Which Windows 7 version to use?

Currently, my computer is running XP and my daughter's laptop is on Vista. The fact that I don't use Vista often or know it well makes it a complete PITA to diagnose problems on her computer.

I'm thinking of upgrading both to Windows 7. I'd like to spend as little as possible on the upgrade, (no surprise!) so would Windows Home Premium be sufficient for most purposes? Both computer are mostly used for gaming (CoH, Sims) internet surfing, etc. I occasionally bring work home and have to run SPSS on my desktop, but nothing more complicated than that.

So would Windows 7 Professional have any real advantages for us over Home Premium?

Thanks for your help!

Windows Home Premium 64-bit is what I have, used mostly for gaming and programming, and I'm happy with it. The differences between the three can be found here.

I'd like to mention though, the "Windows XP Mode" is not a compatibility mode like under Vista. Compatibility mode is still available in all 3 versions. The "Windows XP Mode" is Win XP run under a virtual machine under Win 7. Not really useful for gaming, because it doesn't use the 3D effects that most vid cards support. It's more or less an emulator. The only time it's really needed is if you're running a really old piece of legacy software. Most programs can be handled under compatibility mode if they don't like Win 7 as-is.

Home Premium should do the job. Professional doesn't really add any value for a typical home user. I'd also suggest installing the 64 bit version since you most likely have 64 bit processors in both machines.

Amazon has a family 3 pack available for $270, which is $90/per install instead of the single $119/per for the retail upgrade. I'm sure you have a friend or family member that could use the 3rd upgrade to also help offset the cost to you.

http://www.amazon.com/Microsoft-Wind...0377845&sr=8-8

Thanks, guys. It's nice to hear that Home Premium should work with most XP programs; I saw the "Windows XP Mode" mentioned with Professional and Ultimate and wondered if that would be an issue. (My daughter plays a lot of Sims 2, which although it's originally an XP program works pretty well with Vista.)

And I'll keep an eye out for that upgrade multi-pack! My son's laptop was on XP also, but died recently, so I may need a third copy depending on what's installed on his new comp.

Thanks again!

"XP Mode" is basically a virtual machine with a copy of Windows XP Pro. You don't need it (and really... wouldn't want it) for gaming. Running Win7 Home Premium (64 bit) here, no problem - and I've got a slew of games on this.

Quick comparison here - with, yeah, some market -speak. Still works as a quick overview, though. Home Premium does pretty much everything if you don't need to join a domain.

http://www.microsoft.com/windows/win...e/default.aspx

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