Windows 7 Editions
There are six different editions!
Starter:- Supports a maximum of one physical processor (single or multi-core). Does not support the Windows Aero user interface, DVD playback, Windows Media Center, IIS Web Server and Internet connection sharing. Does not support enterprise features such as joining a computer to a domain, AppLocker, DirectAccess, BitLocker, Remote Desktop Host, BranchCache and EFS (Encrypting File System). Available from retailers and hardware manufacturers.
Home Basic:- Same as the Starter Edition with the addition of a 64bit (x64) version that supports a maximum of 8GB of RAM. Available only in emerging markets.
Home Premium:- Supports up to two physical processors. Does not support enterprise features such as, joining a computer to a domain, AppLocker, DirectAccess, BitLocker, Remote Desktop Host, BranchCache and EFS (Encrypting File System). But it supports the Windows Aero user interface, DVD playback, Windows Media Center, IIS Web Server and Internet connection sharing. The 32bit (x86) version supports a maximum of 4GB of RAM like its predecessors while the 64bit (x64) version supports a maximum of 16GB of RAM. Available from retailers and hardware manufacturers.
Professional:- Supports up to two physical processors. It supports all the features available in Windows Home Premium plus joining a computer to a domain, EFS (Encrypting File System) and Remote Desktop Host. But it does not support enterprise features such as AppLocker, DirectAccess, BitLocker and BranchCache. The 64bit (x64) version supports a maximum of 128GB of RAM. Available from retailers and hardware manufacturers.
Enterprise and Ultimate:- These two support all features mentioned above. The only difference between these two editions is the licensing scheme. The Enterprise is available only to Volume license agreements while the Ultimate is for the general public. The 64bit (x64) version supports a maximum of 128GB of RAM.
Important Note:- It is recommended that you install the 32bit (x86) versions on older computers and netbooks. Also, remember that an x86 version supports a maximum of 4GB (practically 3.5GB) of RAM and you can only install a x64 version on computers that have x64-compatible processors!
