Windows 7 professional and ultimate

From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia

Windows 7, a major release of the Microsoft Windows operating system, has been released in several editions since its original release in 2009. Only Home Premium, Professional, and Ultimate were widely available at retailers.[1] The other editions focus on other markets, such as the software development world or enterprise use. All editions support 32-bit IA-32 CPUs and all editions except Starter support 64-bit x64 CPUs. 64-bit installation media are not included in Home-Basic edition packages, but can be obtained separately from Windows.

According to Microsoft, the features for all editions of Windows 7 are stored on the machine, regardless of which edition is in use.[2] Users who wish to upgrade to an edition of Windows 7 with more features were able to use Windows Anytime Upgrade to purchase the upgrade and to unlock the features of those editions, until it was discontinued in 2015.[1][2][3] Microsoft announced Windows 7 pricing information for some editions on June 25, 2009, and Windows Anytime Upgrade and Family Pack pricing on July 31, 2009.[1][4][5]

Main editions[edit]

Mainstream support for all Windows 7 editions ended on January 13, 2015, and extended support ended on January 14, 2020. After that, the operating system ceased receiving further support.[6] Professional and Enterprise volume licensed editions had paid Extended Security Updates (ESU) available until at most January 10, 2023.[7] Since October 31, 2013, Windows 7 is no longer available in retail, except for remaining stocks of the preinstalled Professional edition, which was officially discontinued on October 31, 2016.[8]

Windows 7 Starter Desktop
Windows 7 Starter
Windows 7 Starter is the edition of Windows 7 that contains the fewest features. It is only available in a 32-bit version and does not include the Windows Aero theme. The desktop wallpaper and visual styles (Windows 7 Basic) are not user-changeable. In the release candidate versions of Windows 7, Microsoft intended to restrict users of this edition to running three simultaneous programs, but this limitation was dropped in the final release.[9] This edition does not support more than 2 GB of RAM.
This edition was available pre-installed on computers, especially netbooks or Windows Tablets, through system integrators or computer manufacturers using OEM licenses.[1][10][11]
Windows 7 Home Basic
Windows 7 Home Basic was available in «emerging markets», in 141 countries.[12] Some Windows Aero options are excluded along with several new features.[1] This edition is available in both 32-bit and 64-bit versions and supports up to 8 GB of RAM. Home Basic, along with other editions sold in emerging markets, includes geographical activation restriction, which requires users to activate Windows within a certain region or country.[13]
Windows 7 Home Premium
This edition contains features aimed at the home market segment, such as Windows Media Center, Windows Aero and multi-touch support. It was available in both 32-bit and 64-bit versions.[14]
Windows 7 Professional
This edition is targeted towards enthusiasts, small-business users, and schools.[1] It includes all the features of Windows 7 Home Premium, and adds the ability to participate in a Windows Server domain.[1] Additional features include support for up to 192 GB of RAM (increased from 16 GB),[15] operating as a Remote Desktop server, location aware printing, backup to a network location, Encrypting File System, Presentation Mode, Software Restriction Policies (but not the extra management features of AppLocker) and Windows XP Mode.[1] It was available in both 32-bit and 64-bit versions.[14]
Windows 7 Enterprise
This edition targeted the enterprise segment of the market and was sold through volume licensing to companies which have a Software Assurance (SA) contract with Microsoft.[1] Additional features include support for Multilingual User Interface (MUI) packages, BitLocker Drive Encryption, and UNIX application support.[1] Not available through retail or OEM channels, this edition is distributed through SA.[1] As a result, it includes several SA-only benefits, including a license allowing the operating of diskless nodes (diskless PCs) and activation via Volume License Key (VLK).[16]
Windows 7 Ultimate
Windows 7 Ultimate contains the same features as Windows 7 Enterprise, but this edition was available to home users on an individual license basis.[1] If a Windows 7 Home Premium or Windows 7 Professional user wished to upgrade to Windows 7 Ultimate, they would be able to use Windows Anytime Upgrade to do so, for an additional fee. This service is still available for any users who wish to upgrade.[1] Unlike Windows Vista Ultimate, the Windows 7 Ultimate does not include the Windows Ultimate Extras feature or any exclusive features as Microsoft had stated.[1]

Special-purpose editions[edit]

The main editions also can take the form of one of the following special editions:

N and KN editions
The features in the N and KN Editions are the same as their equivalent full versions, but do not include Windows Media Player or other Windows Media-related technologies, such as Windows Media Center and Windows DVD Maker due to limitations set by the European Union and South Korea, respectively.[17] The cost of the N and KN Editions are the same as the full versions, as the Media Feature Pack for Windows 7 N or Windows 7 KN can be downloaded without charge from Microsoft.[18]
E edition
The features in the E edition are the same as their equivalent full versions, but does not include Internet Explorer due to limitations set by the European Union. The cost of the E edition was cheaper than the full version.[19]
Signature Edition
The Signature Edition of Windows 7 is a commemorative edition of Windows 7 Ultimate for those throwing a Windows 7 launch party.[20] It is functionally the same as Windows 7 Ultimate.

