Is Windows 7 Starter Edition Microsoft’s dirty new trick?
Update: Microsoft has removed the three-app limit
Windows 7 Starter Edition may be the most evil version of Windows as to date. It imposes a restriction on all users that only allow three simultaneous applications. Microsoft’s defense behind the restriction was that it ensures that users can get the best possible performance from limited netbook hardware. But seeing that Windows 7 Beta – which is the Ultimate edition – already runs so well on even the lowest spec netbooks, many are wondering why Microsoft would impose such a restriction. Microsoft should know that such a restriction is unideal in today’s computer environments.
Imagine you were running Starter Edition; you have your messenger running, you’re browsing on the net, and you’re listening to music. You have Skype running as a background process but when someone attempts to call you, you’re unable to receive the call because then you’d be running four simultaneous applications. So did Microsoft really impose this restriction to benefit its users? Let’s take a look at the likely scenarios Starter Edition could cause.
Drive up netbook prices:
This seems to be one of the more popular stances on the Starter Edition issue right now. PCPro recently reported that Starter Edition could drive up prices of Windows-based netbooks.
The company announced last week that it was launching
Windows 7 Starter Edition as a low-cost option designed specifically
for netbooks.
However, the company�s decision to impose a three-app limit could
force many manufacturers to opt for the more expensive Home Premium.
The three-app rule includes applications running in the background,
meaning that a user running Windows Messenger and Skype, for example,
could only use one further application on their machine. Antivirus
software is excluded from the app count.
Microsoft says the restriction is designed to ensure that users get
the best possible performance from limited netbook hardware. However,
it admits it will encourage netbook manufacturers to install the
unrestricted Home Premium in the UK.
Microsoft’s response was simply:
�We would expect the limit of three applications wouldn�t affect very many people.�
Microsoft told consumers on its Engineering Windows 7 blog that 70% of its consumers� have between eight and 15 windows open at any time. Depending on how much of the remaining 30% will be netbook consumers, this could force OEMs to install Home Premium (rumored to be $260) to avoid discouraging customers because of the 3 concurrent application restriction.
Drive down Netbook prices
On the other hand, Starter Edition may end up driving down netbook prices. Microsoft had stated that all versions of Windows 7 can be upgraded from one version to the next. Assuming this applies to Starter Edition as well, the starting price of a netbook is now much lower. Netbook vendors have a lot less to risk because if a customer opts for Windows 7 Starter Edition but is unsatisfied, they can easily upgrade through Microsoft.
The result of even lower netbook prices will increase sales, which also means increased sales of Windows 7. The dirty trick here is that users are tempted into buying these cheaper netbooks equipped with Windows 7 Starter, only to find that they need to upgrade to Home Premium because Starter wasn’t suitable for them. They end up purchasing a Home Premium netbook anyway. Whereas if there was no Starter edition in the first place, the high netbook prices as a result of Home Premium may not have attracted them to consider purchasing a netbook in the first place. HP has already announced that they will ship three versions of Windows 7 with their netbooks: Starter, Home Premium, and Professional. Will it just be a matter of tiem before other vendors follow suit?
Users opt for Linux instead
The other argument behind the application limit is that the majority of apps have online alternatives and can be accessed through the browser instead, which is just one application. For example, Google Docs allows you to use Google alternatives to Word, Excel, and Powerpoint all in the browser with just one application open. But if Microsoft isn’t to drive the price of the Starter Edition to be competitive with Linux, users may just opt for Linux instead. A user planning to purchase a budget netbook solely as an online surfing device does not necessarily need to deal with the extra cost that comes with a Windows-based machine.
With the lack of a Windows 7 Home Basic edition in non-emerging markets, the big gap between Starter and Home Premium makes it difficult for OEMs and customers to choose between the two versions.Windows 7 Beta Ultimate already runs well on netbooks so Microsoft does not have to worry too much about strained performance on Windows 7-based netbooks. But any one of the three scenarios may happen and Starter Edition may change the netbook market for the next couple of years. The one scenario Microsoft absolutely wants to avoid is for users to opt for Linux instead due to all the confusion. What do you think of Windows 7 Starter Edition? Please let us know in the comments.
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Tags: windows 7, windows 7 netbook, windows 7 starter edition, windows 7 starter edition netbooks
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47 Responses to “Is Windows 7 Starter Edition Microsoft’s dirty new trick?”
