Differences between basic and ultimate

What edition are you buying

  • Ultimate

    Votes: 461 53.2%
  • Professional

    Votes: 151 17.4%
  • Home Premium

    Votes: 214 24.7%
  • Other

    Votes: 10 1.2%
  • Not buying Windows 7

    Votes: 30 3.5%

  • Total voters
    866

nate42nd

Learning every day
Here is some simple info I have been looking for. I hope this helps you too.
Differences between editions of Windows 7

See also: http://www.sevenforums.com/tutorials/14422-compare-windows-7-editions.html


Ultimate and Enterprise
The all you can eat editions, contain everything except Windows Anytime Upgrade (you’d already be running the highest edition available)
Professional

  • No BitLocker
  • No boot from VHD
Home Premium

  • No BitLocker
  • No boot from VHD
  • No EFS (Encrypting File System)
  • No Support for backup to a network location
  • Client-only Remote Desktop
  • No Offline files support
  • No Domain join
Home Basic

  • No Aero Glass (Aero theme available)
  • No Premium games
  • No BitLocker
  • No boot from VHD
  • No EFS (Encrypting File System)
  • No Support for backup to a network location
  • Client-only Remote Desktop
  • No Media Center support
  • No Tablet PC or Multi-Touch support
  • No built-in support for DVD burning or playback
  • Single procesor support only (unlimited cores)
  • No Offline files support
  • No Domain join
  • No Sticky Notes app
  • No Snipping Tool app
  • No IIS support
Starter

  • No Aero Glass
  • No Aero theme
  • No Live Taskbar Preview support
  • No Premium games
  • No BitLocker
  • No boot from VHD
  • No EFS (Encrypting File System)
  • No Support for backup to a network location
  • Client-only Remote Desktop
  • No Media Center support
  • No Tablet PC or Multi-Touch support
  • No built-in support for DVD burning or playback
  • Single procesor support only (unlimited cores)
  • No Offline files support
  • No Domain join
  • No Sticky Notes app
  • No Snipping Tool app
  • No IIS support
  • No Fast User Switching
editions.JPG
 
Last edited by a moderator:

My Computer

Computer Manufacturer/Model Number
Keeps changing - (Custom)
OS
Windows 7 Professional x64
CPU
Intel Core i7 860
Motherboard
Gigabyte GA-P55-UD4P
Memory
4GB DDR3 Mushkin 1600Mhz @ 7-8-7-20
Graphics Card(s)
MSI GTS250 1GB DDR3 Twin Frozr
Sound Card
Onboard realtek
Monitor(s) Displays
Samsung SyncMaster 24" P2450 + Samsung 20" 2033
Screen Resolution
1920 X 1080 and 1600 X 900 (#2 system 1440 X 900)
Hard Drives
Patriot Inferno 120GB SSD + 3 WD Blue 640GB drives
PSU
Corsair 750 HX Modular
Case
Lancool PC-K62
Cooling
Cooler Master TX3 CPU cooler and 4-140mm and 1-120mm case
Keyboard
Gigabyte USB keyboard
Mouse
Microsoft wireless laser mouse 5000
Internet Speed
7 Mb down 1.5 up
Other Info
System #2: AMD Phenom II X6 1055T (Freezer 7 Pro cooler) - Gigabyte 880GMA-UD2H - WD 500GB Black - 9500GT (1GB) 500W OCZ modular PSU - Antec 200 case. System #3 (LapTop) Core 2 Duo T6670 - 320GB 7200RPM HD - 4GB DDR3 RAM.
You're welcome. I know it's not a complete list but it's some stuff I have found. There are other differences. This gives us a good idea.
 

