Since the day that Windows Vista was released, a large number of users have had problems related to compatibility, file management, security, visual issues and more. Let's take a look at these issues and check if Windows 7 is able to do the trick and make them disappear.

Windows Vista Product Editions issues:

Microsoft released 6 product editions of Windows Vista (while Windows XP had only 2 at the time of release and another 2 followed shortly). Offering multiple editions of an OS is confusing for the customers because it is harder to understand and choose which edition suits their needs. Even worse, every edition had its own set of applications and features. For example, if a user selected the Premium Edition, he would have Windows Media Center and Windows DVD Maker along with the other features (Windows AERO, Windows Defender and Firewall, Windows Flip 3D) and nothing more. On the other hand, if he were to select Windows Business he would not have Windows Media Center and Windows DVD Maker but he would have access to Windows Backup and Restore Center, Windows Fax and Scan and Remote access.

Selecting Product Edition in Windows 7 Installation

Windows 7 Product Editions:
This product editions confusion is not a case for Windows 7 as the Windows 7 product editions are supersets of one another. With Windows 7 there is a logical progress from one edition to the next. As Windows General Manager Mike Ybarra says "With Windows 7 there will be two primary editions: Windows 7 Home Premium and Windows 7 Professional". As he continues "Windows 7 Home Premium is the recommended choice for consumers. It gives them a full-function PC experience and a visually rich environment in everything from the way they experience entertainment to the way they connect their devices. Windows 7 Professional is the recommended choice for small businesses and for people who work at home but have to operate in an IT-managed or business environment where security and productivity are critical. For those running Windows Vista Business, it will be a very logical move to Windows 7 Professional." The other Editions of Windows 7 will be Windows 7 Starter, Windows 7 Enterprise, and Windows 7 Ultimate.

I' m still seeing 5 of them..
Don't worry, you only need to know just the 2 of them. The Professional and Premium versions are focused on the retail and the consumer markets, something like what we've seen on Windows XP. Windows 7 Enterprise is focused on volume licensing business customers while the Windows 7 Ultimate version includes all the features the Enterprise version has but is addressed to the retail market. Windows Starter and Basic versions are designed for smaller markets.