Posted: 4/19/2011 3:38:41 PM EDT
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I'm slightly torn on the selection of Windows 7 versions. I would normally go with the Ultimate version, simply because it has all of the options enabled. However, long term support for the ultimate version ends in less than three years (2014 I think). Windows 7 Professional is slightly cheaper, and support extends out another five or six years beyond Ultimate, well into the twilight years of this computer. But it lacks at least a couple of things, like bitlocker disk encryption (which I might use if I had it, though I prefer to just encrypt my data with Truecrypt). So, with the money being not a whole lot different (about $20), looking at the seemingly inconsequential difference in features, but the noticeable difference in long term support...would you go with the Pro or the Ultimate? I suppose what I'm really asking is, is there any pressing reason why I should prefer the Ultimate edition that I haven't already thought of? Something I'm overlooking? |
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pro is the way to go. lots of other ways to encrypt the drive IF its even needed.
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So in 2015 they kill Windows 7 and won't release any more fixes/service packs or they just say "We are sorry but we can't help you" if you ever call them over the phone?  I find it hard to believe that the service packs they release for Win 7 Pro and Enterprise won't be installable on the other Win 7 versions. If they are just killing tech support well that's no loss. I have the system builder version so I have to go back to my system builder for support. 
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After some more research, I couldn't find any pressing reason to go with Ultimate, so I went with Windows 7 Pro. I have both 64-bit and 32-bit versions, I'll install the 64 bit and probably go with a VMWare virtual machine running XP or Vista 32 bit for any incompatible older software. This laptop has, as built, 2 gigs of ram, a Core 2 Duo 1.7 ghz processor, Vista Home Premium 32 bit, and a 200 gig 5400 rpm drive. It's been slowing down, and my choice was between reinstalling Vista, or upgrading. So, I upgraded...going with the max 4 gigs of ram, Windows 7 Pro 64 bit, installed on a 500 gig Seagate Momentus XT 7200rpm hybrid drive. It ought to run a bit faster, and get me through the next few years of daily use. |