Microsoft announced that it has finalized Windows 7, the successor to Windows Vista, on Wednesday, meaning that the operating system is ready to be released to manufacturing and original equipment manufacturers in preparation for an October 22 launch.
Windows Vista, as we all know, didn't have the smoothest of launches, as it was plagued by compatibility issues as well as mixed word of mouth. However, the reports on Windows 7 have been much more positive, and Microsoft has promised better performance this time around.
Like Vista, Windows 7 will come in a slew of different editions aimed at different markets. All editions, aside from the Starter Edition (only available to OEMs), will support both 32-bit and 64-bit processors. In addition to the Starter Edition, there is Home Basic, Home Premium, Professional, Enterprise, and Ultimate.
Pricing on Windows 7 for the editions available for North American retail is $199.99/$119.99 for Home Premium Full/Upgrade, $299.99/$199.99 for Professional Full/Upgrade, and $320/$220 for the Ultimate edition Full/Upgrade. The Enterprise edition is not available for retail, and the Home Basic edition is only for emerging markets.
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Windows Vista, as we all know, didn't have the smoothest of launches, as it was plagued by compatibility issues as well as mixed word of mouth. However, the reports on Windows 7 have been much more positive, and Microsoft has promised better performance this time around.
Like Vista, Windows 7 will come in a slew of different editions aimed at different markets. All editions, aside from the Starter Edition (only available to OEMs), will support both 32-bit and 64-bit processors. In addition to the Starter Edition, there is Home Basic, Home Premium, Professional, Enterprise, and Ultimate.
Pricing on Windows 7 for the editions available for North American retail is $199.99/$119.99 for Home Premium Full/Upgrade, $299.99/$199.99 for Professional Full/Upgrade, and $320/$220 for the Ultimate edition Full/Upgrade. The Enterprise edition is not available for retail, and the Home Basic edition is only for emerging markets.
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