Windows 7 Starter Edition for Netbooks: the truth behind the confusion
As anyone with a TV, or indeed a pair of ears and eyes will know, Microsoft has launched its much-anticipated Windows 7 Edition. We were particulary interested in the Windows 7 'Starter Edition' available for netbooks. However, as is often the case with Microsoft, specualtion began to arise about how this OS works, what problems can arise and indeed, the twitterings of the anti-Microsoft green crayon crew were out in force.
One problem that seems to be persistently outlined on several stites across the wires is the 'three-apps' conundrum. We thought it might be a good idea to clear this one up.
In a basic round-up of this problem - Microsoft announced the specifications of Windows 7 Starter Edition for Netbooks claiming that you could only run three applications at once. As expected, the wires went crazy with criticism of this ridiculous suggestion - "Only three applications? That means I can do barely anthying", we hear you cry. But wait. This was the issue. Many bloggers and indeed customers wanting to take advantage of Microsoft's latest offering were lead to believe that they could run three windows at once, so one web page, an office app and perhaps a music player. But no, this is not the case at all.
What Microsoft have done, is stopped you from running a string of applications at once, effectively saying that you should concentrate on one thing at a time. Web browsers, such as IE, Firefox or Google Chrome, can run an infinite amount of pages - go wild - check your email in Hotmail, chat on Facebook, Twitter to your hearts content, even check our blog page for updates - however, do not, under any circumstances write a letter in Word, listen to iTunes, give your mate a big(ger) nose in Photoshop and run your multi-tabbed browser all at once, or you'll get a 'I can't handle this' message.
So this is the deal. The three-apps rule applies to separate applications, not as some thought, three windows.
In fact, while we've got you all excited about this bit of news, let us let you in on another little secret, your browser is not the only application exempt from the three-app rule, so are some of your other Netbook favourites:
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Basic Windows tools such as the Command Prompt Task Manager.
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Most Control Panels (don't hold us to this one as 'most' doesn't mean 'all').
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Program installers (this one is according to the guys at Microsoft, however in most tests, doesn't actually apply. While the warning window doesn't appear, the updates simply don't happen).
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Desktop gadgets such as the Pandora playback gadget.
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Antivirus programs that run as a system service.
If, like us, you think you might get just a little frustrated with the limitations of Starter Edition, you do always have the option to upgrade it to a more powerful version using the Windows 7 Anythime Upgrade feature.
For any more information on Windows 7 or any other Microsoft related products look at their site at: http://www.windows.com
