Windows 7 Versions

[Striker]

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.

[Frothy Afterbirth]

Vista deja vu confusion all over again.

[Striker]

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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).

[Bradley Nowell]

[The Godfather]

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.

[n2tattoos.lol]

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

[Striker]

I guess for now this will be the general Win 7 thread.

So, there is some interesting new DRM found in Win 7. From Slashdot:

"A few days' testing of Windows 7 has already disclosed some draconian DRM, some of it unrelated to media files. A legitimate copy of Photoshop CS4 stopped functioning after we clobbered a nagging registration screen by replacing a DLL with a hacked version. With regard to media files, the days of capturing an audio program on your PC seem to be over (if the program originated on that PC). The inputs of your sound card are severely degraded in software if the card is also playing an audio program (tested here with Grooveshark). This may be the tip of the iceberg. Being in bed with the RIAA is bad enough, but locking your own files away from you is a tactic so outrageous it may kill the OS for many persons. Many users will not want to experiment with a second sound card or computer just to record from online sources, or boot up under a Linux that supports ntfs-3g just to control their files."

Re - Photoshop: That Photoshop stopped functioning after we messed with one of its nag DLLs was not so much a surprise, but what was a surprise: Noting that Win7 allows programs like Photoshop to insert themselves stealthily into your firewall exception list. Further, that the OS allows large software vendors to penetrate your machine. Even further, that that permission is responsible for disabling of a program based on a modified DLL. And then finding that the OS even after reboot has locked you out of your own Local Settings folder; has denied you permission to move or delete the modified DLL; and refuses to allow the replacement of the Local Settings folder after it is unlocked with Unlocker to move it to the Desktop for examination (where it also denies you entry to your own folder). Setting permissions to 'allow everyone' was disabled!

Re - media: Under XP you could select 'Stereo Mix' or similar under audio recording inputs and nicely capture any program then playing. No longer.


Not looking good.

[Randal Graves]

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Wow. Microsoft is fucking retarded.