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The really annoying thing is that this probably isn’t a bad decision as they’ll make more money this way. The softare industry isn’t half perverted these days.
“Antivirus software is excluded from the app count.”
Well what about other tray/background software?
- Video driver tray apps
- Software firewalls like Comodo and ZoneAlarm
- File management utilities like SuperCopier
- Window helper apps like AllSnap
- Launchers like Pstart, Launchy and Executor
- Search tools like Google Desktop
- Notifiers like Gmail notifier and Secunia PSI
- Other tray apps like Wakoopa
Unless these are also excluded from the 3 app limit, a lot of users will find they can’t run any foreground apps.
It doesn’t seem to be too clear, but it seems that any app running in the background or in the system tray does not count towards the app limit unless it becomes “active.” I suppose that Skype is not considered to be a running app unless you actually open it and make a call?
nothing new here, its the same as vista
what’s the problem?? don’t you remembered that vista was the same with the versions?
Starter is deployed worldwide this time
Article on arid.net (http://digg.com/d1pTAK) that talked about windows 7 starter edition and had suggestions on a better way to implement the starter edition for netbooks.
I am a basic user and want to purchase a netbook. What will windows 7 starter give me. I am used to purchasing the packages such as those that came with XP. I need word, excel, etc.
Windows 7 Starter Edition is the worst operating system ever. I feel that they put it pre-loaded on netbooks so you have to pay for the $80 upgrade. You can’t even change your desktop background. It’s more like Windows 3.5. You’d be better off with xp home or even the dreadful vista. DO NOT BUY ANYTHING WITH WINDOWS 7 STARTER EDITION!!! It’s CRAP
As linux user, I would definetly stick to linux. I was to buy a netbook, I would either use XP or better linux (currently ubuntu, but I’m going to debian asap). As for the restriction – It’s stupid and I hope it berries microsoft for good!
Well it won’t “berrie” (bury) Microsoft at all – far from it. The starter edition is not new to Windows 7. It’s been around for quite a while actually – since at least 2003. The point that is missing to all this is that the starter edition is just an option. No where was it ever stated that every netbook would have it installed as the default OS. What I really don’t understand is that Microsoft provides different versions depending on individual needs and budget – and somehow that is a bad thing? Some Linux users (I’m one also) need to get off their high horse and realize that Linux is not the perfect OS for everyone. One main reason is the lack of software support. There is no 1-800 # to call, etc. Wading through forum after forum to find answers is something only techies find fun an enjoyable.
As a Linux user I agree, I am stickign with Linux, I don’t need bling, limits on application usage, i have ubuntu and openoffice + loads of other apps all in just under 6gb, aparently win7 needs 16gb is that with / without MS office
8 and 15 windows open cannot be true; most people can’t think beyond 3 things anyway
3 windows is fine…
just keep up the performance and minimize the useless addon’s….
You can easily pass the limit, or at least I can.
1) Music player
2) Word processor
3) Web Browser
Now you want to check your email in out look but you can’t. What about talk on IM, probably not. Run FTP, can’t either.
What browser does not support ftp? If one of the 3 running apps is a web browser then you cannot use FTP as a compelling argument. Sure you can say you wish to use other software for ftp and perhaps you are right but at some point someone needs to be willing to compromise.
It’s interesting to see the Linux fanboys to bash Microsoft for their antics. It’s also interesting to see that it’s the higher level users bashing how Microsoft is making this decision for them. In actuality this is just an option….. Restricted usage for a lower budgeted system. If all else buy it and reformat it to run linux… or pay for the upgrade.
Either way Microsoft will make their money….. Linux will continue to be developed. Find something else to cry about that makes sense.
… I am not in favor of Microsoft or Linux….. I believe in the right solution for the task at hand in SOME cases Linux is the definitive option however in others Microsoft actually offers a superior option. You choose what is right for you stop assuming what your needs are is the same as the rest of the population!
I don’t see what all the hoopla is about. The starter edition was meant mostly for third-world countries where the usage would be mostly for surfing the web, etc. Power users will certainly opt for a beefier version or just install Linux anyway. Currently almost all of the netbooks available here in Silicon Valley are running XP. Even though Ubuntu is a nice user-friendly version of Linux, it’s not quite ready for prime time. The main problem is that there is no support. With Windows, there is always Microsoft to turn to. Microsoft is not perfect but at least it’s something…
They’ve decided to sell Starter worldwide. My response to your comment would be this article. There is no risk because you can upgrade, but psychologically speaking, users may feel that they need Home Premium after hearing about the 3-app limit.
