home Solution Microsoft OS distribution channels. Microsoft OS distribution channels Find out the Windows version and Service Pack number using the built-in WinVer program

Microsoft OS distribution channels. Microsoft OS distribution channels Find out the Windows version and Service Pack number using the built-in WinVer program

). Has synonyms Final, Gold.

The "final version" of a product and the "RTM version" are synonymous.

The colloquial expression "gone for gold" means that an RTM version of the software product has appeared.

In computer literature, you can find the expression: “an RTM version of the operating system has been released […]”. This means that the "final", final product has been released.

Release candidate- designation of the release of the preliminary version of the product. Usually precedes the RTM version - no longer Beta, but still not "gold". If no major flaws are found within the set time, it becomes an RTM version. Example: Windows 7 RC 7100.

Write a review on the article "RTM"

An excerpt characterizing RTM

- Yes, at the end, to the big one, how can you not see! This is our house, - said Rostov, - after all, this is our house! Denisov! Denisov! We'll come now.
Denisov raised his head, cleared his throat, and said nothing.
“Dmitry,” Rostov turned to the lackey in the box. “Is this our fire?”
- So exactly with and with daddy in the office glows.
- Haven't gone to bed yet? BUT? how do you think? Look, don’t forget, get me a new Hungarian at once, ”added Rostov, feeling his new mustache. “Come on, let’s go,” he shouted to the driver. “Wake up, Vasya,” he turned to Denisov, who lowered his head again. - Come on, let's go, three rubles for vodka, let's go! Rostov shouted when the sleigh was already three houses from the entrance. It seemed to him that the horses were not moving. Finally the sleigh was taken to the right to the entrance; above his head, Rostov saw a familiar cornice with broken plaster, a porch, a sidewalk pillar. He jumped out of the sleigh on the move and ran into the passage. The house also stood motionless, unfriendly, as if it didn't care who came to it. There was no one in the vestibule. "My God! is everything all right?" thought Rostov, stopping for a minute with a sinking heart, and at once starting to run further along the passage and the familiar, crooked steps. The same doorknob of the castle, for the uncleanliness of which the countess was angry, also weakly opened. A single tallow candle burned in the hallway.

If you have installed RTM version operating system Windows 7, then you need ( recommended) update it to Service Pack 1, so in today's material I will tell you in detail and show how this can be done and why it is needed at all.

Before moving on to the process of installing Service Pack 1 on Windows 7, I want to start by answering questions like this ( if you have them) how: What is meant by RTM version? What is Service Pack? How do I know if I have it installed? Why do I need a Service Pack, and do I need to install it?

What is the RTM version of Windows 7?

RTM (Release To Manufacturing) is the final version of the software product, i.e. this is the version that is ready for distribution.

During the development process, the software goes through several stages and usually a prefix is added to the name of the program at each of these stages, which indicates current version, i.e. stage so that users know which version they are using, i.e. fully finalized or preliminary, which will be further developed. For example, there are the following stages:

alpha( Alpha) is the stage of internal testing, i.e. Alpha version;
Beta ( Beta) is the stage of public testing, i.e. beta version;
R.C. ( Release Candidate) - the program at this stage is almost completely ready for release, but there is a possibility of finding additional errors that were not noticed during testing at previous stages, i.e. this is the RC version;
RTM ( Final release) is the final version ready for release.

In other words, Windows 7 RTM is the version that went on sale immediately after Windows 7 was announced ready for release, i.e. clean Windows 7 without any updates.

What is Service Pack?

service pack (SP) is a package of updates, fixes and improvements to the program, which is released as a single installation file. Typically, a Service Pack is released when a sufficiently large number of updates have accumulated that have a significant impact on security, performance, and stability. software.

The update package has a number, and the higher it is, the newer and better program. Service packs are usually referred to as SP1, SP2, SP3, and so on.

Why do I need a Service Pack in Windows 7, and do I need to install it?

Service Pack in Windows 7 is needed to keep all components of the operating system up to date. In other words, by installing the Service Pack, you will update all components of the operating system to the latest versions ( at the time of the release of the Service Pack) and add new functionality. If you answer the question " Does it need to be installed? then the answer is, of course, need because installing the Service Pack improves the security and stability of the operating system. Also, many modern programs for installation on Windows 7 require that it be with Service Pack 1 installed, otherwise the program simply will not install, for example, this applies to Internet Explorer 11 (this is latest version Internet browser explorer).