My Computer

Computer Manufacturer/Model Number
Keeps changing - (Custom)
OS
Windows 7 Professional x64
CPU
Intel Core i7 860
Motherboard
Gigabyte GA-P55-UD4P
Memory
4GB DDR3 Mushkin 1600Mhz @ 7-8-7-20
Graphics Card(s)
MSI GTS250 1GB DDR3 Twin Frozr
Sound Card
Onboard realtek
Monitor(s) Displays
Samsung SyncMaster 24" P2450 + Samsung 20" 2033
Screen Resolution
1920 X 1080 and 1600 X 900 (#2 system 1440 X 900)
Hard Drives
Patriot Inferno 120GB SSD + 3 WD Blue 640GB drives
PSU
Corsair 750 HX Modular
Case
Lancool PC-K62
Cooling
Cooler Master TX3 CPU cooler and 4-140mm and 1-120mm case
Keyboard
Gigabyte USB keyboard
Mouse
Microsoft wireless laser mouse 5000
Internet Speed
7 Mb down 1.5 up
Other Info
System #2: AMD Phenom II X6 1055T (Freezer 7 Pro cooler) - Gigabyte 880GMA-UD2H - WD 500GB Black - 9500GT (1GB) 500W OCZ modular PSU - Antec 200 case. System #3 (LapTop) Core 2 Duo T6670 - 320GB 7200RPM HD - 4GB DDR3 RAM.
Helpful info.Thanks.
 

My Computer

Computer Manufacturer/Model Number
PNY Technologies
OS
Windows 7 Ultimate Build 7100 RC x86/Windows XP SP3 x86 (Dual Boot)
CPU
Intel Pentium Dual CPU E2200 @ 2.20 GHz
Motherboard
PNY Technologies MBM630I7150 1.0
Memory
2GB
Graphics Card(s)
NVIDIA GeForce 9600 GSO
Sound Card
NVIDIA HDMI Audio Device
Monitor(s) Displays
Acer LCD Monitor V223W
Screen Resolution
1680x1050
Hard Drives
WDC WD7500AYPS-01ZKB0 [Hard drive] (750.16 GB)
Keyboard
Gateway
Mouse
Logitech
Internet Speed
DSL
Thanks for the infos :D
 

My Computer

Computer type
PC/Desktop
Computer Manufacturer/Model Number
Custom build
OS
Windows 10 Professional 64-bit
CPU
Ryzen 9 5900X
Motherboard
Gigabyte X570 Aorus Master
Memory
G.Skill 3600Mhz CL16 16GB × 4
Graphics Card(s)
EVGA GeForce RTX 3070 Ti FTW3 Ultra Gaming
Sound Card
On-board
Monitor(s) Displays
Dell Alienware AW3418DW
Screen Resolution
3440x1440
Hard Drives
1×Sabrent Rocket 4 Plus 2TB nvme SSD (System, internal)
2x4TB Western Digital Blue (Internal)
1x4TB HDST 7200RPM (Internal)
PSU
Seasonic Focus Plus 850W Platinum
Case
Corsair 680X
Cooling
Stock fans + 3× Corsair QL120, Corsair H100i Platinum
Keyboard
Logitech K350
Mouse
Logitech M510
Internet Speed
120Mbits dl - 20Mbits up
Antivirus
ESET NOD32 Antivirus
Browser
Firefox (latest version)
Other Info
Headphones : Audio-Technica ATH-M50x
Scanner : Canon Canoscan LiDE 220 + Plustek OptiBook 4800
I just read some propaganda yesterday where MS is only going to have 3 versions of 7

7 Home Premium (no basic or any other names)
7 Pofessional/business (to appeal to XP Pro users in namesake)
7 Ultimate (of course)

All versions had touch enabled, aero, except Home didnt have the VPN and RDP(I think, or maybe not multiple RDP), pro/biz does, but doesnt have the bit locker and bit locker to go and one other feature i fail to recall atm. But this is being done to turn away from the mess of versions of Vista there was.

MS isnt quite sure of this starter edition, as they are trying these out on SSD in mobile computers and hand held devices, tablets etc, but they would have to have touch enabled as well.

take with grains of salt i say, RC isnt out just yet anyhow


[edit] oh yea, about the forgotten feature... it was the VHD in ultimate... when i read all this, i was like big deal.... no major reasons why it would make alot of ppl switch from one version to the other, just us geeks:geek:
 

My Computer

Computer Manufacturer/Model Number
CUSTOM
OS
XP/win7 x86 build 7127
CPU
Athlon64 X2 DUAL 4200+ 2.21ghz
Motherboard
ASUS K8 PRO SLI
Memory
2GB Dual Chan DDR2 Corsair
Graphics Card(s)
Nvidia 6800GT
Sound Card
nvidia
Monitor(s) Displays
19' LCD
Screen Resolution
1280x1024
Hard Drives
WD 250, 2x500, 2x1TB IDE/USB
WD 250 SATA (system)
SEAGATE 120 Sata
PSU
coolermaster 450
Case
SUPERFLOWER
Cooling
1 HDD bay fan, 5x80mm Case Fans, AEROGATE II Fan/Temp
Keyboard
MS wireless
Mouse
MS Wireless
Internet Speed
fassssssssst

