Any disadvantage to getting Windows 7 Pro?

[mld22]

I've decided to get a new Dell desktop to replace my 6-year old one running XP. I use my PC for business at home (not on a network) and most extensively use MS Word 2007 and Adobe Acrobat 9 Pro.

I am looking at 2 new Dells; both are Inspirons with Intel Core i5, 8GB memory and 1TB HD. The slightly more expensive one (Inspiron 3000) has Windows 7 Home Premium 64-bit and the less expensive one (Inspiron 3647) has Win 7 Professional. I don't need the features of Pro but like the $80 difference in price. Is there any disadvantage to getting Pro? Will I have to upgrade any other programs to work on Pro? Does anyone see a necessity to ever downgrade to regular Windows OS later? I'm trying to anticipate any problems.

Thanks for any help or ideas anyone can provide.

 

[whs]

Nah, all programs work the same on all editions. There is no disadvantage.

 

[LMiller7]

All Windows 7 editions share the same code base and will run the same software exactly the same way. The only difference is that higher editions have features not found in lower editions. Some software, such as for large corporate networks, will not run on home editions. Windows 7 Pro will run everything home editions will and more.

 

[Lady Fitzgerald]

Even though Pro may have features you do not need now, there is always a remote possibility you may change your mind later. If you don't mind shelling out the extra 80 shekels, it would be insurance against that possibility. Too many times in the past, I bought something, then later wished I had bought the better model; I buy the best I can afford now.

 

[AddRAM]

If it`s $80 cheaper and has the same specs, get the pc with Windows 7 Pro.

 

[akjudge]

Windows 7 Pro also has the advantage of being able to run Windows XP in Virtual Mode. You may find that you have an older program that will not run in Windows 7, so having the ability to install Windows XP (free for Pro users) in a Virtual machine, would mean you can still use the older program.

 

[Lady Fitzgerald]

Windows 7 Pro also has the advantage of being able to run Windows XP in Virtual Mode. You may find that you have an older program that will not run in Windows 7, so having the ability to install Windows XP (free for Pro users) in a Virtual machine, would mean you can still use the older program.

Sometimes, you can get older programs to run in compatibility mode (not the same as the XP virtual mode); you don't need Pro to be able to do that. I have two programs I'm running in XP SP3 compatibility mode: one is a visualization in Media Monkey and I don't even remember what the other one is.

 

[mitchell65]

To step in here the way I read the original post is that there are two PC with the same components, one has Win7 Home premium and the CHEAPER one has the Pro version. Something wrong somewhere. Best have another look at the spec I would think!

 

[Lady Fitzgerald]

To step in here the way I read the original post is that there are two PC with the same components, one has Win7 Home premium and the CHEAPER one has the Pro version...

You are correct and I am blind (or senile). Pro is has more features than HP, but are the extra features needed or not. Then you have two different machines, one costing more than the other. What are the hardware differences causing the price differences (if any)? Methinks we have here a case of comparing apples to kumquats...and cherries.

 

[jimroad471]

I think win 8 is outta the question cause not many fancy to it and wanna go back to 7. Like others on our forum, regretting not getting the pro version may bumb you a bit. I have 7 on 32 pro and it made my 8 yr old dell run like a new laptop. 80 dollars is lotta money so you have tings to consider. I do run xp mode on my system and I really don't know which win 7 version supports this....good luck!
jim

 

[Lady Fitzgerald]

I think win 8 is outta the question cause not many fancy to it and wanna go back to 7. Like others on our forum, regretting not getting the pro version may bumb you a bit. I have 7 on 32 pro and it made my 8 yr old dell run like a new laptop. 80 dollars is lotta money so you have tings to consider. I do run xp mode on my system and I really don't know which win 7 version supports this....good luck!
jim

Only Pro and Ultimate directly support running XP on a virtual drive. However, if you are doing that just to run a program, any version may be able to run the program in compatibility mode (not the same thing). To set it up, right click on the .exe for the prrogram and click on Properties. Click on the Compatibility tab. Under Compatibility Mode, click on the box for "Run the program in compatibility mode for:" then choose the appropriate selection; usually that will be XP SP3. Click Apply at the bottom, then OK. I have two programs running that way on my Home Premium machine that wouldn't run or run correctly otherwise.

 

[Alejandro85]

I definitely think there is no technical disadvantage of Professional over Home Premium. Pro is a bigger edition, so it has more features in it, even though you may not use it, they do no harm, just stay unused options out there. The few ones that do run in the background (like terminal server) can be disabled to save resources if you really want to.
In fact, all Windows versions share the exactly same core, from Starter to Server Enterprise. The differences are either in a few missing programs and artificially limited restrictions.

The obvious drawback of the more powerful editions is their price. Here I agree with mitchell65 in that it's a bit strange to see the cheaper computer having the greater Windows if run on the very same hardware.