Upgrade editions[edit]

In-place upgrade from Windows Vista with Service Pack 1 to Windows 7 is supported if the processor architecture and the language are the same and their editions match (see below).[1][3][21] In-place upgrade is not supported for earlier versions of Windows; moving to Windows 7 on these machines requires a clean installation, i.e. removal of the old operating system, installing Windows 7 and reinstalling all previously installed programs. Windows Easy Transfer can assist in this process.[1][3][22][23]
Microsoft made upgrade SKUs of Windows 7 for selected editions of Windows XP and Windows Vista. The difference between these SKUs and full SKUs of Windows 7 is their lower price and proof of license ownership of a qualifying previous version of Windows. Same restrictions on in-place upgrading applies to these SKUs as well.[24] In addition, Windows 7 is available as a Family Pack upgrade edition in certain markets, to upgrade to Windows 7 Home Premium only. It gives licenses to upgrade three machines from Vista or Windows XP to the Windows 7 Home Premium edition. These are not full versions, so each machine to be upgraded must have one of these qualifying previous versions of Windows for them to work.[25] In the United States, this offer expired in early December 2009.[26] In October 2010, to commemorate the anniversary of Windows 7, Microsoft once again made Windows 7 Home Premium Family Pack available for a limited time, while supplies lasted.[27]

Upgrade compatibility[edit]

There are two possible ways to upgrade to Windows 7 from an earlier version of Windows:

  • An in-place install (labelled «Upgrade» in the installer), where settings and programs are preserved from an older version of Windows. This option is only sometimes available, depending on the editions of Windows being used, and is not available at all unless upgrading from Windows Vista.[28]
  • A clean install (labelled «Custom» in the installer), where all settings including but not limited to user accounts, applications, user settings, music, photos, and programs are erased entirely and the current operating system is erased and replaced with Windows 7. This option is always available and is required for all versions of Windows XP.[29]

The table below lists which upgrade paths allow for an in-place install. Note that in-place upgrades can only be performed when the previous version of Windows is of the same architecture. If upgrading from a 32-bit installation to a 64-bit installation or downgrading from 64-bit installation to 32-bit installation, a clean install is mandatory regardless of the editions being used.

Version and its
specific edition of
Windows to
upgrade from		 Edition of Windows 7 to upgrade to
Home
Basic		 Home
Premium		 Professional Enterprise Ultimate
Vista Home Basic In-place In-place Clean Clean In-place
Vista Home Premium Clean In-place Clean Clean In-place
Vista Business Clean Clean In-place In-place In-place
Vista Enterprise Clean Clean Clean In-place Clean
Vista Ultimate Clean Clean Clean Clean In-place
XP Clean Clean Clean Clean Clean
2000/ME and earlier Ineligible Ineligible Ineligible Ineligible Ineligible

  In-place installation option available.

  Requires clean install.

  Requires full version of Windows and a clean install. Ineligible for upgrade pricing.

Anytime Upgrade editions[edit]

Microsoft still supports in-place upgrades from a lower edition of Windows 7 to a higher one, using the Windows Anytime Upgrade tool.[1] There are currently three retail options available (though it is currently unclear whether they can be used with previous installations of the N versions).[30] There are no family pack versions of the Anytime Upgrade editions. It was possible to use the Product Key from a Standard upgrade edition to accomplish an in-place upgrade (e.g. Home Premium to Ultimate).[31][32]

  • Starter to Home Premium
  • Starter to Professional1
  • Starter to Ultimate1
  • Home Premium to Professional
  • Home Premium to Ultimate
  • Professional to Ultimate1

1 Available in retail, and at the Microsoft Store

Derivatives[edit]

Windows Thin PC
On February 9, 2011, Microsoft announced Windows Thin PC, a branded derivative of Windows Embedded Standard 7 with Service Pack 1, designed as a lightweight version of Windows 7 for installation on low performance PCs as an alternative to using a dedicated thin client device. It succeeded Windows Fundamentals for Legacy PCs, which was based on Windows XP Embedded. Windows Thin PC was released on June 6, 2011.
Mainstream support for Windows Thin PC ended on October 11, 2016, and extended support ended on October 12, 2021.[33]
Embedded versions
Windows 7 is also currently available in two distinct forms of Windows Embedded, named as Windows Embedded Standard 7 (known as Windows Embedded Standard 2011 prior to release, the newest being Windows Embedded Standard 7 with Service Pack 1) and Windows Embedded POSReady 7. Both versions are eligible for Extended Security Updates (ESU) for up to 3 years after their end of extended support dates.[7] In addition, binary identical for Embedded Systems (FES) variants of Professional and Ultimate editions are also available, differing only in licensing, and with their support periods also matching their non FES variants.
Mainstream support for Windows Embedded 7 Standard ended on October 13, 2015, and extended support ended on October 13, 2020.[34] Mainstream support for Windows Embedded POSReady 7 ended on October 11, 2016, and extended support ended on October 12, 2021.[35] Extended Security Updates (ESU) last for Windows Embedded 7 Standard until October 10, 2023.[34] ESU for Windows Embedded POSReady 7 last until October 8, 2024.[36][35][37][38]

Comparison chart[edit]

Windows 7 edition comparison chart[1][3][4][16][22][39][40][41]

