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Which edition of Windows Vista is right for me?
Many people have asked, " What version of Windows Vista is right for me? There are four different editions and I am confused" This is a very good question and we have an answer for you.
Microsoft has created a more interactive based approach to helping you decide which edition to purchase by creating a program that will allow you to select multiple features that you want and or need; based on those selections it'll recommend the proper flavor. Paul Thurrott has put together a decent matrix of features if that's what you're looking for; if you're looking for an indepth or simple overview of Vista, Microsoft has many different books and whitepapers.
If you purchase one edition, you have all editions on that one DVD which enables you to easily unlock a different edition if you decide to upgrade. Here's a basic feature set and price of each retail version of Windows Vista:
Windows Starter 2007
In order to offer a legal alternative to unauthorized copies, Microsoft released Windows Starter 2007 to emerging markets such as India, Russia, Mexico, Brazil, Thailand and Indonesia. It is not available in USA/Canada/Europe. - Pricing Currently Unknown
- XP Counterpart: Windows XP Starter Edition
- For beginner PC users with a very low end PC
- Themes Included: Windows Classic, Windows Vista Basic
- Very limited: no Aero, does not work with incoming network connections, only allow 3 applications to run simultaneously, no DVD Authoring or Gaming Controller Support
- 32-bit version only, up to 256 MB of physical memory
Windows Vista Home Basic
This version is the basis for the next three major product editions. It contains the core elements of Windows Vista. - Retail: $199.00, Upgrade: $99.95 (USD)
- XP Counterpart: Windows XP Home Edition
- For budget users, general consumers
- Themes Included: Windows Classic, Windows Vista Basic, Windows Vista Standard
- Features: Windows Firewall, Windows Security Center, secure wireless networking, parental controls, anti-spam/anti-virus/anti-spyware functionality, network map, Windows Search, Movie Maker, Photo Library, Windows Media Player, Windows Mail with RSS support and finally P2P Messenger
- 32-bit and 64-bit version available, up to 8 GB of physical memory
Windows Vista Home Premium
This version is the direct upgrade to Vista Home Basic and is what the average PC user will be using. - Retail: $239.00, Upgrade: $159.00 (USD)
- XP Counterpart: Windows XP Media Center Edition
- For home entertainment and geared towards the home user or the mobile user
- Themes Included: Windows Classic, Windows Vista Basic, Windows Vista Standard, Windows Aero
- Features: Everything in Vista Home Basic as well as Media Center and Media Center Extender functionality (including Cable Card support), DVD video authoring and HDTV support, DVD ripping support, mobility (Mobility Center) and presentation features, auxiliary display support, P2P ad-hoc meeting capabilities, Wi-Fi auto-config and roaming, unified parental controls that work over multiple PCs, backup to network functionality, Internet File Sharing, Offline Folders, PC-to-PC sync, Sync Manager, support for Quattro Home Server, extra games, file system encryption, photo management application and finally Tablet PC functionality
- 32-bit and 64-bit version available, up to 16 GB of physical memory
Windows Vista Business
This version is an alternative upgrade to Vista Home Basic that is the edition that people will tend to use at work. - Retail: $299.00, Upgrade: $199.95 (USD)
- XP Counterpart: Windows XP Professional
- For businesses of all sizes, from the cubicle worker to the IT manager
- Themes Included: Windows Classic, Windows Vista Basic, Windows Vista Standard, Windows Aero
- Features: Everything in Vista Home Basic as well as domain join and management functionality, compatibility with non-Microsoft networking protocols (Netware, SNMP, etc.), Remote Desktop, Microsoft Windows Web Server, Encrypted File System (EFS), IIS web server, fax support, offline files, dual (physical) processor support, Remote Desktop, ad-hoc P2P collaboration capabilities and finally Tablet PC functionality
- 32-bit and 64-bit version available, up to 128 GB of physical memory
Windows Vista Enterprise
This version is a step-up from Vista Business. It is offered exclusively through Software Assurance. - Part of Software Assurance Enterprise Licensing
- XP Counterpart: None
- For business decision makers, IT managers and decision makers
- Themes Included: Windows Classic, Windows Vista Basic, Windows Vista Standard, Windows Aero
- Features: Everything in Vista Business as well as Virtual PC, the multi-language user interface (MUI) and the Secure Startup/full volume encryption security technologies ("Cornerstone")
- 32-bit and 64-bit version available, up to 128 GB of physical memory
Windows Vista Ultimate
This version is the top of the line version of Windows Vista. - Retail: $399.00, Upgrade: $259.00 (USD)
- XP Counterpart: None
- For gamers, multimedia professionals and PC Enthusiasts
- Themes Included: Windows Classic, Windows Vista Basic, Windows Vista Standard, Windows Aero
- Features: Everything in Vista Home Premium and Vista Business as well as Windows Ultimate Extras (exclusive access to music, movies, services and preferred customer care) and finally additional customer service options
- 32-bit and 64-bit version available, up to 128 GB of physical memory
N Editions
In order to meet the requirements set by the European Union, Microsoft released Vista Home N and Vista Business N. How rediculous is this? Thank you European Union. - XP Counterpart: Windows XP Edition N
- For Europeans that do not want Windows Media Player
- Themes Included: Windows Classic, Windows Vista Basic, Windows Vista Standard, Windows Aero
- Identical to Vista Home Basic and Vista Business respectively, except that they are stripped of Windows Media Player 11
If you have any questions relating to this topic, feel free to ask.
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Dec 7th, 06, 11:18 PM
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