The Unknown Microsoft Windows: Windows FLP, Windows PE, and Starter Editions

Many people are familiar with the current versions of Windows, but there are a number of versions of Windows that many people are not familiar with.

Windows Fundamentals for Legacy PCs:

Windows FLP was created along with Windows XP for older machines that can't easily handle Windows XP or newer operating systems. FLP is based off Windows Embedded and comes with very few applications making it smaller and less intensive for older computers.

Windows FLP will run on a computer with a 233mhz processor, 64mb of RAM, 610mb hard disk space, and a screen capable of displaying 800x600. FLP supports XP drivers and runs most XP programs as well.

FLP does come at a cost however. FLP doesn't include many common XP tools such as the task manager and doesn't support compatibility mode. Furthermore, FLP isn't avalible to retail consumers or OEMs. It is only currently avalible to Microsoft Software Assurance customers. This is unfortunate as FLP makes a nice operating system for older machines and Netbooks.

Alternatives:

Windows 7 Starter Edition will be avalible for OEMs. If you are more technically inclined you can use a program called nLite (vLite for Vista and 7) to create a slimmed down version of Windows. There are also other operating systems that are made for older computers, such as DeLi Linux.

Windows Preinstall Environment:

Windows PE is the environment (interface) you use when installing Windows XP or higher. It is a full operating system, but has been stripped down for the most basic functions (installing Windows.)

Windows PE is now avalible to be used by anyone with Microsoft's Windows Automated Install Kit. Windows PE can be booted from a variety of media devices including the hard disk, CD-ROM, and flash drive.

Another free program to take advantage of Windows PE is BartPE which can easily create a bootable CD containing Windows applications. BartPE requires a Windows XP or 2003 CD.

Windows XP and Vista Starter Edition:

Windows Vista Starter Edition is a cheaper versions of Windows XP and Vista that are made for emerging markets and lower-end machines. Starter Editions have a different target audience than Windows FLP. Unlike other editions of Windows, including FLP, Starter Editions have significant restrictions in place. Windows Vista Starter Edition, for example, has a limit of three applications running at once and will not support more than 1gb of RAM.

Windows 7 Starter Edition will be available to OEMs. Although 7 Starter will not have a 3-application limit, it will still have significant restrictions including being unable to support an external monitor.