Considering a move to Windows 7? Get tons of advice and info here. It could be the very first question in your mind, before you go for Windows 7. This question decides your Windows 7 edition and platform, among the available SKUs of Windows 7.
The selection process can be categorized in two parts or sub-questions –
Either x64 or x86 Version?
Windows 7 is available for both x86 (32-bit) and x64 (64-bit) platforms. Before you proceed next, you must check your System Configuration. Your system must meet the minimum or premium system requirement of Windows 7 to install flawlessly.
If your PC is powered by 64-bit processor(s) and has more than 3GB of RAM, you must choose x64 edition of Windows 7, because Windows 7 x64 can make full use more than 3GB of RAM and can handle large amount of data efficiently and can take advantage of 64-bit CPU. Otherwise choose x86 edition of Windows 7.
For more information, you can read FAQs of 32-bit and 64-bit Windows.
Lots of SKUs of Windows 7. Which one is the best for me?
Microsoft introduced total 6 SKUs of Windows 7. The list is as follows:
- Windows 7 Starter
- Windows 7 Home Basic
- Windows 7 Home Premium
- Windows 7 Professional
- Windows 7 Ultimate
- Windows 7 Enterprise
Few things about available SKUs, Windows 7 Starter is pre-installed by OEMs only and Windows 7 Ultimate & Windows 7 Enterprise, both are identical in context of feature list except the Licensing Scheme. Windows 7 Enterprise is available under Volume Licensing Scheme. Therefore We won’t cover Starter and Enterprise editions here.
If your system meets with minimum system requirements, then Windows 7 Home Basic is for you. It is designed for low-end PCs and Netbooks.
For Premium ready PCs, Home Premium, Professional and Ultimate are available options, which can be choose as per need of user. Go through the following questions, they may help you to choose right edition for you.
| For typical Home Usage (focused on Digital Entertainment with Simple Sharing features) | Windows 7 Home Premium |
| For typical Business Usage (for Office use with advanced security & sharing features, Windows XP Mode, Domain Join) | Windows 7 Professional |
| Home + Business + Additional features like Multiple Language User Interface, Bit Locker Drive Encryption, VHD Boot | Windows 7 Ultimate |
For complete list of features available on Windows 7 SKUs and comparison, Visit Here. So are you choosing Windows 7 on this Christmas? Have a great time!!!
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