Source: Tom's Guide US | Keywords: Microsoft, Windows, 7 | Themes: Windows Tech Talk, Software
- 1. Buying Win7
- 2. Europe and IE8, Conclusion
2. Europe and IE8, Conclusion
Upgrade Problem with IE8 in Europe
In the European Union there WAS a legal problem when Microsoft wanted to bundle IE8 with the operating system. It's all a little confusing, but the following should clarify Microsoft’s plan in Europe.
From Microsoft's Site Regarding Windows "E":
We are intent on providing people with the best possible experience using their PCs with Windows. Building on that important principle, we will ship the same version of Windows 7 in Europe as in rest of the world on the worldwide launch date of 22 October, 2009. This version of Windows 7 includes Windows Internet Explorer 8 to help people get the most from their PCs and the Internet. We will not ship E [European] editions of Windows 7, which would not have included Internet Explorer. Customers who pre-order Windows 7 will receive versions of the product that include Internet Explorer. Customers participating in the Windows Upgrade Option available with select new PCs running Windows Vista will also receive versions of Windows 7 that include Internet Explorer. Customers in Europe will also be able to choose between upgrade and full versions of Windows 7.
Windows 7 Ultimate - Is it Worth the Extra Money?
BitLocker is probably the primary reason behind buying Windows 7 Ultimate. If you don't need this feature then Ultimate is costly. Yet, if you factor in the price of frustration that you feel because Home Premium misses out on a feature you read about in the press, then it may not be as expensive as you first thought.
What nearly drove me mad was trying to edit the local group policy, and being unable to find gpedit.msc on a Windows 7 Home Premium computer. The problem is that gpedit only exists on the Ultimate edition, (and it might in the Professional edition as well).
Perhaps you have read about Windows 7 providing an “XP Mode”? If you think this the salvation for one of your old applications, then you will be disappointed to discover that XP Mode requires a virtualization engine, which is not available for Windows 7 Home Premium. Please note XP mode requires Virtual PC, and is therefore different from the Compatibility tab on a programs’ “properties” breakdown.
The first thing you realize about the Home Premium edition's (in-)compatibility is that you cannot join a domain. What is less obvious is that you may also struggle with offline folders or any type of folder redirection.
Another annoying feature for Home editions is that Remote Desktop Service does not work, thus you cannot remote desktop IN to a Home Premium computer. You can however, use the client-side software to remote desktop OUT to a machine with Windows 7 Professional or Ultimate, both of which have the Remote Desktop Service.
Do you need to switch between languages? If so, the Ultimate edition is the only version to enable you to switch with nary a hiccup.
Well that's enough examples of where Home Premium comes up short. My point is not that the Ultimate edition is great value, but rather if you pay the extra then you can be confident in knowing that every Windows 7 feature you read about will work on your computer.
What is Your Windows 7 Strategy?
In these upgrade battles my advice is, 'Tell me the rules, and I will play your game'. Your best bet is to do your own research for your situation. Hopefully, you now have the right questions to ask so you can make an informed decision.
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I work for computer shop and was on Microsoft 'training' for Windows 7. They said that 32-bit and 64-bit are two separate SKUs, so you won't get two DVD's. You'll have to decide before you purchase your edition or else you might get very disappointed.
But do check this info. Maybe our guys were misinformed.
I already have Win 7 64 bit. It seems great, but Windows Explorer always crashes when I try and right click or assign something to the Start Menu. I hope it'll be repaired soon. Until then, I'm sticking to dual booting with Vista 64 bit.
I only have windows 7 rc and I ordered the upgrade edition. Do you think I'm in trouble?
Microsoft representative (and common sense) told us that it is not possible to do 'upgrade' from RC because it's not paid version of Windows 7. Therefore you must have ordered full installation, so I presume there would be no trouble for you.
Manufacturer's Description
Windows 7 Home Premium makes it easy to create a home network and share all of your favourite photos, videos and music. You can even watch, pause, rewind and record TV. Get the best entertainment experience with Windows 7 Home Premium.
32-bit or 64-bit? For your convenience, every copy of Windows 7 Home Premium includes both 32-bit and 64-bit discs.
one-shot, I've been running 7 since beta and never had that problem. I think you probably need to reinstall.
My pre-ordered copies of Win7 Professional and Win7 Home Premium arrived in the post this morning.
Both copies include a 32bit disc and a 64bit disc.
This article seems to have a bit of a slant - I don't think any "HOME Edition" has ever been able to join a domain? Isn't that what differentiates the home versions from the professional versions? After all, the purpose of the professional version is to have centralized control of machines and account management, which is hardly necessary in a home environment unless you are a tech-head, in which case you should probably be running professional or higher anyway
Does someone who really needs xp compatibility need to pay extra for professional to run xp mode? Why not just dual boot?
Does someone who really needs xp compatibility need to pay extra for professional to run xp mode? Why not just dual boot?
XP mode lets you run XP apps at the same time as win7 apps, which you couldn't do when dual booting. On the other hand, dual booting ensures better compatabiolity - XP mode is no good for games and isn't perfect for some other programs. Either way, XP mode has been a bit over-hyped. Few users will actually need/be bale to make use of it. I think it is mostly aimed at large corporations who have some legacy proprietary software that they insist on using on their new systems.
To most people, including most bussinesses XP mode is irrelevant. However, some enthusiasts might find other possibilities offered by the virtual PC support quite intriguing...
My understanding of the 32 bit vs 64 bit issue is that retail box copies will come with both versions. OEM copies only have one version per disc. So if you are looking to save money that way, you'll have to choose upfront.
"Your nightmare would be buying a Windows 7 upgrade for Home Premium, which is useless because you currently have the XP Professional edition."
When I preordered Win 7 upgrade home premium it was clear that it was possible to upgrade from XP pro. Did I read wrong? Did the rules change since last july?
I already have Win7 Pro through MSDN-AA and it seems to be the perfect fit for me feature-wise
It'd be great to see a full list of the differences!
As an administrator on my own desktop and notebook pc's, I use gpedit.msc quite often!
I never use remote desktop though...
It'd be a pitty that I'd have to go to ultimate just because the basic version does not have this function!
What if the home edition is perfect for me,but there's one feat the 'ultimate' edition has that I want to have?
Can someone go from Vista Home Premium OEM to W7 Home Premium Upg.? I remember once upon a time there were issues with upgrading from OEM releases. Also, why's Lenovo asking for $32 per dvd for the so called "free" upgrade but other manufacturers like Acer are not?
Best solution is not to buy Windows 7 at all.
You can simply avoid all these problems and keep your money too.. Just go with Ubuntu instead.
Still need windows for some things? Run XP under Virtual Box. Total cost for all this: $0
So far Windows 7 RC has bee good to me. I get the it legally when it comes out.
Win 7 Pro Has gpedit (just checked)
Manufacturer's DescriptionWindows 7 Home Premium makes it easy to create a home network and share all of your favourite photos, videos and music. You can even watch, pause, rewind and record TV. Get the best entertainment experience with Windows 7 Home Premium. 32-bit or 64-bit? For your convenience, every copy of Windows 7 Home Premium includes both 32-bit and 64-bit discs.
That's not true. If you are buying an OEM version say from NewEgg, you have to stipulate if you want the 32 or 64 bit. Since the equipment manufacturer stipulates the machine and CPU / motherboard, they expect you to decide their and then which route you want to ho.
If you buy the upgrade, you can install it, bu DON'T put the product key in. Then when it's installed, put the disc back in and 'upgrade' from that. Works like a charm!