Windows 7 comes in three flavors, and each has a different combination of features and prices. To help you sort out the confusion and find the right Windows 7 version for you, we present the critical information you need to know and make recommendations.
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The entry-level Windows 7 version is Windows 7 Home Premium Edition. It's the least expensive version, but also comes without several features you might want.
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The next step up is Windows 7 Professional Edition. It adds new functionality like the problem steps recorder, but is also more costly.
- At the top of the food chain is Windows 7 Ultimate Edition. It adds security features and additional languages, but will also hurt your pocketbook the most.
One Windows 7 Edition not profiled here is Windows 7 Starter Edition, which comes with most netbooks. I didn't include it because it's not an option; it's either already installed on your netbook, or not. You can't upgrade from another version of Windows, say Windows XP or Windows Vista, for example, to Windows 7 Starter.