comes with a touch-optimized base set of Office 2013 desktop applications (Word, Excel, PowerPoint and OneNote). It will only have partial support for the desktop environment; applications can only be installed from the Windows Store. There is also no Bitlocker (instead, the encryption capabilities of the device itself are used), Storage Spaces, the ability to log into a domain, group policies, Remote Desktop, etc. Windows RT will be distributed only as a pre-installed system; it cannot be purchased separately.

The same gobbledygook for example in Windows 8.1

Windows 8.1 (Core)— basic version for PC, laptop and tablet users.

Windows 8.1 Single Language is Windows for one language. Completely similar to Windows 8.1 (Core), but the ability to change the language is disabled. Comes with laptops and netbooks. In this version, it is impossible to change the basic, regional language of the system without violating the license agreement. Windows 8 has the ability to use only one language pack for one language. Don’t be alarmed, this does not mean that when you press Ctrl+Shift your language will not change, or you will not be able to add any other language to the language bar. It’s just that when you install the system, only one system interface language will be available to you. If suddenly some Englishman sits down at your computer and wants to change the system language, he will not succeed: your computer will “communicate” with him only in Russian! Otherwise, the release is no different from the basic Windows 8.1.

  • Windows 8.1 "With Bing" - version of Windows 8.1, in which the default search engine in the Internet Explorer browser is Bing, and it cannot be changed.
  • Windows 8.1 Professional with WMC is Windows with the addition of Windows media center (wmc).
  • Windows 8.1 Enterprise - Enterprise version with advanced features for corporate resource management, security, etc.

In addition, three versions of Windows 8.1 were released for the European market: Windows 8.1 N , Windows 8.1 Pro N And Windows 8.1 Pro Pack N . These versions do not have Windows Media Player, Camera, Music, Video applications.

Upgrade options

If you already have Windows 7 and want to upgrade to Windows 8, you can do so without purchasing the full version. You just need to take into account one nuance - there are certain restrictions in terms of which version you can upgrade from. So, you cannot upgrade to Windows RT at all (which is logical). If you have Windows 7 Starter, Home Basic or Home Premium, then an upgrade to Windows 8 or Windows 8 Pro is available to choose from. Windows 7 Professional can be upgraded to either Windows 8 Pro or Windows 8 Enterprise, while Windows 7 Ultimate can only be upgraded to Windows 8 Pro. And finally, corporate Windows 7 Enterprise can also only be upgraded to Windows 8 Enterprise.

Windows 7 Starter (Initial). 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 (Home Extended). 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 (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 (Corporate). 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.
Differences between Windows 7 versions

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 the differences between Windows 7 Starter and more “advanced” versions of the 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, is devoid of a number of other functions. The differences between the Windows 7 Starter and Home Basic versions from other editions of the OS are as follows: the inability to create a home group (you can only join), the lack of support for multiple monitors, the lack of the Multitouch function and improved handwriting recognition, the lack of Windows Media Center, additional games, the ability to act as Remote Desktop host computer, support 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, 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 versions of Windows 7 also include the end of support and the maximum amount of RAM 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. As for the amount of RAM, the Basic edition supports up to 2 GB, Home Basic - up to 8 GB, Home Extended - 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 of any OS supports no more than 3.25 GB of RAM).

Here, in brief, are all the main differences between the versions of Windows 7. The choice of version 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.

The Windows 7 operating system went on sale at the end of 2009 to replace Windows Vista, and according to recent data, it is already the most used operating system in the world. In terms of appearance, it is largely similar to its predecessor, solves a number of problems that existed in Windows Vista, but is also subject to significant criticism on a number of points. For example, Microsoft stated that the new operating system would be much faster than the previous one, however, this did not happen.

The Windows 7 operating system comes in six versions:

  1. Initial (Starter)
  2. Home Basic
  3. Home Premium
  4. Professional
  5. Corporate (Enterprise)
  6. Maximum

Let's look at what are the main differences between these six versions of Windows 7.

