Microsoft has changed its stance on the features of Windows 7 Starter Edition. Having specified previously that the operating system should run no more than three applications simultaneously, the operating system will now be opened up.

"Based on the feedback we've received from partners and customers asking us to enable a richer small notebook PC experience with Windows 7 Starter, we've decided to make some changes compared to previous Starter editions," the company said in a post on the Windows blog.

"We are going to enable Windows 7 Starter customers the ability to run as many applications simultaneously as they would like, instead of being constricted to the three application limit that the previous Starter editions included."

Microsoft will also sell the Starter version worldwide, rather than in selected regions such as developing countries.

Nevertheless restrictions remain. The operating system will not be able to play DVDs, stream music or support Windows XP software.