My Computer

Computer Manufacturer/Model Number
Keeps changing - (Custom)
OS
Windows 7 Professional x64
CPU
Intel Core i7 860
Motherboard
Gigabyte GA-P55-UD4P
Memory
4GB DDR3 Mushkin 1600Mhz @ 7-8-7-20
Graphics Card(s)
MSI GTS250 1GB DDR3 Twin Frozr
Sound Card
Onboard realtek
Monitor(s) Displays
Samsung SyncMaster 24" P2450 + Samsung 20" 2033
Screen Resolution
1920 X 1080 and 1600 X 900 (#2 system 1440 X 900)
Hard Drives
Patriot Inferno 120GB SSD + 3 WD Blue 640GB drives
PSU
Corsair 750 HX Modular
Case
Lancool PC-K62
Cooling
Cooler Master TX3 CPU cooler and 4-140mm and 1-120mm case
Keyboard
Gigabyte USB keyboard
Mouse
Microsoft wireless laser mouse 5000
Internet Speed
7 Mb down 1.5 up
Other Info
System #2: AMD Phenom II X6 1055T (Freezer 7 Pro cooler) - Gigabyte 880GMA-UD2H - WD 500GB Black - 9500GT (1GB) 500W OCZ modular PSU - Antec 200 case. System #3 (LapTop) Core 2 Duo T6670 - 320GB 7200RPM HD - 4GB DDR3 RAM.
On the partner page, it has 5 versions. I don't know if this is set in stone but here they are. This isn't the only place you can see this info but it's one I have saved.

https://partner.microsoft.com/US/40084742#tab7

hard to argue that.... but.... throw out the home basic (emerging markets only) and starter edition (limited - like i stated earlier) and you are then down to the main, presumptuous 3 versions of 7
 

My Computer

Computer Manufacturer/Model Number
CUSTOM
OS
XP/win7 x86 build 7127
CPU
Athlon64 X2 DUAL 4200+ 2.21ghz
Motherboard
ASUS K8 PRO SLI
Memory
2GB Dual Chan DDR2 Corsair
Graphics Card(s)
Nvidia 6800GT
Sound Card
nvidia
Monitor(s) Displays
19' LCD
Screen Resolution
1280x1024
Hard Drives
WD 250, 2x500, 2x1TB IDE/USB
WD 250 SATA (system)
SEAGATE 120 Sata
PSU
coolermaster 450
Case
SUPERFLOWER
Cooling
1 HDD bay fan, 5x80mm Case Fans, AEROGATE II Fan/Temp
Keyboard
MS wireless
Mouse
MS Wireless
Internet Speed
fassssssssst
I read somewhere else that Home Premium and Pro will be the two main ones in the US. Ultimate?????? I'm sure we'll be able to buy it but the article I read said it would be "limited". The lower two we will never see. (from the article I read) Who knows for sure but it would be a good idea to keep the "starter" in "developing countries" IMO.
 

My Computer

Computer Manufacturer/Model Number
Keeps changing - (Custom)
OS
Windows 7 Professional x64
CPU
Intel Core i7 860
Motherboard
Gigabyte GA-P55-UD4P
Memory
4GB DDR3 Mushkin 1600Mhz @ 7-8-7-20
Graphics Card(s)
MSI GTS250 1GB DDR3 Twin Frozr
Sound Card
Onboard realtek
Monitor(s) Displays
Samsung SyncMaster 24" P2450 + Samsung 20" 2033
Screen Resolution
1920 X 1080 and 1600 X 900 (#2 system 1440 X 900)
Hard Drives
Patriot Inferno 120GB SSD + 3 WD Blue 640GB drives
PSU
Corsair 750 HX Modular
Case
Lancool PC-K62
Cooling
Cooler Master TX3 CPU cooler and 4-140mm and 1-120mm case
Keyboard
Gigabyte USB keyboard
Mouse
Microsoft wireless laser mouse 5000
Internet Speed
7 Mb down 1.5 up
Other Info
System #2: AMD Phenom II X6 1055T (Freezer 7 Pro cooler) - Gigabyte 880GMA-UD2H - WD 500GB Black - 9500GT (1GB) 500W OCZ modular PSU - Antec 200 case. System #3 (LapTop) Core 2 Duo T6670 - 320GB 7200RPM HD - 4GB DDR3 RAM.
You would think that Microsoft would want to have Bitlocker and Bitlocker to Go on the Pro / Business version to help entice Corporates to use it.
 