Features Starter Home Basic Home Premium Professional Enterprise Ultimate
Licensing scheme OEM licensing Retail and OEM
licensing in
emerging markets		 Retail and OEM
licensing		 Retail, OEM and
volume licensing[42]		 Volume licensing[42] Retail and OEM
licensing
Maximum physical memory (RAM) (32-Bit)[43] 2 GB 4 GB
Maximum physical memory (RAM) (64-Bit)[43] — 8 GB 16 GB 192 GB
Maximum physical CPUs supported[a][44] 1 2
Desktop Gadgets Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes
Built-in AVCHD support[45] No Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes
Multiple monitors No High quality required High quality required High quality required High quality required High quality required
Fast user switching No Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes
Desktop Window Manager No Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes
Windows Mobility Center No Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes
Printing via the Internet No Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes
Windows Parental Controls[46] Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes
64-bit edition available? No Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes
Windows Aero No Partial Yes Yes Yes Yes
Built-in DVD (MPEG-2 and Dolby Digital) decoder[3] No No Yes Yes Yes Yes
Multi-touch No No Yes Yes Yes Yes
Windows Media Center No No Yes Yes Yes Yes
Windows Media Player remote media experience[b] No No Yes[47] Yes[47] Yes[47] Yes[47]
Premium games included No No Yes Yes[c] Yes[c] Yes
HomeGroup support Join only Join only Create or join Create or join Create or join Create or join
Back up to network with Backup and Restore Center[49] No No No Yes Yes Yes
Act as host for Remote Desktop Services No No No Yes Yes Yes
Dynamic disks[50] No No No Yes Yes Yes
Encrypting File System No No No Yes Yes Yes
Location-aware printing No No No Yes Yes Yes
Presentation mode No No No Yes Yes Yes
Group Policy[51] No No No Yes Yes Yes
Offline files and folder redirection[51] No No No Yes Yes Yes
Windows Server domain joining No No No Yes Yes Yes
Windows XP Mode[d] No Partial Partial Yes Yes Yes
Software restriction policies No No No Yes Yes Yes
Remote administration tools No No No Yes Yes Yes
Active Directory Lightweight Directory Services (AD LDS)[e] No No No Yes Yes Yes
AppLocker No No No Create policies, but cannot enforce Create and enforce policies Create and enforce policies
Aero glass remoting[52][53] No No No No Yes Yes
Windows Media Player multimedia redirection[53] No No No No Yes[47] Yes[47]
Enterprise search scopes[51]: 130  No No No No Yes Yes
Federated search[54] No No No No Yes Yes
BitLocker Drive Encryption No No No No Yes Yes
BranchCache Distributed Cache No No No No Yes Yes
Subsystem for Unix-based Applications No No No No Yes Yes
Supports Multilingual User Interface packages No No No No Yes Yes
Virtual desktop infrastructure (VDI) enhancements[51]: 130  No No No No Yes Yes
Virtual desktop infrastructure (VDI) licensed[55] No No No No Yes Yes
VHD booting[f] No No No No Yes Yes
Switching between any of the 37 available languages[57][58] No No No No Yes[58] Yes[58]
Features Starter Home Basic Home Premium Professional Enterprise Ultimate

See also[edit]

  • Windows 2000 editions
  • Windows XP editions
  • Windows Vista editions
  • Windows 8 editions
  • Windows 10 editions

Notes[edit]

  1. ^ Not the same as logical processor limits: all editions are limited to 32 logical processors for IA-32 and 256 for x64
  2. ^ Feature of Windows Media Player which enables the use and control of media libraries on other computers
  3. ^ a b Disabled by default.[48]
  4. ^ Windows Virtual PC including a complete copy of Windows XP with Service Pack 3 using Remote Desktop Protocol to display individual applications integrated with the host OS (Windows 7). Windows XP Mode is available as a free download from Microsoft.
  5. ^ formerly Active Directory Application Mode (ADAM)
  6. ^ Any edition of Windows 7 can be installed onto a VHD volume; these installations even appear in the boot menu. However, only Enterprise or Ultimate editions start. Other editions return an error message.[56]

References[edit]

