Windows Vista Version Comparison

[Rob Williams]

On Monday, we discussed whether or not Ultimate was worth your time or money. Today we will be comparing all four consumer versions of Vista together to better help you make the right decision.

Read our third article (http://techgage.com/article/windows_vista_version_comparison) in our Vista series this week. Discuss it once finished reading!

[Unregistered]

Warning - those who purchase the OEM product, which is technically only for distribution with a new computer - will find out that it only has a single version i.e., you will not find both the 32-bit and the 64-bit versions in the box. I believe the retail Upgrade or Full Versions will have both 32-bit and 64-bit versions. Can someone confirm that?

[Kilamon]

What's with the distinction for dual CPU in there? Why is M$ supporting or NOT supporting dual cpus based on it's OS version? XP supports it now. http://www.greyrose.net/smil/wtf.gif

[Rob Williams]

Warning - those who purchase the OEM product, which is technically only for distribution with a new computer - will find out that it only has a single version i.e., you will not find both the 32-bit and the 64-bit versions in the box. I believe the retail Upgrade or Full Versions will have both 32-bit and 64-bit versions. Can someone confirm that?

Not sure.. I will see what I can find out. I have a special version DVD with 32-Bit versions only, so I can't confirm anything. But... I believe you are right. Maybe that's why the OEM's are so cheap?

What's with the distinction for dual CPU in there? Why is M$ supporting or NOT supporting dual cpus based on it's OS version? XP supports it now. http://www.greyrose.net/smil/wtf.gif

I'm going to be looking into this. In essence, that would mean Quad FX owners -have- to buy Vista Ultimate in order to use their extra CPU. Not a wise choice by Microsoft as far as I am concerned.

[Chris fowler]

I have discovered that XP MEDIA CENTER EDITION is not compatible with Palm software (after purchasing a new computer with MCE - and not being told by Dell). Neither Dell nor Palm can tell me if this problem will be resolved when I upgrade to VISTA PREMIUM!! I am also told the only way to change this situation is to buy another new computer with a non-media center operating system; I cannot up/downgrade the OS on my INSPIRION E1405!! Is this actually true!!?? Why haven't I heard from other Palm Users out there?? I daresay there are a few! Thanks for any thoughts! Chris

[Rob Williams]

Does this PALM software require a handheld to be tested? I could test install some software if I don't need the handheld.

I fail to understand why the software does not work with MCE though. MCE is essentially XP Professional with a few add-ons. I do find that foolish though. Just let me know what the software is and I can see if it installs/runs fine.

[Chris Fowler]

Thank you for your quick response. My handheld is a Tungsten E2. The installation disk that came with it simply says "Tungsten E2 Desktop Software for Windows / Palm One" I can't believe Dell would tell me that XP Media Center OS is not compatible with Palm software, if the difference is simply that this is a "Desktop" software disk!! I am running an Inspiron E1405 laptop. Thanks again, Chris

[Rob Williams]

Hey Chris,

I don't think I understand what you mean exactly, or what's the problem. The software is for your PALM right, for syncing purposes? Have you tried to install the software under your MCE, or does it give an error?

I just don't understand why it would not work under your version of Windows. It's not like you have an alien version... it's just XP Pro with a new name.

As for Dell being misleading... I agree.

[Unregistered]

The article is a little bit misleading regarding the dual CPU's.

People will read it and thing it means that a dual core CPU won't be supported in Home Premium. That's simply not true. Having two dual core CPU's however, if you had some server grade motherboard, would not be. You could run a 4 core or 8 core CPU in Home Premium no problem. Vista is built for multi-core processors.

[Rob Williams]

I do agree with you, I will add a small side note beside that factor. I don't think it was misleading though... it's just how people read it. It's against Dual CPU's, not Dual Core CPU's.

Still, I find the fact that it wouldn't worth with Dual CPUs to be foolish.

[Unregistered]

Damn...I read about the Vista Coupons somewhere that XP Pro -> Business. No games? No Bitlocker? No Movie Maker/DVD Maker?

