Selecting your Version of Microsoft Windows Vista (Part 1)

By Thomas Keats

For as long as many can remember, Microsoft has released multiple versions of its Windows operating system for various "niche" markets. Home users for the most part used the general version which was made easily available to them. The lesser known NT version of the Windows Operating System available for small, medium, and larger sized businesses. 

With Microsoft Windows 95/98 however this slowly began to change. Different versions of Microsoft Windows became available to the general public at 'reasonable' inflated prices for users to utilize if they needed something more robust then the standard public release.

With Microsoft Windows XP we garnered three versions of the operating system to choose from, Microsoft Windows XP Home for the standard user, even with the limits in the HOME release it was more then enough for most users. However with Virtual Dual Core, and Dual Core itself being available within most, if not all name brand processors available to day, Microsoft Windows XP Pro is the desired operating system of choice. Leaving XP Home users 'out in the cold' for lack of a better expression.

To add on top of that Microsoft releasing 'Windows Media Center Edition' as a third version, it gets harder to compare and know which version is best for you.

Enter Microsoft Windows Vista

With Windows Vista, Microsoft will start at the gate with no less then five (5) versions of their new flagstone operating system. Do you know which one will be right for you?

Windows Vista Home Basic.

Designed for improved reliability, security, and usability to the general consumer who simply need the basics for their home computer.

The Windows Vista Home Basic version if you choose to select this version to upgrade to, it comes with new tools to upgrade and move personal files and settings from your old PC to your new PC if you're choosing the replacement option for your computers, home or office.

New integrated search tools for ease of use and locating files and programs you need.

Before upgrading to Microsoft Windows Vista Basic, weigh carefully the benefits and costs involved. Unless you need something specific that Vista Basic offers, you are probably best to remain with Microsoft Windows XP Pro. If you have XP Home, you should seriously consider this upgrade.

Windows Vista Home Premium

This version carries all the benefits of Vista Home Basic and more. Vista Home Premium is designed with advanced computer needs in mind. From the laptop to desktop you will be able to enjoy a more effective computing experience. Including, but not limited to exciting digital entertainment experiences you may have experienced with Microsoft Windows Media Center Edition.

A new user interface (Windows Aero) which is sleek, efficient and in its own way beautify, utilized the power waiting to be released in any DirectX 9 capable graphics processor. The Windows Aero interface will make it much easier to accomplish multiple tasks at once, permitting a three dimensional real time animated view of all your windows. ALT+TAB becomes a much more informative resource to find the task you are looking to return to.

Organizing large collections of documents, files, movies, data videos and music becomes easier as well as searching for these files and more. Microsoft, by integrating search throughout the operating system aids you in quickly recalling the information you need, when you need it.

If you have a Tablet PC compatible computer, this is the version you will most likely seek out as it contains the components from the previous iteration of Windows called Microsoft Windows Tablet PC ensuring users accustomed to this experience will have a fairly seamless experience.

Ease of sharing files between your computers, even when you computer is turned off, when coupled with an auxiliary Windows Sideshow display.

If you have not already experienced the digital home lifestyle, Vista Home Premium has you covered; improvements over the Media Center Edition will make your downtime more enjoyable. Sharing photos, video, TV, movies and more become easier to enjoy. Imagine a slideshow of new photo's from a distant relative, running on your household TV to music you select.

By integrating Media Center Edition, and building on those tools included you are sure to have an unbelievable experience, not to mention the ability to edit HDTV to DVD's and connect your Xbox 360 to multiple rooms in your home.

For consumers looking to advance their computing experience at home, Microsoft Windows Vista HOME Basic, or Vista HOME Premium will well suite your requirements, while opening up for the user endless possibilities. Vista HOME Premium however would be the safer selection for most users.

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Thomas Keats owns and operates Rainbow Computer Systems and writes a variety of articles for How-Do-I.ws.

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