Which Vista is right for you?
According to Mr. Gates of Microsoft, 90% of us
computer users use Windows. Also according to him
we should all be using or getting ready to use
the latest operating system, Windows Vista, from
Microsoft. Now the questions - who should really
upgrade and which version is the right version
for your use - Standard, Basic, Home Premium,
Business, Enterprise or Ultimate?

If you are using the latest version of Windows XP
Professional, and are up to date on the patches,
don't rush for an upgrade unless you are buying a
new computer or are an IT professional developing
technology based on the Vista platform.

You may not have noticed but Windows XP also has
many versions - Standard, Home, Professional,
Enterprise, Tablet PC and Windows Media Center.
Very few people use the Standard Version and
Enterprise is for the very large enterprises. So
I will skip them in my review.

Windows Vista Basic is the upgrade over Windows
XP Home with fewer crashes, brand new interface
and improved security. You will also get limited
access to Windows Mobility Center and Meeting
Place. What you do not get is Pluggable log-in
authentication architecture, Aero, Rights
Management Services (RMS) Client, Tablet PC, DVD
Maker, Media Center, Movie Maker regular/HD,
Domain join for Windows Small Business Server,
Encrypting File System, Integrated smart card
management, Group Policy support, Roaming user
profiles, Virtual PC Express, BitLocker Drive
Encryption, Fax and Scan and ShadowCopy.

Windows Vista Home Premium is the upgrade for
previous Windows XP Media Center with fewer
crashes, brand new interface, improved security
and graphics improvements including DirectX for
gaming. You will also get limited access to
Windows Mobility Center. What you do not get is
Domain join for Windows Small Business Server,
Encrypting File System, Integrated smart card
management, Group Policy support, Roaming user
profiles, Virtual PC Express, BitLocker Drive
Encryption, Fax and Scan and ShadowCopy.

Windows Vista Business is the upgrade for
previous Windows XP Professional & Tablet PC with
fewer crashes, brand new interface and improved
security. This is the version I recommend to my
customers. What you do not get is DVD Maker,
Media Center and Movie Maker regular/HD that are
not essential for a business professional.

Windows Ultimate has all features of Basic, Home
Premium, Business and some extras for a hefty
price. Most systems sold by custom pc makers, HP,
Toshiba, Dell and Lenova does not come with
Ultimate installed. Microsoft recommends a $199
upgrade Ultimate from Home Premium and Business.

Visit Microsoft Vista website for all features
and comparisons.