My Computer

Computer Manufacturer/Model Number
Home Build
OS
Windows 7 RTM Ultimate - Activated (Technet)
CPU
Athlon 4800+
Motherboard
Gigabyte M56S-S3
Memory
2 gig
Graphics Card(s)
ATI Radeon 2400+
Sound Card
On board
Monitor(s) Displays
Samsung 22" LCD
Screen Resolution
1680 x 1050
Hard Drives
WD 250 gig Sata
PSU
550 w
Case
Antec LS100
Keyboard
Logitech MX5000 BT
Mouse
Logitech MX 5000 BT
Internet Speed
ADSL 2+
This function is included in the Ultimate and Enterprise editions, the latter of which is aimed for corporate use.
 

My Computer

Computer type
PC/Desktop
Computer Manufacturer/Model Number
Dwarf Dwf/11/2012 r09/2013
OS
Windows 8.1 Pro RTM x64
CPU
Intel Core-i5-3570K 4-core @ 3.4GHz (Ivy Bridge) (OC 4.4GHz)
Motherboard
ASRock Z77 Extreme4-M
Memory
4 x 4GB DDR3-1600 Corsair Vengeance CMZ8GX3M2A1600C9B (16GB)
Graphics Card(s)
MSI GeForce GTX770 Gaming OC 2GB
Sound Card
Realtek High Definition on board solution (ALC 898)
Monitor(s) Displays
ViewSonic VA1912w Widescreen (VGA)
Screen Resolution
1440x900
Hard Drives
OCZ Agility 3 SSD 120GB SATA III x2 (RAID 0)
Samsung HD501LJ 500GB SATA II x2
Hitachi HDS721010CLA332 1TB SATA II
Iomega 1.5TB Ext USB 2.0
WD 2.0TB Ext USB 3.0
PSU
XFX Pro Series 850W Semi-Modular
Case
Gigabyte IF233
Cooling
1 x 120mm Front Inlet 1 x 120mm Rear Exhaust
Keyboard
Microsoft Comfort Curve Keyboard 3000 (USB)
Mouse
Microsoft Comfort Mouse 3000 for Business (USB)
Internet Speed
NetGear DG834Gv3 ADSL Modem/Router (Ethernet) ~4.0 Mb/s (O2)
Antivirus
Avast! 8.0.1497
Browser
IE 11
Other Info
Optical Drive: HL-DT-ST BD-RE BH10LS30 SATA Bluray
Lexmark S305 Printer/Scanner/Copier (USB)
WEI Score: 8.1/8.1/8.5/8.5/8.25
Asus Eee PC 1011PX Netbook (Windows 7 x86 Starter)
Home Basic

No Aero Glass (Aero theme available)
No Premium games
No BitLocker
No boot from VHD
No EFS (Encrypting File System)
No Support for backup to a network location
Client-only Remote Desktop
No Media Center support
No Tablet PC or Multi-Touch support
No built-in support for DVD burning or playback
Single procesor support only (unlimited cores)
No Offline files support
No Domain join
No Sticky Notes app
No Snipping Tool app
No IIS support
NO POINT

Starter

3 app limit
No Aero Glass
No Aero theme
No Live Taskbar Preview support
No Premium games
No BitLocker
No boot from VHD
No EFS (Encrypting File System)
No Support for backup to a network location
Client-only Remote Desktop
No Media Center support
No Tablet PC or Multi-Touch support
No built-in support for DVD burning or playback
Single procesor support only (unlimited cores)
No Offline files support
No Domain join
No Sticky Notes app
No Snipping Tool app
No IIS support
No Fast User Switching
NO POINT

lol ;)
 