I also want to note that support for Windows 7 RTM, i.e. without Service Pack 1 already completed ( starting April 9, 2013) and therefore if you want to receive security updates, you must install Service Pack 1.

Note! Mainstream support for Windows 7, even with Service Pack 1, ended on January 13, 2015, and extended support, which includes security updates, will continue until January 14, 2020.

How can I find out which Service Pack I have?

You can find out the Service Pack number, and whether you have it installed at all, in several ways, now we will consider them.

Find out the version of Windows and the Service Pack number using the "System" window

Probably the easiest way is to call the window " System”, in which you can see if the Service Pack is installed and, if so, which one. To do this, you can click right click mouse by label " A computer» on the desktop and select « Properties»

or you can also open " Control Panel» ( e.g. also from the desktop), then find and open the category " system and safety", and then click on the item" System»

Note! If you don't have a shortcut "Computer" or "Control Panel" on your desktop, you can use the "Start" menu or read the material "How to display shortcuts Computer, Control Panel, Recycle Bin on the desktop in Windows? ". If you do not have these shortcuts in the Start menu, then the material “How to add new items to the Windows Start menu? ".

After these steps, you will see the window " System”, which will display information about the version and edition of Windows.

Windows 7 Ultimate edition without Service Pack installed

Edition of Windows 7 Ultimate with Service Pack 1 installed

Find out the Windows version and Service Pack number using the built-in WinVer program

Also learn Windows version can be done with built-in software winver, to launch it, press the menu « Start -> Run' or use the keyboard shortcut Win+R, then in the field " Open» enter the WinVer command.

A window will open in which we will see the version of Windows ( in the example below it is with Service Pack 1)

If there is no Service Pack 1 inscription, then Service Pack 1 is not installed in your Windows 7.

Find out the Windows version and Service Pack number using the System Information window

Window " System Information" can be opened from the "Start" menu, for this we press " Start ->All Programs ->Accessories ->Utilities ->System Information» ( in the example below Windows 7 with Service Pack 1)

Where to download Service Pack 1 for Windows 7?

There are several ways to install Service Pack 1 on Windows 7, namely using " Center windows updates » ( it's in the operating system itself) or download the necessary package yourself ( is free), i.e. some kind of distribution and install it manually. In this article, I will show you how to install Service Pack 1 manually, i.e. we will first download it from the official Microsoft download center, and then install it ( it's really not difficult).

In order to download Service Pack 1 for Windows 7, go to the Microsoft Download Center at the following link - https://www.microsoft.com/en-us/download/details.aspx?id=5842 and click " Download»

Then I choose the file windows6.1-KB976932-X86.exe (those. tick the box) because I have 32 bit version operating system, but if you have a 64-bit one, then select the windows6.1-KB976932-X64.exe file. If suddenly you don’t know what bit depth your Windows 7 has, then you can easily see it in the “ System”, i.e. in the same place where we looked at the presence of the Service Pack ( the very first way only item "System type"). And press " Next».

As a result, the file will be downloaded windows6.1-KB976932-X86.exe 537.8 megabytes in size.

Installing Service Pack 1 on Windows 7

To install SP1 you will need at least 4 gigabytes free space on system drive (usually drive C), so before installing I recommend checking whether you have free place on this disk.

Run the file windows6.1-KB976932-X86.exe. A window will open in which we click " Further»

Then press " Install»

As a result, the installation of Service Pack 1 will begin.

The installation will be completed when the computer restarts and the following window appears

Press " close».

We now have a Windows 7 operating system with Service Pack 1 installed.

That's all, good luck!

RTM (abbreviation for Release To Manufacturing or Ready To Market) - Windows version- designation of readiness of a product for replication and release (for example, on CD-ROM or DVD). Has synonyms Final, Gold. The "final version" of the product and the "RTM version" are synonymous. The colloquial expression "gone for gold" means that an RTM version of the software product has appeared. In computer literature, you can find the expression: "an RTM version of the operating system has been released." This means that the "final", final product has been released.

What is an OEM version?

OEM version of Windows, is intended for shipments with new computers and servers only. OEM copies of the operating system are not intended for sale separately, such a version only supports a "clean" installation from scratch. technical support OEM users of Windows are not provided by Microsoft, but by the OEM. This version also requires activation on Microsoft servers over the Internet within thirty days of installation.

What is the RETAIL version?