Starter helps drive netbook prices down. I think Starter is a good thing, although users may be irritated to find they will need to spend more money afterwards becuase they want home premium.
The information from your posting is outdated. Microsoft had since removed the 3-app limit on Windows 7 Starter.
Can you post website telling that MS has removed this 3 app limit?
I am running starter edition on a dot netbook and can run 10 apps simultaniously without a problem…
so there is no 3 app limit on win 7 starter after all! (but no aero either)
ergregergreg
Vista also had a “3 app limit”????
Where?
There is no limitations to the number of applications on Windows 7 starter edition. Windows 7 starter edition got a much better performance and usability compared to Win XP starter..
LiWinMC up there had it pretty spot on. But what you guys have not mentioned is that the blame may fall more on retailers like Best Buy who advertise Netbooks exactly like this:
“New Laptops and Computers with Windows 7″
The average person would have no idea that it REALLY means “Windows 7 Starter”. Most don’t even know what that means. So in a way it is very misleading/false advertising.
Windows 7 is brand new and supposedly advanced. I would have never thought something that is brand new would take a giant leap backwards like this, limiting to only 3 apps. And in my view it is a dirty marketing ploy. Nothing new to the marketing world.
Don’t panik im sure there will be a way to hack the limit. This means if starter edition is cheaper ul be able to get full functionality with a legit key the same as if its home premium. Also i know for fact that you can easily hack the aero glass on basic. But in the meantime il enjoy my windows 7 ultimate RC and hopefully have something economical sort by march.
[...] Today, 01:18 PM might be worth a read Windows 7 Starter Edition: The evil edition of Windows | Windows 7 Center [...]
Yeah right, for the cheap price you pay, will Microsoft give you more than that. Shut down your music dude and then start Skype. How will you receive a call with the music on anyways?
Close the music window and listen to skype.
Being a cheap basket, you should not blow the trumpet out so loud.
so what’s the deal??? 3 app limit or not? I wanna get one and yeah I’m def down for the price. i’m pretty much just use my computer for internet, music, movies, etc. is this OS gonna cut it? 350 dollars for a new computer sounds delicious. I just really want to know if it’s 3 apps or not???
There is no limit on mine, Acer AOD250-1663. Confirmed. I ran 10 apps for testing purposes. No limit at all. I am running all of these apps at once:
Bluetooth Software
Internet Download Manager
SysTrayMeter
Magic ISO
Firefox
K-Meleon
Live Messenger
Yahoo! Messenger
AIM
Skype
Camfrog
Avira Antivir
SUPERAntiSpyware
OpenOffice Writer
Thank you.
Pay attention when you are buying Acer netbooks. There’s a coupon code on the bottom of the page on Amazon (I got $30 coupon); free shipping & no sales taxes (saving you about $25 on sales taxes, plus a $30 discount coupon) free shipping with super saver and it got here in 3days (from Nevada to Missouri). Be sure to get the one that gets 9 hours battery like mine. The greatest value ever. And no, I don’t work for Acer. I am just an excited Acer and Amazon customer!
Grow up. “Evil”? Come on.
They’ve dropped the 3-app limitation.
And who cares.
Come on guys – this is all OPTIONAL – you don’t have to have starter – you don’t need to have Linux. Just use the OS that’s right for YOU and stop trying to rubbish everything that YOU don’t like. I use XP – why – because it’s the best? Certainly not – but because it’s right for what I need to do. For basic netbook users, 7 starter is fine. If you want to run multiple applications, skype, music players etc – then a netbook isn’t the right solution for you anyway – so you won’t have 7 starter – will you?????
i got large problem……..help me i got a windows 7 starter notesbook problem,how do i get a picture in my background on my desk its awefull iwe tried so many things to download wallpapers but there is solutions……….you gotta help me out aaargh…….i taking all my hair off with my hands because of the anger that occurs
With starter you can’t change the background!
it pisses me off. just got a notebook with starter edition and ive got this stupid background:(
I am confused…I was just on the phone with Microsoft and was told that you can change your background picture with Windows 7 Starter. I really do not want to open this new computer if I am going to be disappointed
Stop being a woose and open the dam thing Kathy
Having just purchased a Gateway netbook with Windows 7 starter I’m SO disappointed in the limitations. The first thing a user wants to do is personalize the netbook and one of the first efforts they make towards that endeavor is to changer their desktop background. Yes, there’s workarounds – but what a pain! I’m taking the netbook back tomorrow.
is ther a way to change da background???? it is drivin me insane not being able to change it, the bg it cums wit is soooooo ugly!!!!!!!!!!!!
