The Windows 7 lineup released yesterday becomes the top new headline of the day. With 6 versions, it received mixed response from the market. It is a love and hate respond.

For Windows users or those that following them closely (or not), the trend of producing multiple version of similar OS, beginning with Windows XP. As far as I remember, only single version exist on Windows 2000 or Windows Me era.

• Windows XP – Home, Professional

• Windows Vista – Home Basic, Home Premium, Business, Ultimate

• Windows 7 -  Starter, Home Basic, Home Premium, Professional, Enterprise, Ultimate (detail)

Previously, the versions/editions designed based on who the end users (such as home or business) are. From there different set of specifications are grouped together, to become one edition. All versions has the same foundation, what differentiate them is on the special ‘add-ons’ , ‘premium’ feature or complex application that made available only on higher end version, which usually pricier.

The new Windows 7 lineup come out slightly different though. Where instead of users, market (such as emerging market) has been included as one of the factor determining the version.

Do you notice that when the new Windows rolled out, another 2 additional versions added to the lineup started from XP. By the time Windows 7 successor released in the next few years, do you think it will have 8 version? I’ve no idea..

What is the advantage of having multiple OS version? Obviously , you only pay what you need. Why pay extra for Ultimate version when you buy it for your 10 years old kids right??

Confusing? I don’t think so although it does at the first glance. Usually, when you decide to buy something, you’ll go through it on details, rights? You should know about it from A to Z. So the only person that I think will confuse is, who never trying it, using it or having it.