Windows 7: HOT: Windows 7 Information

HOT: Windows 7 Information

by John.Wilkinson  - 10/7/09 5:18 PM

Many leaks and rumors have been circulating for weeks, but this is an official notification and release.


When will it be available?
-> Windows 7 will be available through retail and OEM channels starting October 22, 2009.
-> Availability may vary based on computer manufacturer, store, and initial demand.
-> Windows 7 RC (time-limited pre-release version) is currently publicly available!


Will I be able to upgrade to Windows 7 from a previous version?
-> From Windows Vista, yes; most files, applications, and settings will remain intact.
-> From Windows XP, no; a clean installation will be required.
-> From Windows 7 Beta/RC, possibly. (Consult the answer to "Will I be able to upgrade from the Beta/RC to the RTM version?")


Will I be able to downgrade from Windows 7 to a previous version?
-> No. It is not possible to downgrade from one version of Windows to another, necessitating a clean installation.
-> Windows 7 Professional, Enterprise, and Ultimate users, however, will be permitted to exchange the Windows 7 license for a corresponding Windows XP or Windows Vista license.


Will I be able to upgrade from the Beta/RC to the RTM version?
-> Possibly. There is a process by which it is technically possible, but it is for advanced users only and is not advisable or supported by Microsoft due to potential malfunctions that may occur as a result. Therefore, a clean installation is strongly encouraged.


Will I receive a discount on the final version?
-> Beta testers will not receive free or discounted copies of Windows 7 upon its release.
-> Starting June 26, 2009, buyers of new computers will receive a free upgrade to Windows 7 once it becomes available.
-> Licensed users of Windows XP and/or Windows Vista may purchase a Windows 7 upgrade license at the reduced price.


How much will Windows 7 cost?
Upgrade:
-> Home Premium: $119.99
-> Professional: $199.99
-> Ultimate: $219.99

Full Retail:
-> Home Premium: $199.99
-> Professional: $299.99
-> Ultimate: $319.99

NOTE: That means Windows 7 Home Premium will cost $40 less at launch than Windows Vista did while Windows 7 Ultimate will cost $40 less to upgrade and $80 less to buy outright!


What are Windows 7's recommended system requirements?
-> 1GHz single-core processor
-> 1GB RAM (32-bit) or 2GB RAM (64-bit)
-> 16GB hard drive (32-bit) or 20GB hard drive (64-bit)
-> Graphics card with 128MB of memory (for Aero Glass)


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Windows 7 will be officially released in 6 editions, closely resembling those found for Windows Vista.
NOTE: Each edition contains all features/capabilities all editions listed above it!


Starter:
Audience: Preinstalled on qualifying Netbooks only
-> Netbooks must not exceed a single 2GHz processor, 1GB RAM, 250GB HDD or 64GB SSD, and 10.2 inch display.
-> Cannot be customized with backgrounds, sounds, themes, et cetera.
-> Excludes DVD playback, multimedia streaming, et cetera.
-> Does not support Fast User Switching (multiple users logged in simultaneously).
-> Does not support the use of multiple monitors.
-> Does not include Aero Glass or any advanced interface features.
-> Only available in 32-bit (x86), not 64-bit (x64).


Home Basic:
Audience: Emerging Markets Only
-> Removes netbook-only restriction.
-> Can be customized with backgrounds, sounds, themes, et cetera.
-> Supports Fast User Switching (multiple users logged in simultaneously).
-> Does not include Aero Glass or any advanced interface features.
-> Excludes DVD playback, multimedia streaming, et cetera.


Home Premium:
Audience: Average home users
-> Includes Aero Glass & advanced interface features.
-> Features easy network management.
-> Includes Windows Media Center & multimedia support.
-> Includes multi-touch support & handwriting recognition.
-> Includes premium games & DVD playback/creation.


Professional:
Audience: Business and professional users
-> Features enhanced domain networking capabilities.
-> Includes system backup over a network capabilities.
-> Includes Encrypting File System (EFS).
-> Features Location Aware Printing.
-> Features Presentation Mode.
-> Features Windows XP Mode (integrated Windows XP virtual machine) for application compatibility.


Enterprise:
Audience: Enterprise volume subscribers only
-> Supports Multilingual User Interface (MUI) packages.
-> Features Bitlocker (provides full hard drive encryption).
-> Features DirectAccess (provides corporate network access).
-> Features BranchCache (decreases network access time).
-> Features AppLocker (prevents running of unauthorized programs).
-> Offers ability to boot from virtual hard drives (VHD files only).


Ultimate:
Audience: All users
-> Same as Windows 7 Enterprise, except available via retail & OEM licensing.


Key Notes:
1.) Starter edition can now run unlimited applications simultaneously and is available worldwide, but is only found on netbooks.
2.) Home Basic edition is now available only in emerging markets rather than on low-end computers in primary markets.
3.) Windows 7 restores the Professional edition, replacing the short-lived Business edition introduced in Windows Vista.
4.) Ultimate Extras, introduced but quite limited in Windows Vista, have been eliminated from the Ultimate edition.
5.) Windows 7 will also be released in N and KR editions in accordance with European and South Korean legislation.
6.) Most users only have three editions to consider: Home Premium, Professional, and Ultimate. All others are limited market only!


Questions? Comments? Sound off below!
John

Message was edited by: admin to remove HTML codes and replace with BBS codes