So, you're getting ready to build or buy a new computer, but one key decision
remains. What operating system are you going to pick? And unless you're using a
Linux distribution or buying a Mac, chances are you're going to end up with
some version of Windows or another. Now, at first, this might seem like a
non-decision. Just pick the 64-bit version of whatever the latest Windows
is, and you're all set, right? Well, maybe not because ever since Windows XP,
there have been home and professional
editions of every Windows and some additional ones from time to time. And
it isn't always obvious what the extra
money, sometimes as much as another $100 US, will get you with a enhanced
professional license. So, when does it actually make sense? Well, the answer
depends not only on your needs, but also
on which version of Windows you need to run, as many folks still need a copy of
Windows 7 to run legacy applications. So, we'll be covering 7, 8, and 10 in
this episode. Now, it's one thing if you're thinking about getting a
professional edition just for the extra bells and whistles, but it's quite
another if you need one to take advantage of your hardware, specifically
memory. if you're running Windows 7 is a big factor here. The home premium
version only supports up to 16 gigabytes
of RAM and with many higherend computers these days having sometimes
significantly more than that, that would be a reason to go pro. Windows 8 and 10
support a much more generous 128
gigabytes on their home editions. Although Pro could be a good option if
you need more RAM than that for something like virtualization,
especially as HyperV, Windows's built-in
virtualization support is only available in Pro and higher. But other than
supporting more memory than an elephant, what else do professional editions
offer? Well, ever since Windows 7, Bit Locker, Microsoft's version of full disc
encryption, which you can learn more about here, as well as encrypting file
system, has required buying an addition beyond just the home version. Windows 8
and 10 Professional include Bit Locker, while for Windows 7, you'll have to step
up to the even more expensive Ultimate Edition. So, if you're storing sensitive
data on your drive that you can't afford to have stolen, shelling out more money
for a fancier version of Windows might be something to look into. And if you're
watching this, the chances are you might be the de facto IT person for your
friends or family or even work. And you might find the remote desktop connection
feature in Pro useful as only computers
with Pro Editions can be remotely controlled if you need to fix a problem
or grab a file from another PC. Though it should be noted there are lots of
remote control options other than the built-in one in Windows. We've actually
talked about them before. But wait a second, Lionus. I mean, can't I just use
third party tools for a lot of this stuff? Well, yeah. In fact, many of them
are free. So, why should you give more money to Microsoft? Well, the answer is
that more expensive versions of Windows still have some features that are hard
to get by other means or just more difficult to do without switching
operating systems entirely, such as setting up a domain at home, which can
be useful if lots of people need access to the same resources. and if you'd like
to fine-tune what they can and can't do.
And if you can get your hands on an enterprise version of Windows 8 or
later, you can actually use Windows to go, which essentially allows you to run
an entire customized Windows session off of a USB flash drive, which is pretty
freaking cool. So, even though the base versions of Windows have gotten more
featurerich over the years, Pro and higher versions might still be worth a
look if you'd like an experience that's a bit more powerful without having to
run around and find third party tools for everything you want to do. Just
don't call yourself an IT professional on your resume after picking up a copy
of Windows Pro, especially if the only reason you bought Windows Pro was to
virtualize 10 instances of Minecraft.
Speaking of being a pro, Fresh Books. Are you running a small business or even
like a sort of getting bigger business? Fresh Books is on a mission to make your
life less stressful and more organized
through their easy to use tool for crafting and sending professional
invoices and keeping track of your accounting. Stuff like how many hours
you spent on a particular job, who you did it for. I mean, I I know I know I
have been through that. I have forgotten things like that. Being able to accept
and keep track of the deposits that have been paid for your work. It is freaking
awesome. They even have a tool to manage your expense reports. The mobile app
just lets you take a picture of your receipts and boom, pretty much handles
the rest. Getting started on FreshBooks wouldn't be helpful if it wasn't
extremely simple, even if you're not a numbers person. So, you just try it for
free for 30 days by going over to freshbooks.com/techquicky, which is
linked in the video description. Enter Techquicki in the how did you hear about
us and find out if FreshBooks is right
for you. Spend your time running your
business rather than spending your time doing accounting for your business with
like one of those big calculators with the like spool of paper that comes at
the top. Come on, man. Get with the times. So, thanks for watching, guys. If
you like the video, like it. If you disliked it, dislike it. If you want to leave a comment with suggestions for
future videos, that is down there. If you want to subscribe so that you don't miss any of our future videos, that's
also somewhere. All right. And also, don't forget to check out our other
channels. I'm sorry, my outro scrolled past the teleprompter. Don't worry about
it. See you next time.