Why Switch to Windows 7 Ultimate from Windows 7 Home Premium or Starter Editions?
Here are a few of the programs / features that Windows 7 Ultimate has that are not available for Windows 7 Home Premium and / or Starter editions.
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Microsoft Configuration Manager - Requires Windows 7 Business, Enterprise, or Ultimate to install/use. Thomas College uses this software to update standard applications as security updates for software applications become available. Without this software, you will need to install every security patch as they come out, manually. Also, if your machine is lost or stolen, IT Services will be able to provide unique information regarding your hardware to authorities to aid in the recovery of your device.
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Business Networking Features - Windows 7 Ultimate offers all of the features found in Windows 7 Professional and Enterprise, including business networking, centralized management tools, and system backup and restore features not found in Windows 7 Home Premium or Starter.
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Multimedia Features - Windows 7 Ultimate includes Windows Media Center and some advanced Media Player network features that are not available in Windows 7 Starter. (These features are available in the Home Premium edition.)
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Display Features - Windows 7 Ultimate includes support for Windows Aero and multi-touch displays that are not available in Windows 7 Starter. (These features are available in the Home Premium edition.)
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Bitlocker Security - Encrypts data and helps you protect data on your PC and portable storage devices against loss or theft.
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Windows XP Mode - Runs many older Windows XP programs that do not work on Windows 7.
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Incoming Remote Desktop Connections - Remote Desktop Connection allows you to be able to connect remotely to another computer (e.g. T8 or T18). Incoming remote desktop connections allow you to connect to and use your computer from another computer, as if it is right in front of you. Windows 7 Home Premium and Starter editions do not allow you to connect to your computer remotely, but it CAN connect to another computer. Incoming remote desktop connection capability also allows for remote assistance, which allows which allows a help desk or system administrator to remotely connect to your computer for troubleshooting purposes.
Supported upgrade paths for Windows 7 (If your upgrade path is not listed, you will need to do a clean install of the new OS.)
