Which Win7 For You?
Posted by Brian Gallutia on Jul 28, 2009
During all major Windows operating system releases (which we’ve been involved in at least 8 of them), we at PCS invariably get asked the question: which version is right for me?
The right choice in selecting operating systems always come back answering a question with a question:
What are you going to do with your PC?
To simplify the whole decision-making process, we thought it would be a good idea to cut to the chase by offering the following if/then statements to help bring things into focus:
- IF you are a home user THEN Windows 7 Home Premium is your cup of tea. This Win7 version includes Aero UI tweaks, multi-touch capabilites (that you may never use but nice to have), media capabilities (Media Center, DVD playback, DVD creation, etc.) and you can create home network groups for homes with more than one PC.
- IF you use your PC for business, both at home and at the office, THEN Windows 7 Professional is for you. All of the features outlined above in the Premium package area available plus Remote Desktop functionality, domain support, and offline folders. Other perks such as Mobility Center and Presentation Mode make this version of Win7 perfect for the business laptop crowd.
- IF money is no limit and you don’t like not having everything available to you, THEN Windows 7 Ultimate is happy to reach into your pocket. At $320 retail, you get all of the nuts and bolts of the aforementioned versions plus BranchCache, DirectAccess and BitLocker technology. Are you surprised that you’ve been living your life without these features? Yea, we can’t believe it either (hehe).
As always, if you have any questions about what’s best for you and your home or office, feel free to register on this site and leave a comment or drop us a line via our Contact Us form.
Here is a question submitted to us via email:
“Just got your news letter and have a question, I pre-ordered a copy of 7 Pro (upgrade) back in June, I believe, when you could get it for ½ off, but the Ultimate was not available for that promo. Am I correct in saying the only difference in the two versions is BitLocker?”
My response:
It’s not the only difference, but as far as a feature that guys like you and me would use, BitLocker is really the only thing you’re missing.
The article on the web site links to Ultimate’s features if you want to read more on it.
Honestly, for me it’s going to be Home Premium at home and Professional on my laptop.
I got another email question and thought it best to post for all to enjoy…
“Have you noticed anything about it locking up… more frequently than it should? I got your newsletter and was checking it out. We have it on a laptop at home and it’s locking up more than what it probably should, but that could also be the laptop itself.”
My response:
It’s funny that you mention this. Recently, my Windows 7 has been hard-locking after recovering from power-saving mode. Unfortunately, it’s happened to me randomly and I suspect it has something to do with software that I run throughout the day.
However, with a laptop, by default it probably goes into sleep mode. Is that when you’re having a problem?
Finally, keep in mind that this is RC software and not finalized, so hopefully whatever the issue is, it won’t follow us into the full version.