Features of the Windows 7 Editions

Buyers Need to Study Differences Between the Four Versions

Windows 7, Microsoft's new operating system scheduled to be released October 22. 2009, comes in four separate editions – Starter, Home Premium, Professional, and Ultimate. Those who are considering purchasing Windows 7 need to understand the different features available in these editions.

Features Available in All Windows 7 Editions

The four Windows 7 editions share several enhancements designed to make working with multiple windows easier. These include taskbar improvements and the new Snap feature.

1. Windows 7’s taskbar now allows thumbnail previews of open applications when users point the mouse at icons located there.
2. The Snap feature resizes windows in specific ways when users drag them to the left, right, top or bottom edges of the screen.

Entertainment features common to all editions include a new Games Explorer and enhancements to Windows Media Player. For users who consider Gadgets as an entertainment feature, that too has been improved.

1. The Games Explorer allows retrieval of newsfeeds and software updates for installed games.
2. Windows Media Player 12 adds the ability to stream music and video to other home computers and to devices like the Xbox 360 through the new Play To feature.
3. Gadgets, introduced in Windows Vista, can now be moved anywhere on the screen, eliminating the need for Vista’s sidebar.

File management enhancements in all editions include improvements to Windows Search and to Backup and Restore, as well as the addition of a new Libraries feature.

1. Windows Search provides an instant categorized response to a search term typed into the Start Menu search box.
2. Backup and Restore allows users to back up data to a DVD, to a different drive, or to a network.
3. The Libraries feature lets users access all their documents for a specific function from one location, even though the individual files remain elsewhere.

All Windows 7 editions share improved access to networks and to computer peripherals. The View Available Networks interface now creates a two-click connection to wireless and wired networks from the taskbar. The Devise Stage feature and the Devices and Printers folder allow users to view and control everything that is connected to their computer from one place.

Additionally, all Windows 7 versions include the new Action Center, which allows users to view system alerts from the taskbar, and Jump Lists, application-specific listings of most frequently used documents and commands that appear when users right-click a taskbar icon. All versions also come with Internet Explorer 8, Microsoft’s newest Internet browser, except in countries whose laws prohibit its inclusion.

Features Available in Windows 7 Home Premium, Professional and Ultimate Editions

The Home Premium, Professional, and Ultimate editions of Windows 7, while including the features listed above, also gain new enhancements in the areas of user interface, accessibility, networking and entertainment.

Windows 7 improves its Aero user interface by adding the Aero Shake and Aero Peak features. Aero Shake lets users minimize all but one selected window with a shake of the mouse. Aero Peak turns windows transparent when the mouse is pointed at the right edge of the taskbar.

Windows 7 simplifies life for those with home networks with its new HomeGroup feature. This enhancement makes it easier for them to share files and printers.

Users of the Home Premium, Professional and Ultimate editions also benefit from a new entertainment feature. The Windows Media Center adds the ability to view and to record live television shows.

Touch screen technology, a major access improvement, is yet another feature unique to these three editions with Windows Touch. Users must also have touch-sensitive screens to take advantage of this feature.

Features Available in Windows 7 Professional and Ultimate Editions

Windows 7's Professional and Ultimate editions add new networking and software compatibility features to all previously listed enhancements. The Domain Join wizard enhances Windows 7's networking capabilities by making it easy to work on an office or other restricted network from home.

Businesses and individuals using Windows XP applications will appreciate the Windows XP Mode feature of these two editions. The Windows XP Mode lets users run older XP applications from their desktops without compatibility issues.

Features Available in Windows 7 Ultimate Edition

The Windows 7 Ultimate edition adds two more key features to those found in the three other versions. The multi-language feature of the Ultimate edition allows users to work in any of 35 languages. The Ultimate edition also adds BitLocker encryption, which protects files on portable devices as well as on hard drives.

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