Windows 7 - What version should i buy??

[mjpd1983]

Hi guys,

Just wondering what version of Windows 7 i should purchase, i mostly use XP because i work as a Systems Administrator and we use XP at work

Having only briefly used 7 from time to time i was wondering if there is a better version if you are mostly a gamer?

I just bought and downloaded Just Cause 2 from steam only to find out i cant play the dam thing
as it only supports vista and 7

Is Home Premium decent or should i get Professional ??

Thanks in advance

Mike

[b1lk1]

Home Premium is excellent and you should only buy higher up versions if you are going to use the extra features that most people never use at home.

[LaughingCrow]

Depends on your system - 32 bit/64 bit; 1 or two processors, memory capacity, etc. Then you can chose between OEM and the retail version. You can move a retail version to another system later on.

Here's a guide that might help: Which Windows 7 is right for you? | Windows 7 Insider - CNET Reviews

Probably the Home Premium version would be adequate.

[mo' power]

I have had no problems changing an oem operating system from one pc to another through upgrading. This includes both xp oem and vista oem. Unless something has changed, all it takes is a friendly call to MS for reactivation after upgrading your pc.

I also agree that win7 premium oem is the way to go for gaming and media use. If you want the MS tech support and pretty box, by all means spend the extra money on the full retail version.

[JD]

I think all Professional really gives you is support for being part of a Domain environment. Doubt you have/need that at home, so Home Premium is typically the best choice.

[mjpd1983]

Thanks for the suggestions

I think i will go with OEM Win 7 Home Premium 64 bit, seems to be a popular choice amongst gamers

Cheers

[KnSKranky]

If you want to have 4gb+ of RAM go for the 64bit version.

[chrisk]

Professional and Ultimate allows you to use the VM 'XP Mode', while the Home version does not:
Windows 7 Features: Windows XP Mode

There are supposed to be work-arounds for getting it to work on the Home version, which I have not tried:
Workaround to Install Windows XP Mode in Windows 7 Home Premium and Home Basic My Digital Life

But having the Pro version made it pretty easy to have a virtualized, legit XP copy on the same machine that works well.

[mjpd1983]

Thanks for all the replies

I ended up buying Win 7 Professional 64-bit and its all running great

The DX11 really improves the fine detail in a lot of games (eg: BFBC2 shadows etc.) i'm very impressed

Cheers guys

[Full Speed]

I got Professional so I could mess around with XP Mode and Remote Desktop. Someone asked me about XP Mode at work yesterday, so at least I had the experience to answer their questions.