W7 Pro Vs. Ultimate Vs. Enterprise?

[kdogg]

I just picked up a new Lenovo X120e Netbook and it comes with Windows 7 Professional 64bit, pre-installed. I have a question about the differences between the different versions though.

The company I work for has a pretty big IT department and I'm friends with one of the managers. He had given me a Windows 7 Ultimate OEM package with the little product key etc to upgrade my W7 Home Basic 32bit desktop.

I asked if he had another one I could have and he said maybe, that or he would give me one of there W7 Enterprise keys. He asked if I had gotten another computer with W7 Home Basic or something and is said no, Windows 7 Professional 64-bit. He said well, I don't mind giving you a disc or key but I really don't think you need to upgrade from Professional as Ultimate doesn't really offer you much more.

I looked on Microsoft.com and and it seems that Bitlocker and the language packs are the only difference?

That said, my friend said he used Enterprise on all his computers but I also don't know if I need that.

Any input would be great.

 

[DocBrown]

I have Prof, Enterprise, & Ultimate on several different computers. They all seem to do all the things I need done. As I have not needed Bit-Locker or the Language packs.

 

[Brink]

Hello Kdogg,

In addition, this can help you compare the differences between Windows 7 editions to help make your choice.

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

 

[Bare Foot Kid]

Hello Kdogg,

In addition, this can help you compare the differences between Windows 7 editions to help make your choice.

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

Sorry mate, I forgot all about that one!

 

[Brink]

No problem mate.

 

[Bill2]

Features of Windows 7 Enterprise not available in Ultimate:

1) License rights to run up to four additional copies of Windows in virtual machines.

2) Ability to activate against a local key server (KMS).

 

[pparks1]

I'd be surprised if you found features in Enterprise or Ultimate that you really felt were needed.

 

[marsmimar]

We have one machine at work that has Ultimate on it. Other machines have 7 Pro. The Pro machines do everything we need. IMO it makes more sense to choose a version based on "bitness" (whether the version is 64 bit vs. 32 bit just to make better use of RAM) especially since more and more machines come with at least 4GB RAM already installed.

 

[jimbo45]

Features of Windows 7 Enterprise not available in Ultimate:

1) License rights to run up to four additional copies of Windows in virtual machines.

2) Ability to activate against a local key server (KMS).

Actually there doesn't seem to be ANY limit on the number of activations for Windows Enterprise if you are a technet suscriber. (Virtual or Real too).

Other than that I think W7 Enterprise is roughly the same as W7 Ultimate -- W7 Ultimate is available through normal Retail channels while W7 Enterprise is only available through an IT partner or Technet.

Cheers
jimbo

 

[Zomby88]

Upgrade the desktop, but don`t touch the laptop. You will gain nothing.

 

[Rooman]

Another difference, albeit a small one, with Windows 7 Enterprise is the Support duration. All the Windows 7 products Mainstream Support ends in 2015, but you have ability to purchase Extended Support from Microsoft (not sure on cost) until 2020 with the Enterprise version.

Microsoft Support Lifecycle

 

[pparks1]

Yes, but you are supposed to only be using the Enterprise version if you are a volume license customer. Microsoft might not be willing to support a home user running the enterprise version of the product anyway.

 

[unifex]

To be honest, I have never been successful in dealing with any tech support for any of my computers, be it Microsoft, Sony, or Dell. Sales support is just fine, if I need to return or exchange something, it works (within the appropriate time period). If I need help with activation, sure. But after that ... I would take my questions to this Forum rather than call Microsoft.

What I am trying to say, personally I would not base my decision on the projected duration of tech support. I also would not buy any service or support contracts from OEMs.

Now, as to which version to choose - I think it depends on what you need, sorry to repeat the obvious. Language packs are useful to those who needs them. Same with BitLocker. So, if money is not an issue (for instance, if you have a Technet subscription or your employer has a site license), then grab the Ultimate, you can always uninstall what you don't use, but it's there in case you need it. However, if you are paying cash for a retail package, just think whether you will be using the very few additional features and if not, whether having them just in case is worth your money.

 

[mckillwashere]

Yes, but you are supposed to only be using the Enterprise version if you are a volume license customer. Microsoft might not be willing to support a home user running the enterprise version of the product anyway.

Doesnt MS charge for tech support?

 

[jimbo45]

Another difference, albeit a small one, with Windows 7 Enterprise is the Support duration. All the Windows 7 products Mainstream Support ends in 2015, but you have ability to purchase Extended Support from Microsoft (not sure on cost) until 2020 with the Enterprise version.

Microsoft Support Lifecycle

Hi there

It's only 2011 now -- why on EARTH should I worry about what is available in 2020 in around 10 YEARS from now. I might be using a TOTALLY different type of device possibly unlike anything available now -- who knows.

In computing terms especially with the current pace of both hardware and software development this is a equivalent to a GEOLOGICAL AGE.

Even large businesses are unlikely to commit that far ahead.

For typical users of this Forum the Multiple activation feature of W7 Enterprise is IMO the main reason for using it opposed to the normal Retail versions -- but DO read the EULA on licensing agreements about using products what you download from Technet.

I use it mainly for building loads of different Virtual Machines for software testing etc.
Virtual Machines are an EXCELLENT way of testing out all sorts of software before these get rolled out for general release.

Cheers
jimbo