  1. ^ a b c d e f g h i j k l m n o p q r «All Windows 7 Versions—What You Need to Know». ExtremeTech. February 5, 2009. Retrieved February 5, 2009.
  2. ^ a b LeBlanc, Brandon (February 9, 2009). «A closer look at the Windows 7 SKUs». Windows Team Blog. Microsoft. Retrieved February 9, 2009.
  3. ^ a b c d e Thurrott, Paul (February 3, 2009). «Windows 7 Product Editions». Retrieved February 3, 2009.
  4. ^ a b «Microsoft unveils ‘screaming deals’ for Windows 7». ZDNet. June 25, 2009. Retrieved June 25, 2009.
  5. ^ «Windows Anytime Upgrade and Family Pack Pricing». Microsoft. July 31, 2009. Retrieved July 31, 2009.
  6. ^ «Microsoft product support lifecycle information by product family: Windows 7». Microsoft. Retrieved January 28, 2020.
  7. ^ a b «Lifecycle FAQ-Extended Security Updates». support.microsoft.com. Retrieved August 12, 2020. The Extended Security Update (ESU) program is a last resort option for customers who need to run certain legacy Microsoft products past the end of support.
  8. ^ «Windows lifecycle fact sheet». support.microsoft.com.
  9. ^ Keizer, Gregg (May 29, 2009). «Microsoft kills Windows 7 Starter’s 3-app limit». Computer World.
  10. ^ «Windows 7 Wins on Netbook PCs». Microsoft. February 3, 2009. Retrieved February 3, 2009.
  11. ^ «Microsoft forbids changes to Windows 7 netbook wallpaper». The Register. June 19, 2009. Retrieved October 22, 2009.
  12. ^ Hachman, Mark (February 4, 2009). «The Windows 7 Versions: What You Need to Know». PC Magazine. Windows 7 Home Basic. Retrieved October 22, 2011.
  13. ^ «How to Tell: Geographically Restricted Microsoft Software». Microsoft. Retrieved November 17, 2009.
  14. ^ a b «All Windows 7 Versions—What You Need to Know – Windows Home Premium». ExtremeTech. February 5, 2009. Retrieved February 5, 2009.
  15. ^ Bott, Ed. «Do you need more than Windows 7 Home Premium?». ZDNet. CBS Interactive. Retrieved January 15, 2014.
  16. ^ a b «Products: Windows 7 Enterprise». Microsoft. Retrieved April 2, 2009.
  17. ^ «Description of the Windows Media Feature Pack for Windows 7 N and for Windows 7 KN». Microsoft. November 10, 2009. Retrieved April 24, 2011.
  18. ^ «Media Feature Pack for Windows 7 N with Service Pack 1 and Windows 7 KN with Service Pack 1 (KB968211)». Microsoft. March 7, 2011. Retrieved April 24, 2011.
  19. ^ Trenholm, Richard (June 26, 2009). «Windows 7 E: Your questions anwered». CNET. Archived from the original on October 12, 2022. Retrieved October 12, 2022.
  20. ^ «What is Windows 7 Ultimate Signature Edition?». Microsoft. September 8, 2009. Retrieved March 5, 2023.
  21. ^ «The Microsoft Windows 7 Upgrade Program Rev. 2.0». Tech ARP. February 10, 2009. Retrieved February 10, 2009.
  22. ^ a b Foley, Mary-Jo (February 3, 2009). «Microsoft’s Windows 7 line-up: The good, the bad and the ugly». ZDNet. Retrieved February 17, 2009.
  23. ^ Fiveash, Kelly (February 5, 2009). «Windows 7 ‘upgrade’ doesn’t mark XP spot». Channel Register. The Register. Retrieved February 12, 2009.
  24. ^ «Microsoft Store UK – Windows 7». Archived from the original on September 19, 2009. Retrieved September 14, 2009.
  25. ^ steam blog, dated 2009/07/31, accessed September 16, 2009.
  26. ^ Windows 7 Family Pack Discontinued
  27. ^ Family Pack returns in time for the Anniversary of Windows 7
  28. ^ «Windows 7 Upgrade Paths». Microsoft. Retrieved September 13, 2011.
  29. ^ «Upgrading to Windows 7: frequently asked questions». Microsoft. Retrieved February 12, 2016.
  30. ^ «Windows Anytime Upgrades». Amazon. Retrieved September 14, 2009.
  31. ^ «Ultimate steal – Windows 7 Premium ok for Windows 7 Starter?». Microsoft. February 2, 2010. Archived from the original on January 31, 2011. Retrieved August 13, 2010.
  32. ^ «Windows 7 Student upgrade». Microsoft. December 20, 2009. Archived from the original on August 2, 2012. Retrieved August 13, 2010.
  33. ^ «Microsoft Support Lifecycle for Windows Thin PC». learn.microsoft.com. Retrieved August 14, 2023.
  34. ^ a b «Microsoft Support Lifecycle for Windows Embedded Standard 7». learn.microsoft.com. Retrieved August 14, 2023.
  35. ^ a b «Microsoft Support Lifecycle for Windows Embedded POSReady 7». learn.microsoft.com. Retrieved August 14, 2023.
  36. ^ «Windows Embedded POSReady 7 Reaches End of Support – Now What?». Arrow Electronics, Inc. September 23, 2021. Retrieved August 14, 2023. The first year, which runs from Oct 2021 to Oct 2022, requires purchasing 100 hours of support priced over $22,000, and the POS7 ESU licenses are $50 per device. The pricing then doubles each year with a maximum of three years.
  37. ^ «Microsoft Extended Security Update (ESU) Program». Bsquare Corporation. Retrieved August 14, 2023.
  38. ^ «Lifecycle FAQ-Extended Security Updates». support.microsoft.com. Retrieved August 14, 2023. The Extended Security Update (ESU) program is a last resort option for customers who need to run certain legacy Microsoft products past the end of support.
  39. ^ «Windows 7 Editions – Features on Parade». Softpedia. February 5, 2009. Retrieved February 5, 2009.
  40. ^ «Windows 7: Which Edition is Right For You?». PCWorld. February 3, 2009. Retrieved February 5, 2009.
  41. ^ Bott, Ed (June 3, 2009). «From Starter to Ultimate: What’s really in each Windows 7 Edition?». ZDNet. Retrieved August 14, 2009.
  42. ^ a b Schuster, Gavriella (September 1, 2009). «Which Windows 7 Is Best for You?». Microsoft. Retrieved August 1, 2010.
  43. ^ a b «Physical Memory Limits: Windows 7». Microsoft Developer Network. October 14, 2010. Retrieved November 1, 2010.
  44. ^ «Windows 7 System Requirements». Retrieved September 29, 2010.
  45. ^ «Windows Media Player 12». Windows 7 Features. Microsoft Corporation. Retrieved October 22, 2011.
  46. ^ Tulloch, Mitch; Northrup, Tony; Honeycutt, Jerry (2010). Windows 7 Resource Kit. Redmond, Washington: Microsoft Press. pp. 29–30. ISBN 978-0-7356-4277-5.
  47. ^ a b c d e f Windows 7 N Edition does not include Windows Media Player.
  48. ^ «Where are my games?». Microsoft. Retrieved July 30, 2014.
  49. ^ Which one is right for you? – Microsoft Windows
  50. ^ «You cannot select or format a hard disk partition when you try to install Windows Vista, Windows 7 or Windows Server 2008 R2». Microsoft. September 14, 2007. Retrieved December 17, 2009.
  51. ^ a b c d Windows 7 Product Guide
  52. ^ Terminal services team (June 23, 2009). «Aero Glass Remoting in Windows Server 2008 R2». Microsoft. Retrieved September 16, 2009.
  53. ^ a b Terminal Services Team (August 21, 2009). «Remote Desktop Connection 7 for Windows 7, Windows XP & Windows Vista». Microsoft. Retrieved October 27, 2009.
  54. ^ «Microsoft Windows Enterprise: Windows 7 Features». Microsoft. Retrieved November 24, 2009.
  55. ^ 6292A Installing and Configuring Windows 7 Client: Microsoft. p14. Part Number X17-37160 Released 10/2009
  56. ^ Shultz, Greg (September 17, 2012). «Native VHD Boot is available in all versions of Windows 7». TechRepublic. CBS Interactive. Retrieved August 19, 2014.
  57. ^ «Why buy Windows 7 Ultimate?». Microsoft. Archived from the original on July 18, 2011. Retrieved August 9, 2011.
  58. ^ a b c «Windows 7 language packs are available for computers that are running Windows 7 Ultimate or Windows 7 Enterprise». Microsoft. Retrieved August 19, 2011.

