Which to choose – Windows 7 Starter or Professional?

Why Windows 7 Professional?

• Better security.  You can globally lock settings and set up protection through group policies
• Automatically connects to different internet settings (home/school)
• Part of domain (school network) so can send to printer or save documents from anywhere in school.
• Automatically connects to domain so to the printer
• Able to support XP networks

NOTE:  All this is possible with ‘workarounds’ on the Windows 7 Starter version BUT:

• you need an IT professional to support and set up all the additional benefits,
• you need to download software,
• you would need to use a different web browser at home to the one at school to get around proxy settings
• you will need to individually set up computers (and children can change settings more easily)

…so the Starter version is not as simple to use, secure or robust  in day to day usage. 

So, I would recommend paying the extra £60 for Windows 7 Professional to most people and especially Primary Schools.  Unless you have the professional expertise to ensure the system always runs smoothly then make things easier and ensure you receive value for muney through continued use.