Chart: Six versions of Vista
A Vista for all seasons
By Staff, CNET News.com
Microsoft has decided to offer six distinct versions of the Windows update. Here they are from simplest to most tricked-out. | |
| Version | Description |
| Windows Vista Starter | Sold only on new PCs in emerging markets such as India and Thailand. Runs only on 32-bit machines, and will be able to handle only a limited number of programs at a time. |
| Windows Vista Home Basic | Comparable to XP Home. Has the security and search abilities particular to Vista, but does not offer its fancy graphics or high-end media features. |
| Windows Vista Home Premium | A higher-end option for consumers. Adds support for Vista's new graphics as well as Media Center and Tablet PC features. |
| Windows Vista Business | Similar to XP Professional. It's the mainstream corporate OS; also contains extra tools for small businesses. |
| Windows Vista Enterprise | Available only to customers with volume licenses. Includes all of the features of Vista Business, with the addition of encryption, Unix services and virtual machine capabilities. |
| Windows Vista Ultimate | Combines the features of Windows Vista Enterprise and Windows Vista Home Premium to offer the highest-end version of Windows yet. |
Note: Microsoft will also offer "N" versions of Vista Home Basic and Vista Business in Europe that have Windows Media Player removed. | |
Click here to return to the Windows Vista story
