Ask the Network Guy!

Microsoft Windows 7 Starter Edition lacks some basic functionality and features.  These items include being able to use dual monitors. DVD playback, ability to change the default background image.

The Windows 7 Starter Edition is only for netbooks; actually, Starter is being installed on 23 of 28 netbooks available today on Amazon.com according to an article by Infoworld.

Microsoft has put this version of Windows 7 together to specifically work on netbooks, with the intention that you are using this as a small computer, not a normal laptop/notebook.  For this reason, Microsoft stripped a number of features out of the OS and left you with the items that you really need.  You can also install things like office and other browsers if you wish.  But this is really a way to travel on the light side and not carry the 15+ in laptop screen weighing in at 7+ lbs.  Most netbooks are lower priced units using 10-inch screens.  These devices range between $300 and $500 dollars depending on what software is installed, etc.  The main reason to buy is for ease of use, compactness and usually for price.  They are a lot cheaper than a laptop, but can do much of what most laptops can for as little power and memory that they posses. 

I think that these are great units for students!  They are small, so they can travel well almost anywhere.  They are light, so they don’t require an entire laptop case adding a huge amount of additional weight.  They have built in WIFI..  Not only can these netbooks connect to regular wireless networks, but most are setup to be able to connect from any where via cell/3G data services.  What is better than that when looking into a device such as the netbooks.

If you do not upgrade then you do have to live with some of the limitations, as those mentioned above.  Not to forget only being able to have three applications open at one time.  If you want to go one step further, you can always upgrade to Home Premium Edition for about $80.00 more.  This will give more of the functionality that you are familiar with on your home PC or laptop.  But beware, your netbook will still need to meet the standard system requirements for Home Premium, and because of the added features, you might find Home Premium to be slower and thus not as productive.