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Microsoft have released further details and prices for Windows 7, which is due to be released on October 22nd.
Firstly, I have to say that Windows 7 is good. Very good in fact. It's not like the Vista debacle when that was first released. This is a good, solid, rounded operating system.
Significantly, there will be NO upgrade path to upgrade from Windows Vista to Windows 7 available in Europe.
Outside Europe, customers buying a NEW computer after June 26 2009 will be eligible for a free upgrade.
Inside of Europe, there will be a discounted pricing scheme available from June 26 until December 31st. This will apply to all purchases in the UK, whether for a new PC or for an existing one.
The difference is because European competition regulations dictate that Microsoft has to sell windows 7 without Internet Explorer as an integral part of the operating system. Customers should, the ruling dictates, be free to choose between IE, Mozilla Firefox, Google Chrome, Opera etc.
This will come as a bit of a surprise when customers first take delivery of a Windows 7 PC, as many PC users assume Internet Explorer IS the Internet. (....hence the European ruling).
What this all means is that in order to install Windows 7 on a PC or laptop, the machine must be totally wiped clean (formatted) first, and then the new operating system installed.
There will be three different versions available. (There were four announced originally - but the Basic version seems to have got lost).
1. Home Premium - for most day to day PC usage
2. Professional - adds compatibility mode for older programs, data and system back up and larger networking capabilities.
3. Ultimate - adds BitLocker encryption and better language support.
WINDOWS 7 DISCOUNT PRICES - until December 31 2009
Home Premium - £79.99
Professional - £189.99
Ultimate - £199.99
WINDOWS 7 RETAIL PRICES - fromr Jan 1 2010
Home Premium - £149.99
Professional - £219.99
Ultimate - £229.99
The only information available on the Microsoft site in detail for Windows 7 is specific to the USA, so I have not posted a link. This would be confusing, as in the States the pricing and features will differ.
I will add the UK site link as and when it is available.
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