As I am sure you are aware by now, Microsoft have announced the release of Windows Vista: the successor to their Windows XP desktop operating system.
There has been a fair bit of confusion about the new Microsoft offering, as it comes in many flavours, and for many different prices. There is also a raft of new technologies in Vista, ranging from a completely new graphical user interface (GUI), through to support for new and emerging technologies like HD-DVD and WiMax. This Windows release not only replaces Windows XP but also replaces the Media Center Editions of XP that have seen limited success.
Microsoft will try to use the Vista OS to expand their reach into your living room, and to help you run your digital life. Windows XP Media Center is possibly the best consumer version of Windows released, some say it's one of the best products that Microsoft have given us. However, for various reasons, Microsoft never officially shipped the MCE 2005 product to end users, instead choosing to bundle it with a Media Center PC. As a result, it has struggled to achieve the adoption rate it deserves. Microsoft will hope that Vista can address some of the concerns that broadcasters have had in the past regarding the protection of their content, and achieve a bigger stake in the digital entertainment market.
In this article I will explain the various versions of Vista that will be released, what Microsoft are expecting to do with the product going forward, and also introduce you to some of the new features and benefits of Microsoft's new baby.
What's in a Version?
Let's start with what is included in all six of the Vista products, and some of the key differences to XP.
The first thing to note is that there is no tie-in to any of the products. If you initially purchase the most basic version of Vista (called Home Basic) then you can upgrade at any point to any other version. This will simply be done by purchasing the relevant upgrade and changing your license key inside Windows. After a reboot, the new version of Vista will load.
![Microsoft Windows Vista Ultimate UPGRADE [DVD] [OLD VERSION]](http://ecx.images-amazon.com/images/I/41rlspPpwCL._SL120_.jpg)
![Microsoft Windows Vista Home Premium FULL VERSION [DVD] [OLD VERSION]](http://ecx.images-amazon.com/images/I/41ZyH809azL._SL120_.jpg)
![Microsoft Windows Vista Business FULL VERSION [DVD] [OLD VERSION]](http://ecx.images-amazon.com/images/I/41HcdRFdKBL._SL120_.jpg)
![Microsoft Windows Vista Home Basic FULL VERSION [DVD] [OLD VERSION]](http://ecx.images-amazon.com/images/I/418QOPNJY8L._SL120_.jpg)
Article comments
1 - Heather Ames
Great article, Ashleigh. Very informative. I at last feel like I have a grip on Vista's capabilities.
2 - Jet in Columbus
Ashleigh, I'd considered doing an article on this a few months back, but they kept changing requirements and capabilities and I figured by the time I finished researching it, it'd be outdated information.
Having said that, you presented a lot of useful info here. I personally have Internet explorer 7.0's final version and also I LOVE Window's hassle free Defender adn the newest media player.
I'd like to stress something here though. wait till you need a new computer and buy it preloaded.
With the new system requirements, the minimums aren't really going to cut it and to try to load Vista on a machine that's more than two years old in my opinion is folly, and it's better to buy one that's already configured and equiped (especially the 64x)to run it already.
Nicely done
Jet