Further reading[edit]

  1. «Windows 7 Lineup Offers Clear Choice for Consumers and Businesses». Microsoft News Center. Redmond, Washington: Microsoft. February 3, 2009. Retrieved July 10, 2018.
  2. «Brief: Licensing Windows 7 for Use with Virtual Machine Technologies» (.docx). Microsoft Volume Licensing. Microsoft. March 2010. Retrieved June 6, 2011.
  3. Thurrott, Paul (October 6, 2010). «Windows 7 Product Editions: A Comparison». Paul Thurrott’s SuperSite for Windows. Retrieved June 6, 2011.
Источник

Introduction

Regarding Windows 7 operating systems, there are two versions available: Professional and Ultimate. Most will choose between these two options if they purchase the new version of the operating system. However, there may be some questions regarding the difference between them and which one might be right for you. Let’s take a look at these differences and decide which one you should choose when making your purchase decision.

Windows 7 Professional vs Windows 7 Ultimate

When it comes to choosing between Windows 7 Professional and Ultimate, it depends on your needs. If you need all the bells and whistles, then Ultimate is the way to go. But if you just need the basics, then Professional will suffice. Here’s a breakdown of the main differences between these two versions of Windows 7:

  • Ultimate features more applications like DVD Maker, Movie Maker, and Media Center.
  • Ultimate also includes BitLocker Drive Encryption to secure your data against hackers or other people with physical access to your computer.
  • The administrative tools are only available in the Ultimate version but not in the Professional edition.
  • Finally, Media Center has been removed from Windows 8 (and thus from Windows 10) so this feature would be obsolete in the next few years anyway

Difference Between Windows 7 Professional and Windows 7 Ultimate in Tabular Form

Parameters of

Comparison

Windows 7 Professional Windows 7 Ultimate
Microsoft support extended upto January,2020           January, 2015
Cost Cost less Cost more
Applocker   Not Present  Can block software from running, Applocker technology included
Virtual Desktop Infrastructure Not present Enhanced VDI facilities made available
Encryption type File based encryption   Bitlocker encryption level and File Based encryption

What is Windows 7 Professional?

If you’re looking for a powerful and professional operating system, Windows 7 Professional is a great option. It includes all the features of Windows 7 Home Premium, plus additional features designed for businesses. With Windows 7 Professional, you can connect to your company network, access remote desktop, and encrypt your data. Plus, you can create a virtual private network (VPN) and join a domain. If you need these features for your business, then Windows 7 Professional is the right choice for you. However, if you don’t have any specific needs that require this level of security or functionality, other versions may be more suitable for your needs.

Microsoft Support in Windows 7 Professional

If you’re running a small business, Windows 7 Professional might be the right choice for you. It includes all the features of Windows 7 Home Premium, plus features that are designed specifically for businesses. These include the ability to join a domain, support for certain types of security devices, and remote desktop access. And if you need to connect to your work network from home, Windows 7 Professional can make that happen with its built-in VPN support.

Encryption in Windows 7 Professional

When it comes to security, Windows 7 Professional and Ultimate offer different features. Professional includes BitLocker drive encryption, which protects your data from thieves who try to access it physically. Ultimate also includes BitLocker To Go, which encrypts portable storage devices in case they’re lost or stolen. If security is a top priority for you, then Windows 7 Ultimate might be the better choice. However, if you don’t need the extra security features that come with Ultimate, then Professional will suffice just fine. The best option is to decide what’s more important for you: compatibility with older computers or increased security.

Applocker in Windows 7 Professional

If you’re running a business, Windows 7 Professional might be the better choice for you. It includes features like AppLocker, which can help you control which applications your employees can use. It also has BitLocker, which encrypts your data in case your computer is lost or stolen. In addition to those features, it’s often less expensive than its higher-end counterpart.

Branchcache in Windows 7 Professional

BranchCache is a feature in Windows 7 that can help improve network performance by caching content from remote servers locally. When a user on a client computer requests content that is available on a BranchCache-enabled server, the client will first check to see if the content is available in the local cache. If it is, the content will be retrieved from the cache; if not, the content will be retrieved from the server and then stored in the cache for future use. This process is transparent to users of the cached content, as they do not need to know whether or not the content came from their cache or a server.

BranchCache supports HTTP, SMB (Server Message Block), and FTP traffic types. The following are some of its features: large file download optimization through segmentation, distributed caches, and low latency operations with hosted services.

Virtual Desktop Infrastructure in Windows 7 Professional

Microsoft’s Windows 7 Professional and Ultimate editions both support virtual desktop infrastructure (VDI), a technology that allows businesses to host desktop environments on centralized servers. Windows 7 Pro can be used to access remote desktops hosted on Windows Server 2008 R2 or later, while Windows 7 Ultimate can be used to access remote desktops hosted on any version of Windows Server. If you’re considering using VDI in your business, here’s a look at the key differences between these two editions of Windows 7 to help you decide which one is right for you. A glance at the feature list shows that there are more features included with Windows 7 Ultimate, such as BitLocker Drive Encryption and AppLocker. But when it comes down to it, how many features do you need for day-to-day use? The only difference between Pro and Ultimate that could impact your choice is Virtual Desktop Infrastructure (VDI). The fact is if you don’t plan on using VDI now or in the future then there’s no reason to buy the more expensive edition of Windows 7.

