Windows 7 has four types of operating systems: real-time, single-user single-task, single-user multi-task, and multi-user. A product key is needed to activate Windows 7 and helps verify the software is not used on more PCs than allowed. Windows 7 requires a minimum of 1GB RAM, 16GB storage, and a DirectX 9 compatible graphics card. Service packs are free Windows updates that improve reliability, security and performance and add support for new hardware.