I’ve noticed there are different versions (N,K,KN) of Windows XP Pro and Windows 7 Pro & Enterprise. What are they and what version do we get in the usual OEM Windows pre-installed on computers?
Windows N, K, and KN: Microsoft Special Editions?
If you’ve browsed the Windows Operating System selections at Amazon, Dell, or your local Wal-Mart lately, you’ve probably walked away a bit confounded by the multitude of choices on display for Microsoft’s flagship operating system. Starter, Home, Home Professional, Professional, Ultimate, Enterprise; these are just a few of the commonly available versions of Windows 7, Windows Vista, and Windows XP, with many other designations adding further confusion to your buying experience. While most of these labels are well documented through the most common web resources, as well as at point of sale displays, there are a few versions of Microsoft’s OS which are so rarely seen that even the most knowledgeable Windows buff may be taken aback when asked about these “special editions.” Case in point: the “N,” “K,” and “KN” designations heaped on a number of Windows versions since Windows XP.
Not often seen in the North American marketplace, Windows editions marked with the “N,” “K,” or “KN” designations are versions manufactured specifically for the European (“N”) and South Korean (“K” or “KN”) markets. Why do these countries get these “special” designations? It’s all due to Microsoft’s seemingly endless run-ins with the law . . .
In March of 2004, the European Commission levied a fine of nearly $800 million dollars against Microsoft after concluding that the software giant had broken laws within the European Union governing fair competition and monopolies within the European PC operating system and media player markets. After numerous appeals, Microsoft and the European Commission came to an agreement whereby Microsoft would provide a court ordered compliant version of its Windows operating system, marked with the “N” designation, in addition to the standard Windows versions, to all customers within Europe. These “N” branded editions of Windows contain all of the functionality of their non “N” counterparts, with the exception of Windows Media Player and other related files, which were removed from the “N” versions to fulfill compliance with the European Commission ruling. Without the inclusion of Windows Media Player, “N” editions of Windows cost the same as their standard Windows counterparts, but prompt you to find software alternatives with which to watch movies, listen to music, burn media discs, etc.; in effect giving you a slightly crippled version of Windows for the price of a full featured version.
Similar to the “N” edition situation, Windows “K” and “KN” editions were created in response to a late 2005 order from the Korean Fair Trade Commission; which found Microsoft in violation of South Korea’s Anti-trust laws. This ruling saw a $30+ million dollar fine handed to Microsoft, in addition to an order to stop sales of Windows operating systems produced before the ruling; versions with Windows Media Player, Windows Messenger, and associated files bundled within. As with the European Commission ruling, Microsoft complied, creating the Windows “K” editions; versions of Windows which retain Windows Media Player and Windows Messenger functionality, but also include links to 3rd party media and messaging services under the “All Programs” sub-menu. In addition to the “K” editions came Windows “KN.” Copies of Windows branded with the “KN” designation removed Windows Media Player and Windows Messenger entirely from the operating systems’ setup, leaving behind only links to suggested alternative programs on the web.
With all these different versions of Windows floating around, you may be wondering which version you have, particularly if it came pre-installed on your computer. The easiest way to find out would be to right click your “My Computer” or “Computer” icon/link (located on the Desktop or Start Menu,) select “Properties,” and check the system properties box which appears for the name of your Windows operating system edition.
Generally speaking, unless your computer was purchased in Europe or South Korea, the chances of it having an “N,” “K,” or “KN,” version of Windows installed is quite slim; with the likelihood of a crippled “N” edition even more so as this version has proven unpopular, and not very well purchased, by European consumers and system builders alike.
So, given the option, should you purchase an “N,” “K,” or “KN” edition of Windows? If you are a collector of rare or obscure versions of Windows then sure, why not. However if, like most of us, you are interested in getting everything you paid for in your Windows experience, then your best bet would be to avoid these editions whenever possible.
~J. Conboy
Tags: windows
A well written article!
A quick way to system properties is the “Windows” key and “pause”, brings it right up. How about an article on Windows key combinations for the future? I use them every day while repairing computers.
Peter
Thank you for your well-informed and detailed response to my question. I am
a TechNet subscriber, and downloaded these and other versions for evaluation
as part of my subscription to install and use in a non-production (working)
environment. Windows Media Player is always available for download in any
version like these. Enterprise x64 offered me Media Player 12 to install as
an update.
I am using Windows 7 Enterprise because that is what the College has been
installing in certain computer depts. and classrooms. I figured why not try
to learn what the College is using on my own at home, and it would make my
life in the classroom and using their computers that much easier.
It is supposed to be for business use, as part of a domain server system,
but you can set it up and use it like any other Windows 7 Professional or
XP Professional package. Internet Explorer 8 is tied directly to the OS, so
there are some restrictions what you can do compared to XP. Windows 7 is a
lot like Vista with the file folder structure, without the driver headaches.
I managed to easily set it up like Windows XP without downloading the XP
compatibility pack. I’m sure you can do the same with Win7 Pro or higher.
If you want the Explorer icon on your desktop, drag the Quick Launch icon
to it, and Windows will create it as a shortcut. It doesn’t have the same
properties as IE8 in XP. You can’t right click on it and go to Properties.
That you must do using the Control Panel selecting Internet Properties and
the familiar dialogue window shows up like any Explorer version.