My Computer

Computer type
PC/Desktop
Computer Manufacturer/Model Number
Systems by SmartEyeball
OS
8 Pro x64
CPU
i7 3770K 4.6GHz
Motherboard
ASUS P8Z77 WS
Memory
16GB G.Skill Trident X 2666mhz
Graphics Card(s)
x2 EVGA 780 Ti Superclocked SLI
Sound Card
SB X-FI Surround 5.1 PRO USB / ATH-AD900 Headphones
Monitor(s) Displays
x3 Dell U2410 / 58" Samsung
Screen Resolution
5760*1200/ 1920*1200
Hard Drives
2x Intel 520 240GB (RAID 0) * 2x WD Caviar Blacks 2TB (RAID 0) * 2TB WD Caviar Black * Sony Optirac DVD
PSU
Silverstone Strider Evolution 1200W
Case
Thermaltake Level 10 GT Snow Edition
Cooling
Noctua NH-D14
Keyboard
Topre Realforce // Ducky Shine MX Black // Filco Ninja TKL
Mouse
Thermaltake Theron (Highly Recommended) + Razer Imperator
Antivirus
MSE
Browser
IE, FF, WaterFox
Other Info
GT Extreme V2 Sim Racing Cockpit + 40" LCD and K/B Mouse stand ▼
Fanatec CSR Elite Wheel + Clubsport V1 Pedals + CSR shifter/7G-H ▼Saitek X52 Pro ▼ TrackIR 5 Pro
Buttkicker v2 Seat Rumbler with Dedicated 5.1 and Sub Woofer attached to frame ▼
=
Bloody Big Grin
what i just noticed here while going over again, is that there is no support for OFFLINE files for home versions at all? are you kidding me here? is this ONLY a feature that corporate companies use.... wow.... a little speechless here to say the least.

This doesnt promote networking in the home, as MS seems to want that with the extenders and so on... so why start taking away networking features and the such.

only wacky reference that comes to mind would be trying to get a cat to be litter box trained without having any cat litter in the box.... whats going to make ppl network "wise" or crave the home network experience when MS is taking features away. IMO this is for a starter type edition, for ppl just starting out and have no idea of offline files.
 

My Computer

Computer Manufacturer/Model Number
CUSTOM
OS
XP/win7 x86 build 7127
CPU
Athlon64 X2 DUAL 4200+ 2.21ghz
Motherboard
ASUS K8 PRO SLI
Memory
2GB Dual Chan DDR2 Corsair
Graphics Card(s)
Nvidia 6800GT
Sound Card
nvidia
Monitor(s) Displays
19' LCD
Screen Resolution
1280x1024
Hard Drives
WD 250, 2x500, 2x1TB IDE/USB
WD 250 SATA (system)
SEAGATE 120 Sata
PSU
coolermaster 450
Case
SUPERFLOWER
Cooling
1 HDD bay fan, 5x80mm Case Fans, AEROGATE II Fan/Temp
Keyboard
MS wireless
Mouse
MS Wireless
Internet Speed
fassssssssst
what i just noticed here while going over again, is that there is no support for OFFLINE files for home versions at all? are you kidding me here? is this ONLY a feature that corporate companies use.... wow.... a little speechless here to say the least.

This doesnt promote networking in the home, as MS seems to want that with the extenders and so on... so why start taking away networking features and the such.

only wacky reference that comes to mind would be trying to get a cat to be litter box trained without having any cat litter in the box.... whats going to make ppl network "wise" or crave the home network experience when MS is taking features away. IMO this is for a starter type edition, for ppl just starting out and have no idea of offline files.

i hurd ALL fetures will be installed even if u only install starter
t avoid that peski anytime upgrade fiasco during vista

witch means we could probbably exploit anytime upgrade..
or the regastry and unlock the fetures we want or need for free ;)
 

My Computer

Computer Manufacturer/Model Number
Dell 110L
OS
XP SP3
CPU
Pentum M 1.7 Ghz
Memory
1.25 Gb
Graphics Card(s)
intel 915
Sound Card
Sigma Tel C-Majior
Screen Resolution
1024x768
Hard Drives
Fjitsu 40 Gb
Case
Laptop
Mouse
HP
Internet Speed
6Mb/s
I don't think the Media Center option is in the Enterprise edition, like Vista.
 

