We get this question enough that it makes sense to outline some differences among the 6 Windows 7 editions that are out there. To give you the answer upfront, though: we think it’s Windows 7 Professional

• Windows 7 Starter – not much you have to know about this one. It’s bundled with some low-end computers; you can’t buy it separately and you probably wouldn’t want to since it’s devoid of any usability, productivity or customization features.
• Windows 7 Home Basic – don’t worry about this one either. It’s an emerging markets version that isn’t sold in the US. By the way, even if you get it in Indonesia, Pakistan or another picturesque destination, you can’t activate it here. Don’t forget to call and cancel those plane tickets.
• Windows 7 Home Premium – This version is targeted squarely at the home market and includes features like Windows Media Center, Windows Aero and touch-screen controls (for PCs with touch-screen displays).  This version’s main limitations are its inability to back up to a network location, inability to host a remote desktop connection, lack of location-aware printing and no “offline files” support.
• Windows 7 Professional, in our view, is the best pick for SMBs. It includes all features of Windows Home Premium, and adds the ability to participate in a Windows Server domain (so that you can set up Active Directory services to control the computer’s access to your network and other resources). Additional features include operating as a Remote Desktop server, location aware printing, Encrypting File System, Presentation Mode, offline files and folder redirection, backup to network and Software Restriction Policies. You can even run your XP-compatible applications in “XP Mode,” which virtualizes a Windows XP machine right in your Windows 7 interface.
• Windows 7 Enterprise isn’t much of an option to SMBs, since it isn’t sold through retail markets (it’s available to larger companies that have volume licensing agreements with Microsoft).
• Windows 7 Ultimate, unlike the Enterprise, can be purchased on an individual license basis. It includes some advanced remote access features like multiple displays and full Aero interface, as well as some advanced security functionality (including BitLocker and AppLocker). It may be an overkill for how most small businesses use their computers.

If you have questions about specific Windows 7 features or need help upgrading to Windows 7, don’t hesitate to call us at 888-77-ITMAX.