familyhaa.blogg.se

This article describes the Windows Media Feature Pack for Windows 7 N and for Windows 7 KN. They cost the same as their non-'N' brothers and sisters, and apart from Windows Media Player, offer the same spread of features.Īll you have to do now is decide which of the six non-N versions are right for you, and, wouldn't you know it, we have a handy, simple guide for that as well.Īll questions are welcome in the comments.Description of the Windows Media Feature Pack for Windows 7 N and for Windows 7 KN

We continue to abide by this ruling."Īnd so Windows 7 N was born. This took place in the latter part of Windows XP's life and prompted the release of Windows XP N - a version identical to Windows XP, but without Windows Media Player.Ī couple of years down the line, Windows Vista splatted down in Europe, complete with its own N editions to confuse the poor saps who missed the EC's memo.įast-forward to today, and a Microsoft spokesperson explained to CNET UK, "The European Commission's 2004 decision requires Microsoft to offer an N version of Windows in Europe. Microsoft was allowed to keep selling Windows with a media player, under the condition that it at least offer a version without. Microsoft was forced to unbundle the software and offer European consumers and manufacturers a version of Windows without it.

The Commission concluded that with a near-monopoly in the operating system market, Microsoft's bundling of Windows Media Player within Windows was anti-competitive. The strong arm of European law demands Microsoft offer these confusing 'N' editions, but to understand what they are and why they exist at all, we need a little history lesson.īack in 2004, the European Commission fined Microsoft a record €497m under an antitrust ruling. Stumbling on to Microsoft's UK Web store could thrust you face-to-face with confusion - up close and personal with three unusual versions of Windows known as Windows 7 Home Premium N, Windows 7 Professional N and Windows 7 Ultimate N.