My Computer

Computer Manufacturer/Model Number
ThinkPad T400
OS
Windows 7 7600
Memory
2 GB
Graphics Card(s)
Intel Series 4 Express
so i suppse an average joe pc user would go for home premium seeing as i dont need any of the features that ultimate has over it...
 

My Computer

Computer Manufacturer/Model Number
Sony
OS
Main OS: Windows 7 64 bit, Secondary: Vista 32 bit
CPU
Intel Core 2 Duo P8400 @ 2.26 Ghz
Motherboard
Intel PM45
Memory
4GB DDR2
Graphics Card(s)
ATI Radeon Mobility HD3470
Sound Card
Integrated Realtek
Monitor(s) Displays
Integrated (Laptop) 16.4 inch
Screen Resolution
1600x900
Hard Drives
320 GB
Mouse
Logitech
Internet Speed
1 Mb/s
Windows 7 Stater kind of sounds pointless? a 3 application limit.. lol
 

My Computer

Computer Manufacturer/Model Number
Dell XPS M1530
OS
Windows 7 Ultimate [Windows Vista Home Premium]
CPU
Intel Core 2 Duo P7350 [2gHz, 1066mhz FSB, 3MB Cache]
Motherboard
Dell...Stock..?
Memory
3 GB Dual Channel DDR2-667
Graphics Card(s)
nVIDIA GeForce 8600M GT [256MB Deticated/ 1522MB Total]
Sound Card
Sound Blaster X-Fi Notebook Edition
Monitor(s) Displays
15.4" HiDef Widescreen Samsung [built in]
Screen Resolution
1280x800
Hard Drives
Western Digital Cavalier 320GB SATA-II 5,400RPM
PSU
90W?
Case
Dell XPS M1530 by Foxconn?
Cooling
Some random Fan... and vents
Keyboard
Dell Keyboard.. Laptop Keyboard
Mouse
Dell Touch Pad...Laptop Touchpad
Internet Speed
12-30Mbps Down | 1-6Mbps Upload
Other Info
My Photography, Editing, processing. Videos, Gaming... School. DVD....and anything that needs high power, and video power. xD
My Dell Desktop cant compare to the speed.
why do they even bother with starter and home basic... they're absolutely a waste of time and money.
 

My Computer

Computer Manufacturer/Model Number
HP DV5-1134TX
OS
Windows 7 RC x64
CPU
2.4Ghz Intel Core 2 Duo Centrino 2
Motherboard
N/A
Memory
4GB
Graphics Card(s)
Nvidia 9600M GT
Sound Card
N/A
Monitor(s) Displays
15.4" LCD
Screen Resolution
1280x800
Hard Drives
320GB WDC WD3200BEVT-60Z
PSU
N/A
Case
N/A
Cooling
N/A
Keyboard
N/A
Mouse
N/A
Internet Speed
ADSL 2+ 1.5MB/s
Thanks for the version info. Sounds like they are continuing the separate editions like Vista. Why not just release one version and call it Windows 7, and leave it at that. Or Windows 7 Enterprise / Professional for business, and then Windows 7 for the rest of us.

When my friends where asking me about Vista when I used the RC1, they said they felt misled because they wanted the eye candy and then purchased the wrong version. Why all the separation? Is there any real reason that I am not think of?

Just my opinion here: If you need new hardware, a large HD, better graphics card to upgrade to the new OS, why not just have one version and tell people in plain english these are the requirments to run it. sounds logical, but that makes to much sense.

When Vista launched officially I read lots of complaints about the different versions offered and many, many people felt like one for regular people, and one for business would be the best way to go. MS should do that with Win7.
 

My Computer

Computer Manufacturer/Model Number
Compaq Presario F763NR
OS
Windows 7 RC1 Build 7100 32-bit
CPU
AMD Athlon 64 X2 Dual-Core TK-57 1.90 GHz
Memory
1 Gig 512 x 2
Graphics Card(s)
NVIDIA GeForce 7000M / nForce 610M
Sound Card
Conexant High Definition SmartAudio 221
Screen Resolution
1280 x 800 x 60 hertz
Hard Drives
120 Gig
Keyboard
Logitech / Alto Notebook Stand
Mouse
Logitech Laser Mouse
Internet Speed
Comcast High Speed Cable Modem
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