Windows 7 Versions
 

Microsoft is getting absurd with all the different OS versions. Here's a run down of the announced SKUs for Windows 7. Emphasis mine.
http://www.pcpro.co.uk/news/246562/w...-flavours.html

"Starter Edition: A lightweight version for netbook computers, that will only be capable of running three applications concurrently. It will lack the vast majority of the advanced features, such as Media Center and touchscreen support, but will include the new Taskbar and Home Group feature."
Home Basic: For emerging markets only. Microsoft has, bizarrely, appeared to swap the meaning of Starter and Home Basic. Intended to "access the internet and run basic productivity applications".
Home Premium: The mainstay version that Microsoft will put the majority of its marketing weight behind. Will include Media Center, touchscreen support, full Aero glass graphics, improved media format support and streaming, and the option to easily share files across a home network with the new Libraries feature.
Professional: A business version for home workers and small businesses not operating on a volume licence. Will include features such as advanced network backup and Encrypting File System. However, BitLocker encryption is once again reserved for the Enterprise and Ultimate editions.
Enterprise: For volume licence customers. Will include all the Professional features, plus BitLocker protection - including the new option to encrypt USB flash drives and external hard disks. Will also include DirectAccess, which allows remote workers to securely access a company network without a VPN.
Ultimate: The all-encompassing version of Windows 7, although there's no repeat of Vista's much-maligned Ultimate Extras. Brandedas the "no compromise SKU for tech enthusiasts" it will include every single feature available in Windows 7."

Starter Edition and Home Basic are both a waste of time.

Vista deja vu confusion all over again.

Yep; and no one is knowingly going to buy an OS that only lets you run 3 apps at a time (excluding anti-virus and like application).

The upgrade path pricing structure that I have seen is prohibitive as well. So, I'll be snatchin up a cracked copy of Ultimate from a warez site near you soon.

so, almighty geek gods, is it worth upgrading from XP?

I'll let you know once I find out. I'm downloading the beta right now.

But it's safe to say that it's going to be a good idea to hang on to XP for a while after the release. It always takes a while for programs to be updated for a new OS... at least with Windows anyway.

Good thing is there will be versions of TinyXP released for a while, in case you can't get a legit full version of XP.

I like Win 7 a ton more than Vista, and even more than XP in most cases. A lot of the retardation that Vista showed Win 7 has eliminated or at least given you an option to turn off. The taskbar is very nice, especially since if you pin things to it and have them open, it surrounds their icon with a little square (or multiple squares for more than one instance). If you mouse over the taskbar, it will show little screenshots. I'll upload a screenshot of my taskbar so you can look at it. It's been a lot more stable than Vista too, which doesn't say much since Vista was stable as a unicycle driven by a one-legged drunken Pollock, but also seems at least AS stable as XP.



-SRD

I have an ISO plus key, so I am tempted. I have a lot of positive reviews that raped vista.

I've been using it for a couple of weeks. If you have a dualcore 2 processor its def worth it to get the 64-bit version. I use it and windows Xp. I'm used to xp but 7 is not too shabby, it gets the trips seal of approval. They just need more driver support.