In Russia there is a version of Windows 7 that you only hear bad things about in America or never hear about it at all. A version of Windows 7 that is so cheap that you will cringe and a version of Windows 7 that does virtually anything that your Windows 7 Ultimate will do. Now you will possible (?) see this intentionally crippled operating system on a net-book that you might buy in America. With the hopes that you will upgrade for lots of $$$…
We are talking about Windows 7 Starter. A version of Windows for us poor pathetic countries such as Russia, India, China and so forth. Well, I get to take advantage of such stupid idioms and a while back I purchased two copies of Windows 7 Starter for a measly $17.99 each including tax… (Legit with real Microsoft key in a real Microsoft box and real Microsoft CD. Did I say real…)
Here is what they say it can not do (I will tell you that yes it can):
- No Aero Glass, meaning you can only use the “Windows Basic” or other opaque themes. It also means you do not get Taskbar Previews or Aero Peek. (I say so what. But it is there if you gotta have them. They are just hidden. Besides you can always use aftermarket skinning to satisfy that desire. There also is several glass programs that excel on the original if you so desire. I do not desire…)
- No Personalization features for changing desktop backgrounds, window colors, or sound schemes. (This is also not true. Any good tweak program will allow you to bring 90% of the settings to life and there is a free software program made in France that allows the changing of wall paper…)
- No ability to switch between users without having to log off.(Who cares? This is not a business computer. We use the same profile in our house…)
- No Multi-monitor support. (Not true! Just unlock the system with a good tweaker or after market software. I have nVidia and I use the control panel and have no issues with multi monitors…)
- No 64 bit version. (Sorry I can’t help on this. I have never used 64 bit and really see no reason to use it…)
- No DVD playback. (Not true, VLC Media Player which is open source plays DVD’s just fine on this sweet operating system…)
- No Windows Media Center for watching recorded TV or other media.(Duh! Who cares use aftermarket it is better anyway…)
- No Remote Media Streaming for streaming your music, videos, and recorded TV from your home computer.(Not true, just unlock the capabilities…)
- No Domain support for business customers.(?)
- No XP Mode for those that want the ability to run older Windows XP programs on Windows 7. (? I have not had any issues come up on this at all…)
I do not see any limitations. I also know that they say it will not use BitLocker (?) from the Windows system. I say that an aftermarket program is better and it does work. But I know that I have got it working…
I will list a few good selections of tweaking software for Windows 7 and they work on the Starter Edition also…
- Windows 7 in a box – http://www.big-daddy-design.com/windows7inabox.htm
- VLC Media Player – http://www.videolan.org/vlc/
- God Mode for Windows 7 – http://news.cnet.com/8301-13860_3-10423985-56.html
- BitLocker –
- Windows 7 Starter Background Changer – http://starter-background-changer.en.softonic.com/
From a Store in India...
Bottom line is that I paid $17.99 (actually 500 rubles even to be exact) for Windows 7. Brand new in a box and never opened except by me. I have no ram, cpu, or for the fact any hardware limitations. I have no real limitations what so ever…
As you see, my laptop is not a powerhouse but this Windows 7 Starter literally screams with that Celron M processor. It has a footprint of about 300 megs once loaded and is as stable as any OS that I have ever used…
I also have it installed on a desktop (A separate version from the laptop. So no calling the pirate cops… :)) with a lot more oomph than the laptop and it works like a charm. It is a fast operating system…
I am a Linux nut and have had nothing good to say about Windows for a long time. I have to admit that Windows won me back with this Windows 7 Starter. I have played and played with it. I have tweaked and tweaked and use the toned down version on the laptop. I have abused it. I have tried to fault it. I have opened it up to full literal Ultimate on the desktop. With all the bells and whistles. But it is still Windows Starter in its heart…
Microsoft has a winner in Windows 7…
What did you pay for your Windows 7?
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