Microsoft confirmed the multi-version release of Windows 7 to various sources including and . However, Microsoft has not released any official statement to the public regarding this decision.

Many have been critical of Microsoft's decision to release multiple versions of . The move created . It also created compatibility issues with software and hardware when people wanted to upgrade from XP to Vista. Lastly, many saw multi-versions of Vista as a self-serving way for Microsoft to charge vastly different prices for different versions of Vista with little benefit to end users.

We don't know about pricing or availability (although Windows 7 will be available early next year), but here is a breakdown of what we do know and the differences between the versions of .

First off, all users of XP and Vista will be able to upgrade their OS license to Windows 7. The catch is the upgrades will have to be a clean installation of , meaning you'll have to re-install programs and backup and replace data.

Windows 7 Starter Edition