Home / Business / Ultimate differences?

StarSolitude · 12 Sep 2009 at 17:01

Hi, I'm building a new PC soon, and I'm buying a new Operating System to go with it. I'm using Windows XP, which is an "upgrade" version right now.

Ultimate is very expensive, and I don't want to be paying for features I don't need. Gaming is my passion, so it needs to be 64bit. I'm not interested in networking or using my computer for "business/work."

What are the main differences between the Home / Business and Ultimate versions of Windows 7?

adamscybot · 12 Sep 2009 at 17:08

Home premium will do you fine.

The only real advantage of business/ultimate for me is the XP mode which is a full xp envrionment in windows 7. But TBH ive never had the need for it.

Ultimate and business is just an excuse for more money - home premium fits your needs perfectly.

I beleive the other advantage is windows backup (a more advanced version with encryption etc) but 3rd party software does this, and better.

theheyes · 12 Sep 2009 at 17:18

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Windows_7_editions

Ultimate is not worth it. Pro is either essential or not worth the extra money for a home user. The rule of thumb is that if you have to ask, go with Home.

Brackish · 12 Sep 2009 at 19:02

Thanks for that, I now know to get the Home one.

I am thinking of getting

http://www.overclockers.co.uk/showproduct.php?prodid=SW-118-MS&groupid=33&catid=20&subcat=

Running vista untill I get a Dx 11 graphics card and then using the Win 7 voucher. The only reason I am having to do this is because I have changed hardware, lost my XP pro disk (yes im a numbnut :rolleyes:

) and now my current install of XP Pro is messed up.

A forum member did suggest Win 7 enterprise 90 day trial but I would rather have an OS that I own.

Many thanks

Burnsy2023 · 12 Sep 2009 at 19:23

I would suggest getting 7 on preorder and using the trial until release. That way you get a retail licence rather than OEM.

Brackish · 12 Sep 2009 at 19:26

ah ok,

Thank you

Time to give more of my details away and download the trial lol.

Thanks again.

StarSolitude · 13 Sep 2009 at 19:07

Thanks. It seems that Home Premium will be fine for gaming.

Edit: Just one more question... Why is Windows 7 Home Premium about the same price as XP Home Premium? Surely it should be more expensive... Something seems odd about that, wheres the catch?

Burnsy2023 · 13 Sep 2009 at 19:14

Why should it be more expensive?

Daegan · 13 Sep 2009 at 19:33

StarSolitude said:
Why is Windows 7 Home Premium about the same price as XP Home Premium?

Because it's a pre-order offer.

StarSolitude · 13 Sep 2009 at 19:59

Burnsy2023 said:
Why should it be more expensive?

Erm, newer / better things are usually more expensive on their release than years old things...

So, after pre-orders it will be more expensive?

Daegan · 13 Sep 2009 at 21:15

StarSolitude said:
Erm, newer / better things are usually more expensive on their release than years old things...

Imagine you're trying to flog something that isn't all that much better than the last one, and at the same time involves effort on the part of the customer upgrading or reinstalling. Selling it cheaper starts to make sense.

So, after pre-orders it will be more expensive?

Yes, though you're comparing an OEM version of XP Home (there's no XP Home Premium) with a retail version of Windows 7 Home Premium. They're not equivalent licenses/editions.