Windows Starter to enter the netbook market
Published: 04 Feb 2009 09:25 GMT
For many years now, Microsoft has offered a 'starter edition' of Windows aimed at first-time PC buyers in emerging markets. Though low-cost, the starter version has limitations such as only working on low-end processors, smaller screen resolutions and a cap on the number of programs that can run at one time.
Similar restrictions will remain with Windows 7, but Microsoft will allow the operating system to be used in a new way — to power low-cost computers, particularly netbooks, in developed countries.
Microsoft confirmed its plans for Windows 7 Starter on Tuesday, as part of its announcement that it will offer six different versions of the operating system. Although Windows Starter will be an option for netbooks, its limitations mean computer makers will probably also offer models that run Home Premium.
"For [computer makers] that build lower-cost small notebook PCs, Windows 7 Starter will now be available in developed markets," Microsoft vice president Brad Brooks said in an article posted on Microsoft's website. "For the most enhanced, full-functioning Windows experience on small notebook PCs, however, consumers will want to go with Windows 7 Home Premium, which lets you get the most out of your digital media and easily connect with other PCs."
In an interview this week, senior vice president Bill Veghte said Microsoft will place restrictions on the kinds of processors and screen resolutions that will be supported by Windows 7 Starter, but declined to detail the limitations. Windows 7 Starter also won't support features such as multitouch or Media Center.
The three-simultaneous-applications limit, however, could be enough to push many away from Starter. Three applications may sound like a decent number, until you remember programs such as instant-messaging that you want running in the background. Plus, there are all kinds of things that run in the background, such as antivirus software and other programs.
Microsoft said background services running in the system tray don't automatically count against the three-program limit, but do count if a user opens up the full program associated with the service.
Did you find this article useful?
6 out of 10 people found this useful
Digg
Slashdot
Del.ici.ous
Stumble
Reddit
