When Windows Vista was launched in in 2007, it was the first operating system that had a Starter edition which was the most affordable Windows Vista. It was only released in developing countries which the Philippines was also included.

Not to be sold as a standalone, Windows Vista Starter edition was only sold pre-installed. Unfortunately, just as Vista Starter edition is cheap, it is also very limited.

Besides the lack of the transparent Windows Aero effects, users are also limited to only three running applications at one time, a watermark at the bottom of the screen as well as a 1GB limit on the RAM and 250GB limit on the hard drive.

That is why when I was asked if Windows Vista Starter was enough, I would always recommend that they should get a higher version or buy a computer with no operating system and just buy Home Premium on retail instead.

Two years and one Windows version after, Microsoft still retains the Starter edition with Windows 7. Fortunately things have changed, while some things are still the same. Windows 7 Starter edition is still sold in developing countries and still sold pre-installed only.

It still does not have the Windows Aero interface as well. On the other hand, the three-application limit as well as the 1GB RAM and 250GB hard drive restrictions have been removed making it a more viable operating system than its predecessor. On the other hand, I was still being asked if Windows 7 Starter edition is enough for the task and I still say no.

That is, until I acquired a netbook with Windows 7 Starter pre-installed. My first instinct was either to upgrade to Windows 7 Home Premium or delete everything and install Ubuntu, I hesitated and might as well try using Win 7 Starter instead.

As stated above, the first thing that you notice is the lack of the Aero interface which has the “glass” look as well as Aero Peek, and Aero Shake as well as live thumbnails and Windows Flip. Going deeper into the operating system, you are not allowed to change the Desktop Wallpaper and the Screensaver. Basically, what you see is what you get.

On the other hand, all the rest is Windows 7 through and through. You can multitask application as long as the hardware can handle it.

The 1GB RAM and 250GB hard drive limitations have been removed so you can upgrade both the memory and storage to the limits of the hard drive and not the software.

Being a netbook, performance is still limited but operating system-wise, Windows 7 Starter edition is a full-fledged operating system.

After having used the OS for a full week, my opinion of the Windows OS has certainly changed. If customization is still a priority for you, then upgrading to Windows 7 home Premium is a must but if you prioritize functionality over form, then, I have seen the light would recommend to stay with Starter edition until such time that you want to upgrade to a higher edition.