Windows 7 News: Software, Virus Protection

In a recent briefing with Paul Thurrott,  Bill Veghte revealed the editions of Windows 7 that will be shipping in.

Here is what his post reads

"At a macro level, there are a couple of niches that are important to us, and we are a global business after all, so there are certain market dynamics that we need to address," Veghte said. These niches will be addressed by OEM-only Windows 7 product editions, which is to say that these products will be sold only with new PCs. The first is Starter Edition, which will be a hardware-constrained version sold only in emerging markets. The second is Ultimate edition, which will essentially be a retail version of Windows 7 Enterprise this time around.

"We feel that this lineup offers a clear onramp for Windows 7," Veghte added, "making it easier than ever to find the right version for your needs."

Here’s how the complete product line-up

Windows 7 Starter

Market: Emerging markets, with new PCs only
Key features: Enhanced taskbar, Jump Lists, Windows Media Player, Backup and Restore, Action Center, Device Stage, Play To, Fax and Scan, basic games
What’s missing: Aero Glass, many Aero desktop enhancements, Windows Touch, Media Center, Live thumbnail previews, Home Group creation

Windows 7 Home Premium

Market: Mainstream retail market
Key features: Aero Glass, Aero Background, Windows Touch, Home Group creation, Media Center, DVD playback and authoring, premium games
What’s missing: Domain join, Remote Desktop host, advanced backup, EFS, Mobility Center, Offline Folders

Windows 7 Professional

Market: Mainstream retail market
Key features: Domain join, Remote Desktop host, location aware printing, EFS, Mobility Center, Presentation Mode, Offline Folders
What’s missing: BitLocker, BitLocker To Go, AppLocker, Direct Access, Branche Cache, MUI language packs, boot from VHD

Windows 7 Enterprise

Market: Volume-license business customers only
Key features: BitLocker, BitLocker To Go, AppLocker, Direct Access, Branche Cache, MUI language packs, boot from VHD
What’s missing: Retail licensing

Windows 7 Ultimate

Market: Retail market, limited availability
Key features: BitLocker, BitLocker To Go, AppLocker, Direct Access, Branche Cache, MUI language packs, boot from VHD
What’s missing: Volume licensing