If you are looking into implementing VDI into your business workflow, then choose either edition but make sure you have hardware requirements ready as well as other considerations such as storage space.

VHD in Windows 7 Professional

When it comes to Windows 7, there are two main versions that people tend to gravitate towards Professional and Ultimate. So, which one is right for you? Let’s take a look at the key differences between the two versions to help you make a decision. The first difference is when you install Windows 7 on your PC. With Professional, you can only use the software installation on one computer. The benefit of this limitation is that the price point of USD 199 may be more in line with your budget than if you were looking at buying an Ultimate version of Windows 7. On the other hand, if you plan on installing your software on multiple computers or want to store your data in a virtual hard drive (VHD), then an Ultimate version would be better suited for your needs as this edition allows up to three installations and also supports VHDs. Another major difference between these two editions is security features.

What is Windows 7 Ultimate?

Windows 7 Ultimate is the most comprehensive edition of Windows 7. It includes everything in both Home Premium and Professional, plus additional features like BitLocker encryption and the ability to join a Windows Server domain. If you need all the bells and whistles, Windows 7 Ultimate is the edition for you. But if you don’t use any of these advanced features, then save your money and go with Windows 7 Professional.

Microsoft Support in Windows 7 Ultimate

Microsoft support for Windows 7 Ultimate will end on January 14, 2020. That means that after that date, you’ll no longer receive security updates or technical support for the operating system. So, if you’re still using Windows 7 Ultimate, now is the time to upgrade to a newer version of Windows. If you are looking to buy a new PC, there are plenty of good reasons to choose one with Windows 10 Home installed (or Windows 10 Pro) instead. The difference in price between an old PC with Windows 7 and a new PC with Windows 10 can be significant — it’s well worth considering how long your old computer might last before upgrading!

Encryption in Windows 7 Ultimate

If you’re looking for the most secure version of Windows 7, you’ll want to go with the Ultimate edition. That’s because it includes BitLocker encryption, which can help protect your data if your computer is lost or stolen. Here’s how it works: BitLocker encrypts your hard drive using a special key that only you know. If someone tries to access your data without that key, they won’t be able to read it. So even if they manage to get their hands on your computer, your data will still be safe.

Applocker in Windows 7 Ultimate

If you’re looking for a robust security system for your Windows 7 computer, you may be wondering if the Ultimate edition is worth the extra cost. One key difference between the two versions is the inclusion of AppLocker in Ultimate. AppLocker allows you to lock down specific applications and files, preventing unauthorized users from accessing them. This can be a valuable tool in protecting your data and ensuring that only authorized users can access sensitive information.

Branchcache in Windows 7 Ultimate

BranchCache is a feature that was first introduced in Windows Server 2008 R2 and is also included in Windows 7 Ultimate. This feature allows content from files or web servers on a local network to be cached on a client computer, which can improve performance when accessing files or webpages over the network.

Virtual Desktop Infrastructure in Windows 7 Ultimate

One of the main differences between Windows 7 Professional and Ultimate is the addition of Virtual Desktop Infrastructure (VDI) in Ultimate. VDI allows you to create a virtual desktop that can be accessed from anywhere, making it a great option for businesses with remote employees.

VHD in Windows 7 Ultimate

If you’re looking at the Windows 7 operating system, you may be wondering what the difference is between the Professional and Ultimate editions. Here’s a quick rundown of the main differences to help you decide which one is right for you.

Main Differences Between Windows 7 Professional and Ultimate in Points

  • Price — Windows 7 Professional is about $200 while Windows 7 Ultimate will cost you about $230.
  • Features — Both versions come with most of the same features, but Windows 7 Ultimate has a few extras like BitLocker drive encryption and the ability to remote desktop into other computers.
  • Downgrade Rights — If you have a copy of Windows 7 Professional, you can downgrade to Windows Vista Business or XP Professional. With Windows 7 Ultimate, you can downgrade to any of those operating systems, plus Windows 2000 Professional.
  • Virtualization — If you want to run more than one virtual machine at a time on your computer, you’ll need to get Windows 7 Ultimate since that’s not possible with just the Professional edition.
  • Drivers — If you use hardware peripherals (such as printers, scanners, cameras) that aren’t made by Microsoft or Hewlett-Packard then you’ll need to upgrade to Windows 7 Ultimate because they only offer driver support for this version.
  • IE8 Security Enhancements — For improved security when browsing the internet in Internet Explorer 8 (not included in either version), you should purchase Windows 7 Ultimate which also comes with IE8 as well as IE7 installed by default.

Conclusion

If you’re trying to decide between Windows 7 Professional and Ultimate, it comes down to what features you need. If you need a remote desktop, encryption, and domain join, then you’ll need to go with Ultimate. But if you don’t need those features, then Professional will probably be just fine.

Here’s a quick rundown of the main differences between the two versions:

  • Windows 7 Professional includes all the features of Home Premium, plus additional features for business users such as Domain Join and Remote Desktop.
  • Windows 7 Ultimate includes all the features of both Home Premium and Professional, plus additional features such as BitLocker encryption and Multilingual User Interface (MUI) support.

So, which one is right for you. Please let us know.

