Microsoft may have slimmed Windows 7 down to be small enough to run on a netbook computer, but it still can’t seem to slim down its product lineup. The company will offer six separate versions of Windows 7 upon its release- enough to make nearly anyone’s head spin.

Many critics deem six versions of Windows to be completely unnecessary. Even Microsoft has pledged that it would focus on two versions at release: Windows 7 Home Premium and Windows 7 Professional.

Many were surprised that Microsoft did not opt to create a version of Windows 7 designed especially for netbooks. Instead, the company says that any version of Windows 7 will run on a netbook.

Windows Home Premium should suffice for nearly any home user. It includes full multimedia capabilities including Windows Media Center as well as basic networking functionality.

Windows 7 Professional will work if you have more advanced networking needs. If you’re looking to access your computer remotely or brush up on your LAN skills, this is the version for you.

Here’s the full rundown:

Windows 7 Starter

• Available worldwide to OEMs on new PCs
• No Aero UI tweaks
• Limited to 3 simultaneous applications

Windows 7 Home Basic

• Only available in emerging markets
• No Aero UI tweaks

Windows 7 Home Premium

• Available to OEMs and in retail
• Includes Aero UI tweaks
• Includes multi-touch capabilities
• Includes premium games
• Includes media capabilities (Media Center, DVD playback, DVD creation, etc.)

Windows 7 Professional

• Available to OEMs and in retail
• Includes all features of Premium
• Includes enhanced networking capabilities (Remote Desktop host, domain support, offline folders, etc.)
• Includes Mobility Center
• Includes Presentation Mode

Windows 7 Enterprise

• Available only in volume licenses
• Includes all features of Professional
• Includes Branch Cache
• Includes Direct Access
• Includes BitLocker

Windows 7 Ultimate

• Limited availability
• Includes all features of Enterprise

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Entry was posted on Wednesday, February 4th, 2009 at 10:49 am under Microsoft, Retail, Software.

Read more entries by Dave Jeyes.
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