WINDOWS VISTA – REVISITED

In the November 2006 column, I wrote about Microsoft’s next operating system coming to the market, Windows Vista. I feel as though it is appropriate to revisit Windows Vista now that it has hit the consumer market. One thing to note is that Windows Vista requires a fairly new computer with lots of computing power and memory; so, if you’re planning on running Vista and your computer is more than a couple of years old, plan on an upgrade or purchasing something newer.

On January 30, 2007, Microsoft officially released Windows Vista. Vista comes in five different editions: Home Basic, Home Premium, Business, Ultimate, and Enterprise. According to the Microsoft website, the Vista Home Basic edition is “…ideal for homes with basic computing needs like e-mail, browsing the Internet, and viewing photos. Easy to set up and maintain, it enables you to quickly find what you're looking for on your PC and the Internet, while providing a more secure environment to help protect you from an unpredictable world.” The Home Basic edition is ideal for the basics of home computing. The minimum system requirements for the Home Basic edition include an 800 MHz processor, 512 MB of memory, a 20 GB Hard Drive with 15 GB of free space. The recommended system requirements for the Home Basic edition up the processor requirements to 1 GHz and add a DVD-ROM drive. The suggested retail price for the full package product is $199. The suggested retail price for the upgrade product is $99.

Vista Home Premium edition is “…the preferred edition for home desktop and mobile PCs. It provides a breakthrough design that brings your world into sharper focus while delivering the productivity, entertainment, and security you need from your PC at home or on the go.” Home Premium includes Windows Media Center, which helps you more easily enjoy your digital photos, TV, movies, and music. It has a whole new level of security and reliability. The minimum system requirements for Home Premium edition include an 800 MHz processor, 512 MB of memory, a 20 GB Hard Drive with 15 GB of free space. The recommended system requirements for the Home Premium edition up the processor requirements to 1 GHz and up the memory requirements to 1 GB. Additional recommended requirements include a 128 MB video card and DVD-ROM drive. The suggested retail price for the full package product is $239. The suggested retail price for the upgrade product is $159.

Vista Business edition is “…the first edition of Windows designed specifically to meet the needs of small businesses. You'll spend less time on technology support-related issues—so you can spend more time making your business successful. Windows Vista Business is the definitive choice for your business today and tomorrow.” Vista Business includes an improved, simple-to-use interface that makes it easier to search and find the information you need quickly and easily, both on your PCs and on the web. With powerful new safety features, you can better protect the key information that is the life of your business and that builds the trust of your customers. The minimum and recommended system requirements for Vista Business are the same as Vista Home Premium. The suggested retail price for full package product is $299. The suggested retail price for the upgrade product is $199.

Vista Ultimate is “the choice for those who want to have it all. Easily shift between the worlds of productivity and play with the most complete edition of Windows Vista. Vista Ultimate provides the power, security, and mobility features needed for work, and all the entertainment features that you want for fun.” Windows Vista Ultimate offers all of the features found in Windows Vista Home Premium, including Windows Media Center, Windows Movie Maker with high-definition support, and Windows DVD Maker. It also offers all of the features found in Windows Vista Business, including business networking, centralized management tools, and advanced system backup features. And Windows Vista Ultimate has all of the new security and data protection features that help take Windows Vista to a whole new level of dependability. In addition, Windows Vista Ultimate includes support for all of the new mobility features in Windows Vista, including Windows Tablet and Touch Technology, Windows SideShow, Windows Mobility Center, and other new, advanced mobility features. Exclusive to Windows Vista are Windows Ultimate Extras. These cutting-edge programs, innovative services, and unique publications provide a richer computing experience for Windows Vista Ultimate users. Windows Ultimate Extras currently available include:

l Windows Hold’em, a poker game for players of all skill levels.

l Language packs for Windows multi-language interface, where users can install and use multiple languages on a single PC. Great for multi-lingual households or if you are learning a new language.

l Secure Online Key Backup, where Ultimate users can store their BitLocker recovery password and Encrypting File System certificate on Windows Marketplace’s Digital Locker website for access to the key anytime, anyplace, and from any computer that has an Internet connection.

l BitLocker Drive Preparation Tool, an automated tool which removes the complexity of setting up your PC to use this exclusive data security feature.

The minimum and recommended system requirements for Vista Ultimate are the same as Vista Home Premium. The suggested retail price for the full package product is $399. The suggested retail price for the upgrade product is $259.

Vista Enterprise “…designed to significantly lower IT costs and risks, Windows Vista Enterprise meets the needs of large, global organizations with complex IT infrastructures.” Building on the features in Windows Vista Business, Windows Vista Enterprise provides higher levels of data protection using hardware-based encryption technology. It also includes tools to improve application compatibility and enables organizations to standardize by using a single worldwide deployment image. Windows Vista Enterprise is available only to Volume License customers who have PCs covered by Microsoft Software Assurance.

As I suggested in November, I wouldn’t run right out and get Windows Vista until some of the kinks are worked out and manufacturers develop drivers for all of your peripherals.