You can change the background just go on this site and follow the steps. That’s what I did and was able to change my background.
http://www.sevenforums.com/tutorials/47294-desktop-background-change-windows-7-starter.html
Wait a minute…Google gets praised for building a “browser only” OS, but MS gets slammed for building a 3 app limit OS?
What are netbooks for:
1) Browser
2) Email
3) IM
What else is there? 99.9% of people don’t want small netbooks for spreadsheets. They want to read CNN at the airport.
hmmm… why are people arguing bout the 3 app limit? its just like an urban legend. i can run 5 apps namely IE, MS WORD, YM, SKYPE, and MS Excel all at the same time. my netbook is toshiba. seriously if u guys are unsure try some demos or showroom or something.
Hi, I think I will get an acer netbook for college or maybe asus, reformat, delete windows and install Linux? Why? because I may be sharing stuff with other students and don’t want to get viruses. i want to use the netbook as a notetaker. I am tottally blind so will use vinux-cli-max edition or knoppix-adriane or Ubuntu. There are some others that have screen reading software but I’m not much of a fan of the others. But that’s why I would use Linux. Do I hate microsoft and mac? no. of course not I’m gunna try and get voc rehab to get a mac mini for me for college. But I don’t want my netbook to go on the fritz or have my windows screen reader software Jaws locking up when trying to read and surrf the internet, so I’ll probably use a Linux distribution with open-office, or Windows 7 starter edition with the free NVDA screen reader and system access to go… http://www.satogo.com . I want to use whatever OS will save me money and gget the job done. Windows7 starter saves me money because Jaws is full of bugs and won’t work good with it so just will use nvda or satogo. For more heavy surfng I’ll use the mac mini. maybe I’ll dual-boot knoppix-adriane and win7, not sure yet. If Linux works for you great. I like it too because it’ll make my netbook a bitmore reliable and it’ll get the job of notetaking surfing and sharing and reading and editing word and spreadsheet files it’ll work, no viruses. same with mac. I like win7 or will like it because if I want to play my favorite accessible audio games like those from kitchensinc.net I can do that in windows7.
Josh Kennedy jkenn337{at}gmail{dot}com
words in braces are punctuation like @ and … period.
i dont care about all comment’s, but i want, how to cange my dekstop background,please….just dekstop background
I got a Sony Vaio VPCW126AG a day ago as a gift from HK. Just trying to get it started today, i don’t like windows 7 already. Firstly, i think that the OS isn’t loading properly, because i’ve tried to start my notebook, in safe mode and all the other options, but it keeps coming up to the screen where it says “preparing your computer for first time use” then the windows screen comes up with “welcome” trying to load, then 2 minutes later a message appears, windows installation incomplete, please restart your laptop to complete installation, F*%^! i havent even used the freaking machine! and i get this already, does anyone know how i can recover this etc, F10 or any other reboot options? Thoroughly frustrated
Hi folks.Read the fucking manual.I use the starter edition.It is aminimalised OS with only the nessecary things and I think it is the best windows ever,I do not want the more
expensive ones.The bigger the OS is the slower it is.Why do we use windows?For mainstream activities like Webradio,Chat,Browsing,videos etc.XP was full of shit and it was hard to get rid of.I felt more fooled by XP.Unstable,Programconflicts,blue screens,not very well adapted to mobile broadband.I think it is a shame selling this
old shit.almost 10 years old and preinstall it on laptops.I am happy I found a buyer for my other laptop.W7 starter is smooth,efficient,rather small and fast OS.I never thought I would like windows but this one I like.On my other partition I will use ubuntu .For personalization add your own
photos,get some gadgets and change some colors.I don´t like windows way of doing bussiness but that is what the averidge user
wants.I am from Sweden and it is not a third world country. Have a nice day or night.
I’m frustrated! Just got a HP Mini 110-1025nr with Windows 7 starter. I can do without all the other upgradable enhancements at this time, but how do you switch from one user to another without having to restart the whole operating system?