The further down the list, the more the functionality and price of operating systems increase. It should be noted that the Enterprise version is not sold to individuals, but is sold only under corporate licenses.

The most sophisticated version is the Ultimate, which has all the options possible in Windows 7. By the way, it also has the highest price – 220 US dollars.

Below is a table comparing the characteristics of Windows 7 versions for a more detailed study. I’m sure it shouldn’t leave you with any questions regarding the differences between Windows 7 versions.

So Microsoft provides multiple versions of Windows 7. Why?

Unfortunately, this version does not allow you to create a homegroup. This feature is only available in Windows 7 Home Premium, Professional, and Ultimate editions.

Key limitations of Windows 7 Starter:

Changing wallpaper and themes

Unfortunately, in Windows 7 Starter you can't change desktop backgrounds and themes, only change the color of windows or add gadgets to your desktop. Changing desktop backgrounds and themes is only available in Windows 7 Home Premium, Professional, and Ultimate editions.

There is no limit to the number of programs that can be open simultaneously in Windows 7 Starter edition. But you should remember that Windows 7 Starter supports a maximum of 2 gigabytes of random access memory (RAM), and this can affect the performance of the computer if many programs are running on it at the same time. Editions starting with “Extended” allow you to use additional memory (RAM) and allow the computer to work with a larger number of programs.

A number of features such as: Windows Aero interface, multiple monitor support, desktop manager, Windows Media Center, additional games, domain connection are not supported in this edition.

Windows 7 Home Basic

The Windows 7 Home Basic version is intended exclusively for release in developing countries, including Russia. This version is also limited and most useful features are missing.

Features of Windows 7 Home Basic:

RAM capacity

The maximum amount of memory that this version supports is 8 gigabytes (for 64-bit versions), as opposed to 2 in the “Initial” version.

Multiple monitor support

In this version, you can use multiple monitors when working; in some cases, this is a very convenient feature.

Quickly switch between users

You can conveniently switch from one user to another, for example, to restrict rights.

Changing your desktop background

In this version, it becomes possible to change the desktop background picture, which is completely absent in Windows 7 Starter.

This is where the capabilities of the Windows 7 Home Basic version end.

Let's look at the main limitations:

Missing: Windows Media Center, Windows Aero interface with Shake, Peek and taskbar preview, additional games and domain connection.

This version does not provide the ability to create a homegroup, only join a group.

Windows 7 Home Premium

The Windows 7 Home Premium version is of greatest interest to the home user, because it includes those functions that are necessary for working at home, and disables those that are of interest mainly to organizations.

Let's look at what's new in this version.

Aero interface

Now the user can take advantage of new navigation features - Aero Shake, Jump Lists and Snap. Customize the appearance of Windows to your tastes by changing desktop themes and programs on the taskbar.

RAM capacity

The amount of RAM can reach 16 GB (for 64-bit versions).

Home group

Now you can easily create a home network using HomeGroup and transfer various files to each other.

Windows Media Center

The ability to watch television programs (if you have a TV tuner), as well as record, rewind and pause them.

Additional games

This version includes additional games that will help brighten up your leisure time on the road or at home.

Now let's look at what is missing in this version.

Windows XP Emulator

It allows you to run the Windows XP shell from a Windows 7 system. The main task of this function is to launch programs that are not compatible with the Windows 7 operating system.

Encryption System (EFS)

Due to the lack of a data encryption mechanism, Windows 7 Home Premium cannot protect personal data through encryption. To do this you will have to resort to third-party programs.

Remote Desktop

With the Remote Desktop feature, you can connect to other computers and perform various actions. Relevant in case of user support, for example in organizations or groups.

Connecting to a domain

What is a domain? This is a collection of computers on a network, organized and managed as a single whole using common rules and actions. Basically, domain network structure is used to create networks in companies. It's not in this version.

