The Six Editions of Windows Vista - Which One is Right for You?

Whatever uses you have for your computer - from family entertainment to business productivity - one of the six editions of Windows Vista is just right for you. Each one has distinct features and capabilities that you need to compare to select the version that best suits your needs. This article provides a comparison of each of the different versions.

Windows Vista Starter Edition
The Windows Vista Starter Edition is specifically designed for the developing world technology markets. It is essentially designed to serve as an affordable edition that will help bridge the digital divide.

This special edition is not available in any developed technology markets such as those of the United States, Europe, Japan or Australia.
Aside from the 32-bit version, it is the only edition that does not ship out in a 64-bit version.

Windows Vista Home Basic
Windows Vista Home Basic is intended for those who are on a limited budget and do not really need advanced technical features. Windows Vista Home Basic does not come included with many of the features included in the higher-end versions. Home Basic does, however, come with Movie Maker, Windows Firewall, and parental controls.

It is not recommended that you purchase Windows Vista Home Basic unless it is the only edition you could possibly afford. Home Basic may not have all the functions you'll need in the future, at which time you would have spend extra money to upgrade your system.

Windows Vista Home Premium
Windows Vista Home Premium is a huge upgrade from the Home Basic version. It has all the capabilities of Windows Vista Home Basic in addition to many more features.

These additional features include: HDTV support, DVD authoring, premium games, and touch-screen capabilities. If you really need a budget operating system, the Windows Vista Home Premium is strongly recommended.

Windows Vista Business
Windows Vista Business Edition is comparable to Windows XP Professional. Vista Business is aimed at the business market, with features such as: a web server, fax support, file system encryption, dual processor capabilities, and dual CPU support. It is a very capable and competent version of Windows Vista.

Windows Vista Business can handle most types of hardware and can easily handle most types of software. It is strongly recommended if you can afford it, and are looking for the an operating system that is capable of handling all of your heavy-duty and business needs.

Windows Vista Enterprise
Windows Vista Enterprise is basically an upgrade from Windows Vista Business. It offers many more features such as: multilingual support, UNIX application support, and BitLocker Drive Encryption.

This version is not available in original equipment manufacturers (OEMs), or in any retail stores, so you have to purchase it directly from Microsoft. Windows Vista Enterprise is only necessary if you intend to use it to run a relatively large business, or handle a massive amount of files and information.

Windows Vista Ultimate
Windows Ultimate is the most technically capable Windows Vista operating system. It has all of the features of Vista Home Premium and Enterprise. In addition to these features, it also includes many more features known as "Ultimate Extras." Windows Vista Ultimate is capable of handling two CPUs and more than 128GB of RAM memory. Talk about overload! Windows Vista Ultimate is for those willing to spend up to $260 and will undertake and incredible amount of computing.

Best Pick: Windows Vista Business
Windows Vista Business is the best Windows Vista operating system simply because of its capabilities and price. Vista Business provides all of the standard features and even more for advanced computer use. Windows Vista is also capable of handling many high-end applications like next-generation videogames and video editing.

Useful Links
www.microsoft.com/windows/products/windowsvista/editions/default.mspx
www.microsoft.com/downloads/details.aspx
www.windowsmarketplace.com/category.aspx