Table of Contents

  • Introduction
  • Windows 7 Professional vs Windows 7 Ultimate
  • Difference Between Windows 7 Professional and Windows 7 Ultimate in Tabular Form
  • What is Windows 7 Professional?
  • What is Windows 7 Ultimate?
  • Main Differences Between Windows 7 Professional and Ultimate in Points
  • Conclusion
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Windows 7 Professional and Ultimate are two editions of the six original Windows 7 versions realized by the Microsoft Windows Operating System. Unlike other versions, the benefits of these two are most feasible for IT techs and not for every home user.

However, there are several differences between the two butone of the main differences is that the Professional uses file-based encryption whereas Ultimate edition uses both file-based encryption and BitLocker encryption level.

Windows 7 Professional vs Ultimate

The main difference between Windows 7 Professional and Ultimate is that the Ultimate edition can boot files from the Virtual Hard Disk (VHD) but the Professional edition cannot.

The difference between Professional and Ultimate edition also lies in the fact that Ultimate is designed to be more advanced with 35 MUI language packs and Applocker benefits than Professional.

Both Professional and Ultimate are equipped with additional controls such as access to joining windows domains and Group Policy, serving host from a remote desktop, and advanced backup options which make them stand out from the Windows Starter, Home Premium, and Home Basic.

Comparison Table Between Windows 7 Professional and Ultimate (in Tabular Form)

Parameter of Comparison Windows 7 Professional Edition Windows 7 Ultimate Edition
Microsoft support extended upto January,2020 January, 2015
Encryption type File based encryption Bitlocker encryption level and File Based encryption
Applocker Not Present Can block software from running, Applocker technology included
Branchcache Not Present Optimization technology available
Virtual Desktop Infrastructure Not present Enhanced VDI facilities made available
VHD Cannot boot files from VHD Can boot files from VHD

What is Windows 7 Professional?

Windows Professional is one of the six windows 7 editions that were launched by the Microsoft Windows Operating System in 2009. Professional, as the name suggests, is especially beneficial for the IT maestros who can avail the additional assistance once upgraded.

Windows 7 Professional is not available in the retail stores but one can upgrade from even the basic through the Windows Upgrade Anytime portal. Professional can support a memory of 192 GB and has the capacity to support 2 CPUs.

Professional is also equipped with the Presentation Mode feature to enable uninterrupted usage and Location-aware Printing for accessing printers that are located within the appropriate vicinity.

It also allows the user to join windows domains and have more control over the system through advanced features of Group Policy which is particularly beneficial for network administrators. Another alluring aspect of Windows Professional is that it allows the user to run Windows XP SP3 within Windows 7.

However, the support for Professional ended in January 2020, it continues to provide advanced services such as Advanced Backup and Restore options making it easier to retrieve lost files. Windows defender in Professional edition helps provide more security from viruses and malicious software.

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What is Windows 7 Ultimate?

Windows 7 Ultimate was also launched along with 5 other editions of Windows 7 in 2009 by Microsoft Windows Operating System. Unlike Windows Home Premium and Starter, Ultimate edition is most popular amongst the tech guys for its numerous additional benefits.

The Ultimate edition covers all that is included in Windows Professional and much more. For starters, Ultimate has both File-Based Encryption and Bitlocker Encryption which adds more to the security.

The Ultimate edition too supports a maximum of 192 GB memory and functioning capacity of 2 CPUs. It is enabled with Presentation mode, Location-Aware Printing, and Advanced Backup and Restore options just like professional.

However, this versatile edition of Windows 7 Ultimate also includes the benefits of easy switching between 35 MUI language packs and advanced features to block malicious software run through Applocker property.

The Ultimate edition also has Branch cache optimization technology for easier file access over the wide-area network and also allows direct access to Virtual Hard Disk or the disk image without the interference of the host.

Additionally, it helps keep the user connected while travel through phone enabled by Direct Access feature and Virtual Desktop Infrastructure especially designed for network administrators.

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Main Differences Between Windows 7 Professional and Ultimate

  • The Ultimate Edition can boot files directly from VHD without host interference while this is not possible in Professional.
  • Windows 7 Professional only have File-Based Encryption while Ultimate has both File Based and Bitlocker Encryption enabled.
  • The Ultimate edition is equipped with Applocker features while this is missing in Professional.
  • The Direct Access feature is only present in Windows 7 Ultimate and is not included in the Professional edition.
  • The Ultimate Edition also includes a Wide Area Network Optimization facility with Branch Cache which is not present in Windows 7 Professional.
  • The Ultimate edition allows access to 35 MUI language packs that are also missing in the Professional edition.

    • Conclusion

    Although the additional benefits of both Professional and Ultimate editions of Windows 7 have been deemed practically useless by the home users, both these editions are heavily applauded among the IT professionals and network administrators.

    Both Professional and Ultimate have been proclaimed for providing access to remote desktops with especially curetted features that make work easier for the host and the client alike. Additionally the features of Domain Join and Group Policy help level up the work for a tech guy.

    However, the main difference between these two editions is that Ultimate edition has direct access to files from Virtual Hard Disk and enhanced Virtual Desktop Infrastructure which are missing from Professional edition.

    The difference between the two editions is also that Ultimate edition provides even more security with Applocker, that blocks software installation access and Bitlocker encryption which is based on the Advanced Encryption Standard (AES).

    The functions of Branch Cache and Direct Access make the Ultimate edition smoother and more effective which is also a notable difference between the two editions.

    Although Ultimate edition is somewhat different than Professional with its advanced access facilities and higher level of security, Professional is not any less effective. Both these editions are also facilitated with Dynamic Disk support and Location-Aware printing along with all that is mentioned above to make it even more high-tech.

