[PCWorld]

Post your comments for Six Editions of Windows 7: What's With All the Whining? here

[Jenborcic]

:)

[Undefined]

Why not just have one windows version and give users the option to remove some features? Grr microsoft is so complicated.

[onceknown]

I'm the one that has to have everything...and I'm not ashamed!

[onceknown]

Undefined: Like the article says - it would cost too much for the full realm of customers. Remember Apple is the true monopolizer, they restrict everything! Their way or no way. I'll take my independence.

[markedman1132]

I have seen several articles that contradict some of this info. The other info I have read states that the entry level business version will be called "Windows 7 Professional", not "Windows 7 Business". The other stories also stated that Media Center will be included in Windows 7 Professional.

[GorgeClimber]

And the stupid whining continues. As one who has used Apple products since 1980 and Microsoft products since 1985, I find similar performance.
Unfortunately, Apple requires you to load a lot of unnecessary software when you load their OS.

[browntheodore]

@ markedman1132
You're right about the naming and that Windows 7 Professional is a superset of Win. 7 Home Premium.
@Michael Scalisi
Please do your homework and read http://www.winsupers...7/win7_skus.asp before posting misinformation. Great article otherwise, though.

[mscalisi]

@markedman1132 I stand corrected, they indeed changed the name to "Professional" and added MCE functionality.
http://www.microsoft...Win7SKU-QA.mspx

[angylProgrammer]

This guy is an idiot who has obviously never built a computer.
"In reality, people will almost never make a decision on which version of Windows to buy. They'll just use what came on their machine, which makes all of this clamor about the number of options available little more than unhelpful noise."
Well, guess what? I haven't purchased a computer from DellSuck or HPoop in 10 years. I build my own, and I have to worry about what OS to put on. If it's for my parents, who will likely never use bitLocker or any other advanced features, you can bet I'll put on the cheapest available. If it's mine, I'm putting on Ultimate. You have to know what you are doing occasionally, something this author has no experience with.
Message was edited by: rgreen4 - removed insulting terminology. Insulting not only to the author but and entire class of citizens, and the author is obviously not a member of that class. Please re-read the Community Standards which you agreed to when you registered as a member. If you have forgotten them, there is a link at the top of the main page.

[mscalisi]

@markedman1132 I stand corrected. It has indeed been renamed "Windows 7 Professional" and has had MCE functionality added. Shame on me for using an out-of-date source.
Of course, this only solidifies the point that the number of editions is a total non-issue.

[mscalisi]

@angrylProgrammer
I've built number of computers, however The vast majority of people never have and never will. The logic still applies.

[ScooterC]

IF the price is actually reasonable I'll buy Ultimate. I know it works with my hardware, per the "free" RC version.
My machine is home built.

[angylProgrammer]

Well, the readers of this site are generally not the people who never have and never will build a computer. If we, the technologically gifted, don't have to worry about what version of Windows to use, then it's our users that suffer. You downplay an issue that is very present for anyone who builds computers for others. This is PCWorld, not PCNoob.

[mscalisi]

@angrylProgrammer - I agree that PCWorld readers are more savvy than your typical Best Buy customer.
..but are users suffering? Really?
When it comes down to it, you have three choices. Home Computer? Get Home Premium. Need to join a Domain? Get Professional. Got too much money? Get Ultimate.
Accidentally install the wrong edition? Just give MS your credit card number and all is forgiven.
Total non-issue.

[ivorycruncher]

Let me see if I can put all this to rest:
1. Yes, most people will never have to worry about which version of Windows they're getting.
2. People that build their own computers are smart enough to know the differences and choose the right version, so it's a non-issue. I build custom PCs, and the only reason I need anything higher than Home Premium is because of Remote Desktop. No Home edition has that feature. I had Vista Ultimate because I wanted both remote desktop and MCE. With Windows 7, Pro has everything I want/need, and then some.
3. It will be Windows 7 Professional, not Business, and unlike Vista Business, 7 Pro will have all features that 7 Home Premium has.
4. Now that 7 Pro has MCE features, anybody who actually buys Ultimate without having any specific feature-related reason for doing so is a moron. Windows 7 Enterprise and Ultimate are 100% identical, with the only exception being that Enterprise is only sold to volume license customers, and Ultimate is licensed only for retail/OEM sales. Why they feel the need to have a separate SKU just for that distinction is beyond me, but basically the only people who MIGHT need to put Ultimate on a home PC is if they are hardcore power users. Microsoft has even stated that they won't be pushing Ultimate sales very hard, because there's no point in doing so. Sure it would be more money in their pockets, but I doubt they want another class-action lawsuit griping about them falsely advertising the value of Ultimate over Home and Pro.
The multiple SKU issue is a non-issue. Let's just let it drop, and enjoy the new version of Windows, okay?

[ClaudeD]

We need at least 6 versions (sarcasm) because that way buyers have a number of options from which to choose. Its like getting a speeding ticket, you get stopped, plead ignorance, hoping to get a warning. But you get the ticket as the officer explains how he helped you by not ticketing you for your actual speed. The ticket is still $100. The plus is your insurance company doesn't know and you get a break twice. Twisted logic like this is 6 versions was born.

[yuki333]

@angrylProgrammer
You are taking his quote out of context. He didn't say that readers of PCworld will almost never have to make a decision, or Angrylprogrammer will never have to make a decision, he said most people wont. And considering at least 80% of windows users still use IE it's safe to say they have never build a computer. You even reinforce his statement by saying your choice the OS for your parents. That means they aren't making the decision of which one to use.
Overall I find that the article is accurate and true. With the market share that windows has they have to offer choices and still make a profit.

[angylProgrammer]

I'm only arguing that these broad generalizations are ridiculous. Someone will have to decide, and it is vitally important for that person to know what to use. If in fact, there are only three important versions, then release three, and either bite the bullet and cut prices on the simpler one, or lose market share to linux. Don't release 6 versions of your OS.

[free2speak]

I have Windows XP Professional because it came with tools not available in Windows XP Home. Better security, encryption, networking, and most important remote support. Remote support should have been in every version since so many friends and family ask me to work on their PC. Maybe Windows 7 Home Premium will be all I need, but I wouldn't be surprised if I am forced to buy a higher product.