Retail - Windows version- the usual "boxed version" sold in stores in colorful large boxes. In the age of digital distribution, the concept of a "boxed" version is more of an image than a real box with a disc in a store. This version has no restrictions on the OEM version - it supports both a clean installation and upgrading an existing operating system to a purchased one. This version must be activated via a Microsoft server (requires the Internet) within thirty days from the date of its installation.

What is VL version?

Volume License (vl; vlk - volume license key; vlm - volume license media) - Windows version- corporate version, shipped only to large customers, which are various organizations. The most significant difference between this version and those described above is that activation of VL copies of Windows is carried out through an internal KMS server (Key management server) organizations. This procedure is convenient for corporate users, since it does not require constant access to the Internet for all machines. However, there is also a downside. VL versions software products Microsoft must maintain contact with the KMS server and reactivate periodically (up to 180 days). This was done to combat piracy.

What is the difference between OEM distribution images and Retail images?

The OEM and Retail images differ from each other in only one file - ei.cfg, or rather, one line in this file. This line indicates the distribution channel (you can take and edit). There are no more differences between Retail and OEM images! There is no such file on the Volume License disc.

What is the difference between RTM and Retail distribution images?

Is not different. These are absolutely identical versions. Only after installing the RTM version, you need to enter Windows Update and install all available updates.

Attention! The OEM delivery differs from the Retail delivery (BOX (boxed) version) by “binding” the license key to motherboard your computer. Due to this, the cost of this package, as a rule, is significantly lower than the similar edition of the Microsoft software supplied by BOX.

What other Windows delivery schemes are there?

GGK (Get Genuine Kit)- the so-called licensing program from Microsoft. Can be purchased by a user who decides to make their own pirated version Windows licensed. The package includes a Windows CD and a Certificate of Authenticity sticker. The GGK distribution can be deployed over an installed pirated copy of the OS. Suitable for individuals and organizations that need to license up to 5 computers.

GGWA (Get Genuine Windows Agreement)- licensing program suitable to corporative clients that need to license more than 5 computers. Includes a license certificate and a set of documents. There is no Windows media, but it can be ordered separately. Alternatively, a distribution kit can be downloaded from the Microsoft website.

Bundle/Not For Sale- version not for sale.

Hello everyone, today we will learn How to determine the type of Windows license (Retail, VL, OEM), consider what are their differences and purposes. Will be useful for system administrators who want their own Windows licensing server in the company. Since the KMS server automatically activates, only the Volume version of Windows. then you will have to follow the procedure for changing the type of OS release. I think I will write you an article on how to change Retail to Volume.

Types of Windows licenses:

evaluation- trial version, is identical to Retail in terms of functions, but after a fixed test period, it stops loading.

Windows retail, what is it

Retail - aka FPP (Full Product Package), or boxed version. Sold retail in a box. Requires activation. It looks like an installation disk and it has paper and an activation sticker.

OEM license - short for Original Equipment Manufacturer, comes with new machines, installed by the computer manufacturer, usually already activated at the time of sale. With self-reinstallation, as a rule, it requires activation. It should be noted that OEM versions of major vendors do not require activation on "native" hardware. You can find on purchased devices a similar sticker from OEM Software.

VL license - short for Volume License, initially only for large enterprises (or corporate license), not sold at retail. This version does not require activation. In this case, the same key is installed on a large number of machines (up to 500, GVLK key). Sometimes this type of license is called VLK (Volume License Key), which actually means the same thing.
CPP is short for Compliance Checking Program, aka Update. Version intended only for installation over an existing one copies of Windows. Has a lower cost than Retail.

Now from theory to practice, using the windows 7 operating system as an example.

To find out installed version Windows, we make the following gestures:

Go to "Start" > "Run" > "CMD"
In the command prompt that opens, enter regedit.exe (to open the registry)
command line you can close it - we won't need it anymore.
In the registry, go to the following folders:
HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE => SYSTEM => Setup => Pid and look at the file named "Pid" (not necessary to open)

In the indicated value, the last 3 digits are what we need.
If it says "OEM" then it's OEM. See above for what this means.
If "270" is indicated, this is VL. See also above.
If "CCC" is indicated, it is Retail. (C is a number). Description above
(explained applicable to Win7. For WinXP - VLK distribution - look at the principle of Retail for Win7, OEM - as OEM)

Just about the complex. Programs. Iron. Internet. Windows