What about that upgrade-to-another-version-of-Vista? It'll cost me $139 to go from my 'free' Business to the Ultimate. So the end user with XP Pro can only pay $139 for Vista Ultimate, right? Or am I missing another "inflated-ego" cost?

~Ibrahim~

[Rob Williams]

Windows Ultimate upgrade costs $259USD regardless of what version of XP you own. So, XP Pro to Ultimate is that price mentioned above. I'm not sure where the $139USD quote came from, but if you had Vista Business, it would cost $99 (I believe) to upgrade to Ultimate.

So... it's expensive either way :/

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Windows_Vista#Editions_and_pricing

[Mike]

Hi,

I read somewhere that Ultimate has Remote Desktop, but the other versions do not (such as Home Premium). Does that mean I don't have RD available to connect into my work PC? Or is it that I can't remote connect into my machine running Vista Home Premium? This might be the deciding factor for me.

Mike.

[Rob Williams]

I am not familiar with either, but from what I understand, this is what each has:

Basic: Remote Assistance
Home Premium: Remote Assistance
Business: Remote Desktop
Ultimate: Remote Desktop

I'm not sure of the difference, but like I said, I never used either before. I assume Remote Desktop is a full featured app though, while Remote Assistance is something simple. I couldn't get Remote Desktop to work when I gave it a try, so I left it.

[Jakal]

You read correctly. Home Premium doesn't have Remote Desktop functionality.

I'm can't say Vista will support this program, but <a href="https://secure.logmein.com/">LogMeIn</a> offers the same security and features of the Remote Desktop function. I've known a few who've used it, and enjoy it's functionality.

[moon111]

I have discovered that XP MEDIA CENTER EDITION is not compatible with Palm software (after purchasing a new computer with MCE - and not being told by Dell). Neither Dell nor Palm can tell me if this problem will be resolved when I upgrade to VISTA PREMIUM!! I am also told the only way to change this situation is to buy another new computer with a non-media center operating system; I cannot up/downgrade the OS on my INSPIRION E1405!! Is this actually true!!?? Why haven't I heard from other Palm Users out there?? I daresay there are a few! Thanks for any thoughts! Chris

Off topic, but at one time Palm 5's were frying Dell and other makers motherboards. If you touched the hooked up Palm with static, it would fry the MB. I believe Palm blamed Dell and company, they blamed Palm. Can't remember where all the lawsuits landed. Anyways, I wouldn't touch an attached PDA until after I've discharged static on some other surface first.

An interesting note, I've seen people with a PDA / Computer/ Printer all that wouldn't work together. They kepted calling the various tech-support #'s which all went to the same outsourced call-centre.

I looked briefly on the internet and people have gotten it to work. It seems it's like 'uncertified' drivers. Unless a company has paid MS to certify them, the OS will give an ugly message that frightens people off. Maybe it's just an issue where Palm has said enough is enough and we're not giving MS any more money. Have you tried the software? What happens?

[Mike]

Seems a bit odd to me - I can download Remote Desktop (1mb) into Windows 98 and use that to connect into my Windows XP machine. I would assume that with Vista Home Premium I would be able to connect into other machines... and that the lack of Remote Desktop is so that other machines cannot connect into my Home Premium.

I will take this up with Microsoft, as Remote Desktop is essential for me to be able to work from home.

Mike.

[Mike]

OK - I have found out that I can connect to another machine using Remote Desktop from Home Premium. I just can't connect into the Home Premium machine using Remote Desktop.

http://windowshelp.microsoft.com/Windows/en-US/Help/02ddfbec-7a97-4788-9d54-86f174a95f841033.mspx

Answers my question, and helps me decide which version I need.

Cheers,
Mike.

[Rob Williams]

and helps me decide which version I need.

