Windows and editions
Posted by Srinath
Reading about the various editions of Windows 7, it made me wonder just how many major editions Microsoft has released in this decade. Just to keep things simple, I decided to skip pre 2000 operating systems, and focusing on 4 main Windows flavors: 2000, XP, Vista and Windows 7. So lets get started :
Windows 2000 (4)
- Windows 2000 Professional
- Windows 2000 Server
- Windows 2000 Advanced Server
- Windows 2000 Datacenter Server
That was nice and easy. Although two different Server editions? Well MS is just getting started.
Windows XP (5)
- Windows XP Home
- Windows XP Professional
- Windows XP Starter
- Windows XP Media Center
- Windows XP 64 bit
The XP list doesn't contain minor version changes like N, K, KN, which were for specialized markets due to monopolizing practices. It also doesn't include the specialized editions that weren't available for retail like Tablet PC edition, Embedded systems edition, and the incremental versions of Media Center. If you take all into consideration, you'll get a number greater than 12.
Windows Vista (6)
- Windows Vista Starter
- Windows Vista Home Basic
- Windows Vista Home Premium
- Windows Vista Business
- Windows Vista Enterprise
- Windows Vista Ultimate
Here is where it gets a little confusing. With two versions for Home, and the cheaper version normally finding its way only into most lower end consumer laptops and desktops, there was very little need for the other. And allowing only 3 running user applications? What the hell was that? Why would someone spend money on such an OS, considering you can get a limitless, top of the line one for free (read linux). Wouldn't three versions suffice - one for home, one for business and one so called ultimate for poor MS to make some money?
Windows 7 (6)
Just rebadge the Business edition to Professional, and you have 6 editions of Windows 7 as well.
So there you have it - 21 major editions of Windows have been released starting from 2000. Adding in the 9 editions of Windows Server 2003 and 10 editions of Windows Server 2008, we have a grand total of 40. Good going Microsoft, and all hail Bill Gates!