Microsoft Removes Three-App Limit for Windows 7 Starter

On Friday May 29, Microsoft announced its decision to lift the limitation from the Windows 7 “Starter Edition,” the entry-level version of Windows 7 designed specifically for netbooks. This restriction meant that users could only run three applications at once, which of course caused much uproar amongst consumers.

Microsoft originally added the limitation to try to encourage users to upgrade to a more expensive version of Windows. However, this 3-app limit probably wouldn’t have made much of a difference, since it didn’t include anti-malware services, Windows applets, or multiple incidents of the same application.

For the first time now, Microsoft is allowing Windows to be used globally, rather than just in emerging markets. The company is also positioning it as its least expensive Windows 7 option for netbooks.

Now that this three-application limit had been lifted, Windows 7 Starter will be even more appealing to consumers who want a small, portable PC for basic computing tasks, such as checking email, surfing the Web, and personal productivity.

Nonetheless, Windows 7 Starter is merely a subset of the other editions, since it doesn’t have:

• Multi-monitor support
• Personalization features for changing windows colors, desktop backgrounds, or sound schemes
• Aero Glass (which means you can only use the “Windows Basic” or other similar themes)
• DVD playback
• XP mode for those who want to run older Windows XP programs
• Domain support for business users

All in all, Windows 7 Starter should be decent for low-priced netbooks, but it offers virtually no room to grow before consumers are forced to shell out more money for a more expensive operating system.