Correction, it helps them decide which version you need ;-)

[Unregistered]

I have discovered that XP MEDIA CENTER EDITION is not compatible with Palm software (after purchasing a new computer with MCE - and not being told by Dell). Neither Dell nor Palm can tell me if this problem will be resolved when I upgrade to VISTA PREMIUM!! I am also told the only way to change this situation is to buy another new computer with a non-media center operating system; I cannot up/downgrade the OS on my INSPIRION E1405!! Is this actually true!!?? Why haven't I heard from other Palm Users out there?? I daresay there are a few! Thanks for any thoughts! Chris

I have a DELL XPS 710 H2C with windows xp mce. I have a palm os palm pilot and have no problem with sync. I dont know what could be the problem

[Unregistered]

You stated that there were 8 versions in one of your article, I know of the enterprise and the starter versions, can you verify the other 2 versions please?

Thx, Russ

[Rob Williams]

You stated that there were 8 versions in one of your article, I know of the enterprise and the starter versions, can you verify the other 2 versions please?

Thx, Russ

Hi Russ,

Vista Starter
Vista Home Basic
Vista Home Basic N
Vista Home Premium
Vista Business
Vista Business N
Vista Ultimate
Vista Enterprise

The N versions are for EU... scaled down to please their governments.

[Unregistered]

Hi Russ,

Vista Starter
Vista Home Basic
Vista Home Basic N
Vista Home Premium
Vista Business
Vista Business N
Vista Ultimate
Vista Enterprise

The N versions are for EU... scaled down to please their governments.

Thanks, Russ

[critofur]

Who wants to buy a stripped down version of the OS with features missing? And I'm sure as hell not paying $300 to upgrade. Time to switch to Linux, Microsoft is just way too greedy, in fact, I think it would be immoral to support such a company by buying their products!

[gin88]

Hi Rob,

I am a PC novice, and buying a computer for home. We'll be using it just for emails and photos, no gaming, probably also Itunes/similar for Ipods. I've read your very informative article on the Vista types, but am still confused as to which I should get. The computer I am looking at is a Dell E520 and comes with basic. Is premium better for an extra $90 but will it need a lot more memory? I've been told we'd need at least 1gb of RAM and I don't really want to get any more than that (but was planning to get 1gb).

Please advise!

thanks

Gin88:)

[Rory Buszka]

You'd be better off saving your money and just going with Home Basic. If you decide later on that you need the extra features you didn't get with Home Basic, then you can use Windows Anytime Upgrade to move to Home Premium, but at a premium.

[Rob Williams]

Aye, I agree. Home Basic would be your best best. The only thing you really miss out on is the Aero interface. Like Tater said, you can upgrade at anytime to a better version if you feel you need it.

[Unregistered]

What's with the distinction for dual CPU in there? Why is M$ supporting or NOT supporting dual cpus based on it's OS version? XP supports it now. http://www.greyrose.net/smil/wtf.gif

Because microsoft is a pile of poo, use Linux!

[Unregistered]

Hi Guys, hope you can help me. I'm hearing that Vista Ultimate is the buggiest version of all the vista versions, is this true or alot of crock. Is Home Premium the best choice for a gamer/work at home person ect.....

[Merlin]

Warning - those who purchase the OEM product, which is technically only for distribution with a new computer - will find out that it only has a single version i.e., you will not find both the 32-bit and the 64-bit versions in the box. I believe the retail Upgrade or Full Versions will have both 32-bit and 64-bit versions. Can someone confirm that?

I bought the OEM of Vista Ultimate and it gives you a choice at install.
Only paid 109.00 USD for it

I have been running it on this new build for a few months now, no problems and I would recomend it to any gamer

Merlin

[Merlin]

Hi Rob,

I am a PC novice, and buying a computer for home. We'll be using it just for emails and photos, no gaming, probably also Itunes/similar for Ipods. I've read your very informative article on the Vista types, but am still confused as to which I should get. The computer I am looking at is a Dell E520 and comes with basic. Is premium better for an extra $90 but will it need a lot more memory? I've been told we'd need at least 1gb of RAM and I don't really want to get any more than that (but was planning to get 1gb).

Please advise!

thanks

Gin88:)

Vista is a hungry beast for RAM, It uses at least 750 mb of ram so I suggest you get a twin set of one gig a piece ( 2 gigs DDR2 )

Merlin