Windows 7.8.1.10 Editions and Preparing to Install Windows
What is better than Windows 7, 8.1 or 10, 32 or 64 bit, which edition to choose (Home, Premium, Proffesional, Ultimate) and what you need to prepare before installing Windows.
Nothing is easier than installing Windows! But in order to avoid various pitfalls during the installation process, you need to be well prepared. If you are reinstalling Windows on an old computer, I recommend that you also read the article on backing up files and settings.
Content
1. What you need to install Windows
First you need to choose the right operating system, which will be discussed further. If you do not have a Windows installation disc, then you need a computer to prepare bootable media. If you reinstall the system on an old computer, then you can do it on it.
I also recommend that you prepare the necessary drivers for your computer or laptop in advance for the operating system that you plan to install. They can be on the disk that comes with the computer or laptop, or they will need to be downloaded on the website of the manufacturer of the motherboard or laptop. Even if you are sure that you will have Internet access after installing Windows and you can download all the necessary drivers, be sure to download the driver in advance on a network card or Wi-Fi adapter (for a laptop), since without it you cannot access the Internet.
I also recommend that you perform the installation taking into account the working hours of the support service of your Internet provider. Since you may need technical support to gain access to the Internet (for example, changing the MAC address on the provider’s server). Otherwise, you can sit without the Internet until Monday smile
2. Choosing an operating system
Personally, I prefer the Windows 7 operating system, as it is faster and more convenient. If you have a laptop with a touch screen, then it is preferable to install Windows 8.1, which is better adapted for it. For the most modern computers and laptops, it is preferable to choose Windows 10, which has incorporated all the best from Windows 7 and 8.1. If you purchase licensed Windows for a new computer, then it is better to give preference to a more modern operating system, since it is more promising.
2.1. Bit depth of the operating system
On computers and laptops with up to 3 GB of RAM, it is advisable to install the 32-bit version of Windows (x86), since it consumes 2 times less memory. On computers and laptops with a RAM capacity of 4 GB or more, it is advisable to install the 64-bit version of Windows (x64), otherwise Windows will use only 3 GB of memory.
2.2. Windows 7 Editions
Windows 7 has several editions, also called editions or versions. For home use, in principle, enough Windows 7 Home Basic (Home Basic), which supports up to 8 GB of RAM. Windows 7 Home Premium (Home Advanced) is characterized by support for 16 GB of memory, the availability of the possibility of creating a home group, additional themes and the Windows Media Center program for playing video and music.
There are also editions of Windows 7 Professional, Enterprise, and Ultimate, but they are not needed for home use. Below, in the “Links” section, there is a comparative table of editions of Windows 7, which I have prepared specifically for you.
2.3. Windows 8.1 Editions
With Windows 8.1, everything is simpler. There is a regular version of Windows 8.1, which is suitable for home users. Professional and Enterprise versions are only needed for business tasks. Comparison of editions of Windows 8.1 is in the “Links” section.
2.4. Windows 10 Editions
Windows 10 has two main editions designed for personal computers – Home (Home) and Professional (Professional). In addition, there is an Enterprise (Corporate) version, which is an ordinary Professional, but with a multi-user license for enterprises. There is also a Mobile version of Windows 10 for smartphones and tablets, but we will not consider it here. If you don’t know what the Professional version is for, then choose Home – it contains fewer unnecessary components and will work faster. But the choice of the version of Windows 10 does not occur as in previous versions of Windows 7 and 8.1 when downloading the image, but at the stage of installation. Comparison of editions of Windows 10 is also in the “Links” section.
3. Bootable media
To install the operating system, you need a boot disk or bootable flash drive. Stock up on a few DVD-R discs or a 4GB flash drive.
4. References
On the links below you can download comparative tables of editions of Windows 7, 8.1 and 10.
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About the simplest and most reliable ways to create bootable media that works on any version of Windows (XP, 7, 8, 10)
