Microsoft has announced that the upcoming Windows 7 will boast of six editions – Starter, Basic, Home Premium, Professional, Ultimate and Enterprise. But unlike Windows Vista, upgrading to a higher, more featured version will not result in loss of existing features from the lower version. Also Windows 7 is designed to be more hardware compatible and will run easily on small netbooks as well as power packed gaming desktops.

Windows 7 Editions

Windows Starter  edition - offered pre-installed by an OEM, this edition is available only in the OEM channel on new PCs limited to specific types of hardware. Which means you cannot buy is directly from the market.

Windows 7 Home Basic edition -  available only in emerging markets, for customers looking for an entry-point Windows experience on a full-size value PC. Which means you cannot buy it in the US.

Windows 7 Home Premium edition - Gives full-function PC experience and a visually rich environment in everything from the way they experience entertainment to the way they connect their devices. Recommended for all consumers, like you and me.

Windows 7 Professional edition - Recommended for small businesses and people who work at home but have to operate in an IT-managed or business environment where security and productivity are critical. Vista Business users will prefer this version.

Windows 7 Ultimate edition - designed for PC enthusiasts who want it all and customers who want the security features such as BitLocker found in Windows 7 Enterprise edition. This would really be loaded with features Windows7 will boast about.

Windows 7 Enterprise edition - Offers advanced data protection, lower cost compliance and IT tools to streamline PC management and help save costs, while enabling access to information from anywhere for business users. It will not be available at retail or by OEMs for preinstallation on a new PC. So you cannot buy it from stores.

Till these Windows 7 editions are available for sale in the market, you can download Windows 7 beta software for free right now.

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