The following features are also not supported: Multi-processor support, AppLocker, BitLocker and BitLocker To Go, Branch Cache, DirectAccess and localization.

Windows 7 Professional

The Windows 7 Professional version is more suitable in terms of functionality for a corporate environment than for a consumer environment. Its main differences from previous versions are that it supports running programs in Windows XP mode and allows you to restore data using the data recovery function and network data archiving.

In addition, a more secure connection to corporate networks via a domain is provided, which was not the case before, the data encryption system (EFS) is enabled and allows you to roll back the system to Windows Vista or Windows XP. This version also supports multiple processors.

The final version of Windows 7 Ultimate remains, not reviewed. As is clear from the name itself, this version includes all the previously described functions and some others that remain to be considered.

Windows 7 Ultimate

Windows 7 Ultimate includes a number of features not found in previous versions, including Windows 7 Professional.

System localization

Allows you to choose any of 35 languages ​​to work with.

Encryption

There is more advanced technology to protect data from loss and theft using BitLocker and BitLocker To Go technology. With its help, you can encrypt all disks in the system, including the system one, as well as removable media.

AppLocker

Using a VHD file to boot the Windows operating system, containing a virtual operating system with a complete structure and content similar to a hard drive.

Multilingual User Environment (MUI)- Select the desired interface language and the ability to switch between 35 available languages. Comparison of Windows 7 versions.

And so, after many years of tormenting Windows XP, you decided to install the Windows 7 operating system, but unlike XP, 7 has a lot of different versions (editions), and when the choice comes, you are confused about what to choose, and which version of Windows 7 is better now we will figure it out and compare their differences, advantages and disadvantages.

From these differences it follows that you can install everything except the basic (starter) and home initial versions, there are six of them in total:

All versions of Windows 7

Initial- there is nothing to tell, this is a completely stripped-down version, which you can only purchase when purchasing a computer or laptop, and has only an introductory feature, it does not have a 64-bit version of the system (I already wrote what this means in the article), it supports a maximum of only 2 Gb of RAM memory, it does not have desktop visualization, in general, all the beauties of the seven, you cannot connect two monitors (only in clone mode), it will not work and connect to a remote desktop on the computer where this version of the OS is installed. There is no domain support, even the media center was cut out, in general, this operating system does not give you anything in principle, but only the ability to turn on and check the computer’s functionality. There is no downgred either, so anyone who decided to cheat won’t be able to do it.

Home basic- what’s more interesting is the ability to install 8 GB of memory (for this reason there are two types of release), everything is also bad with local network capabilities, no home group creation, no domain support. There is no remote desktop. But this version already includes support for multiple monitors. There is no downgrade, and the visual beauty of Windows Aero is still undercut. I would not recommend it for advanced users because in the future you will still want more features from it.

Home extended- now you can work with these without restrictions, all the visual beauty is here, you can also create home groups yourself, and not just join them. We still won’t be able to connect to the domain, nor will we be able to connect to the remote desktop. So I can confidently say this version is ideal for the home. Here, you will have enough of everything.

Professional- this is the most ideal version of Windows 7; it has everything you need. There is support for domains and a windows xp emulator (XP Mode) has appeared for running outdated applications; a downgrade appears, although in this version it is no longer needed. Support for multiple physical processors and finally remote desktop. This is the maximum for home use with a ceiling. As a rule, such versions are installed on work computers in offices; its set fully satisfies the needs of the local network.

Corporate- version is not for home, only for organizations. Here we have already added support for DirectAccess, a subsystem for launching Unix applications.

Maximum- as the name suggests, there is everything to the maximum, it is very expensive for home and work, you won’t need it.

Conclusion : Of all the above, two leaders can be named: Home extended for the home, and Professional to work, you simply won’t need all other versions of the operating system

P.S.: I would like to note that you have every right to put and Home version in the organization, no one legally prohibits you from doing this.





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