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PDC '08: Windows 7 feature list hints at multiple editions

by Parm Mann on 28 October 2008, 12:42

Tags: Windows 7, Microsoft (NASDAQ:MSFT)

Quick Link: HEXUS.net/qapxj

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To coincide with the launch of a limited beta of Windows 7 at PDC later today, Microsoft has published a pre-release privacy statement that describes a lengthy list of Windows 7 features including BitLocker Drive Encryption, Dynamic Update, Gadgets, and HomeGroup.

BitLocker, incidentally, is listed as available on computers running Windows 7 Enterprise Edition and Windows 7 Ultimate Edition. Despite being a pre-beta statement, it's a firm indication that Windows 7, like Windows Vista before it, will ship in various flavours.

Windows Vista currently ships in six different editions; Windows Vista Starter, Windows Vista Home Basic, Windows Vista Home Premium, Windows Vista Ultimate, Windows Vista Business and Windows Vista Enterprise. Phew.

Windows 7, it appears, has two of those already covered and we wouldn't be surprised to hear of more editions later today. Windows Vista's multiple editions received more than a fair share of criticism, and Windows 7 looks to be leaving itself open to similar ridicule.

No word on any Windows 7 Ultimate Extras, yet.

Source: Microsoft.com - Windows 7: Pre-release privacy supplement

HEXUS Forums :: 34 Comments

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Posted by shaithis - Tue 28 Oct 2008 12:45
Of course there will be a number of editions…….else they can't fleece people who need domain access.
Posted by Webby - Tue 28 Oct 2008 13:07
Will the be 32 and 64 bit flavours as well or are they going to dump 32bit this time round so manufacturers have to sort out drivers which work under the 64bit OS or else they can't slap a Windows 7 compatible sticker on the side!
Posted by miniyazz - Tue 28 Oct 2008 13:12
And anyone with a main computer and a laptop might find Remote Desktop a worthwhile feature, but if they follow in Vista's footsteps, it won't be available to the average customer.
As someone who has a high-spec desktop and a low-spec laptop from a few years ago, I regularly Remote Desktop to my main computer (in my bedroom) using my laptop (in my living room). Means I get no performance hit from having multiple applications open, and can run more powerful programs, with the comfort and sociability of being in the living room. But I was forced to upgrade from Vista Home Premium to Vista Ultimate to take advantage of this because Microsoft, in their wisdom, decided it was purely a business feature, and did not include it in Home Premium; a pain, since I use no other features of Ultimate that aren't in Premium.

/rant
Posted by jackvdbuk - Tue 28 Oct 2008 13:13
Webby
Will the be 32 and 64 bit flavours as well or are they going to dump 32bit this time round so manufacturers have to sort out drivers which work under the 64bit OS or else they can't slap a Windows 7 compatible sticker on the side!

speaking totally fictional (i think), id also prfer 64 bit only, means less work for developers of software not having to code twice and its about time we all moved forward…

but does some software nowadays not even work on 64bit? gonna alienate alot of people especially companies in the chance they upgrade or cant upgrade since thier 1997 (or whatever year :P) software doesnt work..
Posted by miniyazz - Tue 28 Oct 2008 13:15
Webby
Will the be 32 and 64 bit flavours as well or are they going to dump 32bit this time round so manufacturers have to sort out drivers which work under the 64bit OS or else they can't slap a Windows 7 compatible sticker on the side!

There was a Hexus article recently, they will unfortunately have 32-bit editions, but for a Windows 7 compatibility sticker for software, the software must support the 64-bit OS.

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