Vista and its editions

2006-02-28T23:57:00.000-08:00

I beta tested vista and found a lot of pros and cons while compared to xp. Even though the beta edition has its functionality limited (for example you can run only a limited number of programs at once), its loads beter than xp.

In vista, everythings a lot more accesible and microsoft has improved the slow loading all programs menue. The user interface has also been improved.

Vista also aims to increase the level of communication between machines on a home network using peer-to-peer technology, making it easy to share files, password settings, and digital media between computers and devices.

There are 6 versions to be released:
Windows Vista Starter
Much like the Windows XP Starter Edition, this edition will be limited to emerging markets mainly to offer a legal alternative to using unauthorized copies. It will be severely limited, for example only allowing a user to launch at most three applications at once. This is the only edition that will not support 64-bit processors.

Windows Vista Home Basic
Similar to Windows XP Home Edition for budget users not requiring advanced media support for home use. The "Aero" theme will not be included with this version

Windows Vista Home Premium
Based on the Windows Vista Home Basic, this edition will additionally support more advanced features aimed for the home market segment, such as HDTV support and DVD authoring. This edition will be comparable to a Windows XP Home edition combined with features from the Windows XP Media Center Edition and some additional features.

Windows Vista Business
Comparable to Windows XP Professional, and aimed at the business market. Adding support for Windows Server domains, which all Home editions will lack. This edition will be bundled with a new version of the IIS (Internet Information Services) web server.

Windows Vista Enterprise
This edition is aimed at the enterprise segment of the market, and functions like a superset of the Business edition, this edition will among other things ship with Microsoft's Virtual PC system virtualization software, and a multilingual user interface. This edition will not be available through retail or OEMs.

Windows Vista Ultimate
This edition will work as a superset of the Home and Business editions and additionally come with podcasting support—which Microsoft has renamed "blogcasting"—a game performance tweaker (code-named WinSAT), DVD ripping capabilities, and possibly supporting special online services for downloadable media, as well as additional customer service options. The Ultimate edition is aimed to be the most impressive edition of Vista, aimed for high-end PC users, gamers, multimedia professionals, or PC enthusiasts.

"Home Premium N" and "Business N" editions of Windows Vista will additionally be available in the European Union countries. These editions will ship without Windows Media Player, as required by sanctions brought against Microsoft for violating anti-trust laws