I have read that Microsoft will eventually stop supporting XP as they have other older operating systems. So I'm anticipating having to switch in a few years.
Is there a difference, other than features they advertise, between the different versions of Vista? Is Vista ultimate better than Vista basic because Ultimate is more comprehensive and better written overall? Or is Vista basic better because it may be less complicated, so therefore more stable?
Basic might run better on slower computers,
Because it doesn't come with windows "AERO". which is basically
eye-candy anyway.
Anyway the above link compares the different versions,
And what they have and don't have between them.
Good luck from a happy vista user.
Quote:Differences between versions
In the table below I list the differences between the various Windows Vista Edittions. I've left the Stater, N and K edittions out of this overview.
Feature Home Basic Home Premium Business Enterprise Ultimate
Windows Aero UI ("Glass")
Windows Flip 3D
Live Taskbar Thumbnails
Maximum RAM (64-bit version)
32-bit version Max 4 GB for all editions 8 GB 16 GB 128+ GB 128+ GB 128+ GB
Physical processor support
Unlimited core's are supported on all editions 1 1 2 2 2
Parental Controls
BitLocker Full Drive Encryption
Encrypting File System (EFS)
Scheduled backup
Real-time backup and recovery available on all editions
System image backup and recovery
Windows ShadowCopy
Simultaneous SMB peer network connections 5 10 10 10 10
Remote Desktop Client only Client only
Join domain
IIS Web Server
Offline files and folder support
Network Projector support
Windows Media Center
Windows Movie Maker Limited
Windows Movie Maker HD
Windows DVD Maker
Windows Mobility Center Partial Partial
Tablet PC functionality
Touch screen support
Windows SideShow (secondary display support)
Windows Fax and Scan
Support for multiple user interface languages
(36 languages total) available
Subsystem for UNIX-based Applications
Virtual PC Express
Windows Anytime Upgade To Home Premium or Ultimate To Ultimate To Ultimate
So which version?
Most users will have the ability to choose between Home Basic, Home Premium, Business and Ultimate (since the Enterprise version will only be available for Volume License customers). If the above feature list didn't make it clear enough yet, I will spell it out: Home Basic is useless and you should never consider it!
So that leaves Home Premium, Business and Ultimate to choose from. The choice between Home Premium and Business corresponds roughly with the choice today between Windows XP Home and XP Professional.
Thanks Jizmak,
I do have an unopened copy of Vista Premium. I'm in no rush to install it untill I have to but there is a bit of a deal available on the Ultimate version. I'm still within the take back period of the premium so I may exchange for Ultimate.
Thanks for your info.
Unless you have something that requires Vista, I would recommend using Vista until the next version of Windows comes out. Right now it's known as Windows 7 and is expected to be available in late 2009 or early 2010. Of course, there isn't an official release date available yet.
Originally posted by silk42: Unless you have something that requires Vista, I would recommend using Vista until the next version of Windows comes out. Right now it's known as Windows 7 and is expected to be available in late 2009 or early 2010. Of course, there isn't an official release date available yet.
MS has announced that Windows 7 is in the planning stages atm and will take 3 years to actually develop once they complete planning (in around 6 months). They project a 2011 release at the earliest.
Originally posted by sukhvail: MS has announced that Windows 7 is in the planning stages atm and will take 3 years to actually develop once they complete planning (in around 6 months). They project a 2011 release at the earliest.
Like I said earlier, there isn't an official timetable. Most likely even Microsoft doesn't know for sure when it will ship. My point is that Windows XP will continue to work until the next version does finally ship, and that's what I would recommend people wait for (regardless if it's 2009 or 2011).
Ashwin says that there is a way to turn off Aero. Then he implies that this ability should encourage us to buy a "better version". This also implies, to my twisted mind, that Ultimate may be a better product,,ie better written etc etc etc, not just the additional 3-4 features that I don't really think I need. These are: HELP PROTECT AGAINST HARDWARE FAILURE,,BUSINESS NETWORKING AND REMOTE DESKTOP,, BETTER PROTECT YOUR DATA against loss or theft with Bitlocker and drive encryption.
Does one really need these for a home application where all my documents are personal and I already have taken steps to protect my data? It would mean another outlay of about $130.00 to go from Premium to Ultimate.
Ed
I would say that most home users would be perfectly fine with Premium. Ultimate is suppose to include extras, but MS has been pretty slow in releasing any (Texas Hold'em Poker).
Again, my personal opinion is to stick with XP, but sometimes it's hard to convince people that newer isn't always better.
