Confusing? Actually we are talking about "Windows 7 Starter Edition" here which should be better called "Windows 7 Restricted Edition".
Why? As we all know previous Windows Starter Editions didn't allow users to open more than 3 programs simultaneously and the same restrictions is found in recently leaked Windows 7 Starter Edition Build 7068.
But the most irritating and surprising thing in Windows 7 Starter Edition is the restriction over changing Desktop Wallpaper.
Windows 7 Starter Edition contains a grayed-out version of default Windows 7 beta wallpaper showing the fish on Desktop.
And the worst thing is, users are not allowed to change the wallpaper. There is no "Personalize" option in Desktop context menu:
Also no other ways to change wallpaper works like changing wallpaper using Windows Photo Gallery, web browser, etc. That's really strange and hard to understand why Microsoft restricted such a basic feature even free Linux distros allow to change wallpapers.
Also there are no extra wallpapers in Starter Edition.
Thanks to "Paul Thurrott" who installed the recently leaked Windows 7 Build 7068 and tested all different editions like Starter, Home Basic, Home Premium, Professional and Ultimate and found this interesting restriction in Starter Edition.
Also "Rafael" @ WithinWindows describes how this restriction works in Windows 7 Starter Edition. He posts:
In Windows 7, a new licensing bit was introduced – ChangeDesktopBackground-Enabled. On Starter Edition SKUs, this bit is set to 0, disabling background setting capabilities in Windows Photo Viewer and the Display/Theme Control Panel applets. The infection goes deeper into system files shell32.dll and themeui.dll too, hard-coding the wallpaper to %windir%\web\wallpaper\windows\img0.jpg.
He also posts a workaround for it:
1. As an Administrator, reset the permissions on img0.jpg, and overwrite file with any other picture
2. Use third-party software (note: changes will likely not persist, untested)
So what would you like to call it: Windows 7 Starter Edition or Windows 7 Restricted Edition?
PS: I can find only one reason behind it. Since Starter Edition is form OEMs, they might put their own customized wallpaper and lock it so that users can't change it and OEMs can have their branded wallpaper on all machines.
This article was posted by VG in following section: Windows 7.
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Sameera Shaakunthala
A bit of 'ethical' hacking will do a favour,... i guess. Isn't it? :D
somebody with a 2 gb brain
like it was sold for 10$
VG
@goldi
You can select the edition at installation time.
@Patrick
atm I don't have any link for the wallpaper but will post as soon as I found it.
@Ron
No. There is no workaround for 3 programs limit.
Regarding MS decision to make Starter edition free, I think thats impossible. Most probably this edition will come pre-installed in netbooks.
Tangmeister
Hey guys,
I think sooner or later, somebody's going to program something to run, say, 5 apps at the same time, only under a common program "group", so Windows will consider it to be one.
I personally think "MMG" is a true idiot. Why would MS want to help Linux?
Robero
Thanks VG for the information.Seems quite puzzling why MS would take this approach to a new OS.We will have to wait and see what the final product brings to the consummer?Just a word guys.We are all here for the same purpose ar least I hope we are?Being constructive/Learning from Vishal/Giving our oppinions etc.When it turns into comments of attack on fellow readers that is another story.They too, have the right to make comments whether you agree or not.Lets all try to get along because we are all human and each person is never the same.If you disagree just say so, but in a softer more friendly tone.Sorry VG but I thought some one should step in to make all members aware that we all are here for the same purpose.If I am out of line and you would rather I not express my feeling in such a way,just leave me a comment.After all this is your site and I would not want to giving you the impression that I am trying to be an administrator or trying for law and order?cheers mate
Khunna
Anyone here know about build 7070? I saw screen shot at Neowin Website
goldi
VG i am not getting that option of selecting edition
eldib
Thank You VG
Addy
Starter Edition can useful in some situations/ for a particular group of people such as business people who use computers only for accounting or say internet cafe owners who would not need many other applications running, other than browsers and AVs.
Look at the brighter side...if many people do not need multi-tasking they can make use of this if available for free/less than $50/INR 2000
Ron
Dear Vishal Gupta,
I sincerely apologize if I have upset you with my heated comment. I have, like I stated, not found a single comment by Evan that I thought should have been posted. I made every attempt to keep it mature and unoffensive. I shall refrain from commenting again after this. I am truly sorry.
@Robert
Where does the line stop for posting whatever a person feels like posting. This website is about information, Vishal Gupta's incredibly intricate visual styles and his hard work, and about helping people use their computer more efficiently and in a more pleasant environment. It has many facets but I am sure one of them is not posting garbage that does no one any good.
@Tangmeister who said:
I think sooner or later, somebody's going to program something to run, say, 5 apps at the same time, only under a common program "group", so Windows will consider it to be one.
I would think this could easily be achieved today but has not been tried. I am going to look more into this myself.
Once again I apologize to any one I have offended with my comment. I will not make one like it again.