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    Источник

    Время на прочтение
    1 мин

    Количество просмотров 136K

    Вот мое мнение насчет функций которые есть во всех редакциях дороже Home Premium:

    Стоимость редакций windows 7

    Home Premium — 199$
    Professional — 299$
    Ultimate — 319$

    А теперь начнем сравнивать по официальной таблице различий от M$:

    Professional

    Так ли нужно нам переплачивать 100$ за xp mode доступный в Professional редакции когда тоже самое нам может бесплатно предоставить virtual box? (напомню что xp mode это специальная версия ms virtual pc которая работает «прозрачно» для пользователя, тобишь без рабочего стола, только окна). Я думаю что оно того не стоит. (ведь как мы все знаем многие вещи которые нужны людям (например directx) не могут работать в полную силу ни в одной виртуальной машине)

    Ultimate

    Microsoft говорит, что windows 7 Ultimate содержится целых восемь отличий, но так ли они важны для большинства людей? Как минимум три новых функции (BranchCache, Enterprise Search, DirectAccess) предназначены только для корпоративных приложений (и насколько я знаю доступны в enterprise версии которую и будут использовать там где эти функции нужны). Другие особенности Ultimate – поддержка 35 языков, функции BitLocker и AppLocker (последние две не нашли поклонников и в Vista). Напоследок – в самой дорогой версии Windows 7 есть Virtual Desktop Interface и Virtual Hard Drive Booting (создание нескольких загрузочных копий Windows). Нужно ли все это обычному пользователю? Я думаю нет.

    upd: не ожидал что меня так заминусуют, еще хуже чем на лепре :/

    upd2: ну хоть немного вытянули в плюс, спасибо :)

    Источник

    If you are running Windows XP or Windows Vista and are thinking about making the switch to Windows 7, you might be wondering what’s the difference between all the different versions. Unlike OS X, which has one version for everyone, Windows tries to break it down into several groups with different price points. Depending on what you will be using your computer for, you may only need the Home version or you may need Ultimate.

    There are actually 6 different versions of Windows 7, but we’ll only worry about 3 because the rest are not really available for consumers to buy. There is Windows 7 Starter, which is usually on netbooks. Windows 7 Home Basic is available in emerging markets and not here in the US. And Windows 7 Enterprise is sold through volume licensing to companies and institutions.

    In this post, I’ll talk about the differences between Windows 7 Home Premium, Professional and Ultimate. Note that if you buy the most basic version of Windows, you can still upgrade at any time using Windows Anytime Upgrade. Basically, the Home version includes Professional and Ultimate, but those extra features will only be installed when you purchase it. You can run Anytime Upgrade from within Windows itself.

    To get a quick overview of the differences, you can always go to the following page from Microsoft:

    Compare win 7

    I find their comparison a bit too simplified and not very clear cut, especially if you want to know all the extra features of each version. This chart just goes over some very basic points, most of which are useless like “improved desktop navigation” and “Internet Explorer 8”.

    I’ll try to give a more complete listing of what features are missing or added to each version. Let’s start off with Home Premium first since that forms the base of all other versions.

    Home Premium

    home premium

    Here are the various points about Home Premium:

    • For starters, Windows 7 Home Premium is only supported until January 2015. By contrast, Windows 7 Professional is supported until January 2020. Oddly, Windows 7 Ultimate is only supported until January 2015 also.
    • Max memory for Home Premium is 16 GB. For Professional and Ultimate it’s 192 GB (64-bit Windows)
    • Home Premium can only support up to 1 CPU. Professional and higher can support a max of 2 CPUs.
    • Home Premium cannot backup to a network location (only local backups). Professional and Ultimate can backup to the network.
    • Home Premium can only be a client for Remote Desktop (can only be connected to from another machine). With Professional and Ultimate you can use Windows as a host for remote desktop and connect to other machines.
    • Home Premium and above all support HomeGroups

    Windows 7 professional

    In addition to the points mentioned above, Professional also has the following features and services:

    • Support for Dynamic Disks. This allows software implementation of RAID, which could be useful for a system with multiple hard drives.
    • Encrypting File System – Allows for filesystem-level encryption. Not as secure as BitLocker, which is only available in Ultimate.
    • Location Aware Printing
    • Presentation Mode – Lets you change the behavior of Windows while giving presentations, i.e. control volume, display different wallpaper, prevent screensaver from appearing, etc.
    • Group Policy – Allows you to control just about all aspects of the Windows operating system locally or via Windows Server 2003/2008
    • Offline Files and Folder Redirection – Again, more a feature of a Windows machine joined to a domain
    • Ability to join a Windows domain – Home Premium cannot join Windows domains
    • Windows XP Mode – Allows you to run Windows XP SP3 inside Windows 7. Used for compatibility with older programs.
    • Software Restriction Policies

    Ultimate

    Windows 7 ultimate

    There are only a few extra features in Ultimate that are useful for consumers. Most of the additional features in Ultimate are for IT Professionals.

    • BitLocker Drive Encryption – As opposed to EFS, which uses file system level encryption, BitLocker uses full disk encryption.
    • Ability to switch between 35 different languages instantly
    • AppLocker – Ability to block software from running on the computer
    • BranchCache – Allows for fast file access across a WAN
    • Direct boot from VHD – Ability for a computer to boot from a VHD file with or without a host operating system
    • DirectAccess – Keeps mobile users connected while on the go
    • Virtual Desktop Infrastructure (VDI) enhancements

    So even though Ultimate sounds great, it’s really not useful for the average consumer. Even to a degree, Professional also is not super useful for the average user. It’s probably best to get Home Premium and then upgrade to Professional or Ultimate if you ever need to. Hopefully, Windows 8 does not have even more versions to choose from!

    Источник

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