Windows 7 review: The Clash of Three Windows (2)

Depending on your needs, you may decide to stick to an older version of Windows since each version caters to different users. The four main Windows products to really take note of are the Ultimate, Home Premium, Professional, and Starter Windows editions. Look at core features which fit your style and needs, and which would make you choose it over another. For instance, the Windows 7 Starter version features make up the Windows 7 Home Premium version, but will also integrate Media Center and Aero interface features. While on the other hand Home Premium features make up the Windows Professional package but with a slant that appeals to those in the business world.

So which version is right for you? The existing Windows 7 Professional version, Windows 7 Ultimate, and Windows Home Premium version on the market today present some effective features that may appeal to different buyers. The Windows 7 Home Premium version allows users to log onto their PCs from other units inside a HomeGroup network, which is ideal for the standard PC user. The Windows 7 Professional version, however, allows you to back-up your files on a network drive, has a Remote Desktop Connection server has corporate networking capabilities, and also includes virtualized Windows XP compatibility mode. Lastly, Windows 7 Ultimate contains both Windows 7 Professional and Windows 7 Home Premium package features but enables the user to toggle operating systems of different languages as well as supporting bit locker drive encryption in its own ultimate package. So whatever package you use, you can be guaranteed that each package contains all the required features that Windows 7 is made up of in sequentially more advanced versions.

In terms of software activation, Windows 7 will still present the same problems considering the strict anti-piracy guidelines Microsoft adheres to. For instance when upgrading a video card or hard drive, this will require you calling an activation line at Microsoft to activate your products. As for the 32-bit and 64-bit exclusivity problems in the stock keeping units (SKUs), presented in older Windows versions, this will no longer be an issue with Windows 7 since it accommodates both versions with its 32-bit and 64-bit discs. Even its activation key will be good for installing either 32- or 64-bit versions. This will allow you the freedom to choose the Windows version you are more inclined to instead of having to choose only one version depending on your PC unit.