Overview
Most of us are waiting for the DirectX 10 games to arrive before upgrading to Windows Vista, but the new operating system does offer a number of new features that might make it a worthwhile upgrade even if the games aren't here yet. Not all versions of Windows Vista share the same feature set. Let's take a look at the different editions.
Windows Vista Home Basic
Think of Windows Vista Home Basic as Vista "Lite." You'll get the DX10 support, instant search, Windows Sidebar, and all the security updates; you won't get the Aero 3D desktop theme, Windows Media Center support, or several other new features and applications that make Vista, well, Vista. The Home Basic version retails for $199 as a stand-alone installation or $99 as an XP upgrade.
Windows Vista Home Premium
Microsoft is positioning Windows Vista Home Premium as the upgrade of choice for most users. The Premium version has the complete user-interface upgrade, including Aero, Flip3D, and live thumbnail icons. The Premium version also has new media applications, including Windows DVD Maker and Windows Movie Maker. Microsoft has rolled Windows Media Center functionality into Vista Home Premium, which will let people use their Xbox 360 systems as media extenders. You should expect to pay $239 for the retail box or $159 for the upgrade version.
Windows Vista Ultimate
The Windows Vista Ultimate edition is for big spenders who want the entire Vista experience. The Ultimate version has all the Home Premium features with a few data and network management features from the Business and Enterprise editions. The main reason to opt for the big package will be to get special access to Windows Ultimate Extras, which are downloadable upgrades that are available only to Ultimate users. Do you remember that full-motion desktop background from the Bill Gates CES 2007 keynote address? That will be an Ultimate Extra. Windows Vista Ultimate will cost $399 for the full installation or $259 for the upgrade.
Windows Vista Business
The Business edition has a lot of the same features as Home Premium. However, the Windows Media Center, DVD Maker, and Movie Maker media applications have been swapped out for extra data backup, remote desktop, and security features. The stand-alone installation costs $299, and upgrades run for $199. Microsoft also offers an Enterprise edition for large-scale IT rollouts that is similar to the Business edition.
Aero
Aero is the 3D desktop theme available in the Home Premium, Business, and Ultimate editions. The Vista desktop now uses the video card's 3D processing power to create translucent windows. You will need a DirectX 9-level GPU to run Aero. For those who are wondering, the Aero desktop won't hurt game performance.
Flip3D
Remember that Windows start key you tore off your keyboard because you kept on pressing it at the most inopportune times? You might want to find it again because the key actually has a use in Vista. If you press start and tab to switch into a Flip3D mode, you can cycle through your open windows like a rolodex. However, despite Flip3D's pretty interface, we have to admit that we still use the basic alt-tab function to switch applications.
Live Thumbnails
Vista uses live thumbnail preview images to help speed up multitasking by making it easier to find what you need. You'll see these file and application preview images when you switch between programs using alt-tab or when you mouse over them in the taskbar. You can also set the view option in your explorer window to display files as thumbnail icons.
Instant Search
Browsing for a file when you're already in a running application in Windows XP, when attempting to attach a file to an email for example, can be painful. That's where Vista's instant search box shines. It helps eliminate the clicks between you and what you want to do. You'll find the search box built into the start menu, as well as into just about every window. You can also save predefined searches to search folders that will return results with a double-click.
Customized Explorer Windows
Vista has customized command-bar and file-detail organization options for several popular explorer views. The regular explorer command bar lets you organize your files and adjust the view display. There's also a new "Burn" option that gives you one-click burn-to-disc access. The pictures explorer offers a slide show option, and the music explorer has a "play all" button in addition to the burn-to-disc option.
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Mac+Intel Chip= running Windows Vista & playing all the "for windows" games you want.
Bull crap mac can't play any games.....uhh thats wht it has an intel chip in it so you can run windows on it and polay any flippin game... with stability and no Trogan or Worms or spyware crap!
Posted Feb 17, 2007 2:49 pm PT
bill gates is not the ceo of microsoft anymore... just so you kids know.
Posted Feb 16, 2007 6:28 pm PT
tropicaldude wrote:
"i have mac os 10.4 and the vista premium and i must say, its pretty much a copy, and vista made me feel sonthing i never felt before
it make me love macs...
really...
all that bugs virouses, things that doesnt work that heavy crap that windows vista is... is like a OS X copy, but worst.... I stilll wonder... How could they manage somthng like it. the OS X on my macbook pro loads about 5x faster than vista, and it the features are much bether... i think ill throw my vista premium on the trash, cause i dont need this **** "
What no spell check on Mac?... lol
Posted Feb 16, 2007 5:44 pm PT
I've both XP and OSX. Hands down, I like apples better. Vista definately looks cool though. Once the price goes down I'll probably install it.
Posted Feb 16, 2007 5:37 pm PT
I don't get BSODs. XP SP2 and now Vista are very stable. Macs just freezes up. In order to get out of it you have to unplug your mac to reboot. BTW that video was made by a Mac user. Microsoft doesn't make attack ads like Apple does, they don't have to. They let their system speak for itself. Too bad Apple can't and has to resort to such an underhanded method. Apple still stole their GUI from Xerox.
Apple's new motto, "If you can't beat them join them."
Posted Feb 16, 2007 9:52 am PT
i have mac os 10.4 and the vista premium and i must say, its pretty much a copy, and vista made me feel sonthing i never felt before
it make me love macs...
really...
all that bugs virouses, things that doesnt work that heavy crap that windows vista is... is like a OS X copy, but worst.... I stilll wonder... How could they manage somthng like it. the OS X on my macbook pro loads about 5x faster than vista, and it the features are much bether... i think ill throw my vista premium on the trash, cause i dont need this ****
Posted Feb 16, 2007 9:33 am PT
Its Very Spencive And Mac Pc Its Better But I Had Windows Xp
Posted Feb 16, 2007 8:49 am PT
To sjc001 how many time on your pc came out the blue window??or some error window?? how many times?? be onest?? in 2 years my mac shut down only 1 time!!! Why??the cause?? a BLACK OUT in my city!!! I use mac for all!! work , play , surf the net etc etc and never i say never he rebooted himself!!! no error windows and no problems!! can u say the same about your pc?? i think not!!
The video u posted maybe was sponsored by Microsoft!! hahaha And they "had" to start using Intel chips only to permit to put windows also on macs for users that would like to have 2 OS on 1 machine! i tried and is great! on windows u can do it?? u say yes but with a few minor tweaks. in mac OSx windows XP works entirely! all features all programs everything!!
Power to APPLE!
Posted Feb 16, 2007 4:37 am PT
400 bucks for the ultimate operating system, yeah sure... load your pockets Bill..
Posted Feb 16, 2007 3:58 am PT
kingJord, Apple stole its GUI from Xerox.
Simbryo, the Mac was known for a long time as the Crashentosh. And its the other way around when it comes to programs and usually the Mac gets them years later. BTW;
http://video.google.com/videoplay?docid=-4942162778167603560
Posted Feb 16, 2007 3:36 am PT
Sjc001 i'll bring just one example, google and see what the worlds leading 3d programer John Carmack says about Vista and Dx10. I have tones of proof that every OS that MS delivers is incomlete and needs patching. Now, if you were a designer programer you would be frustrated, I know I am. And Mac was always a success, the only catch is that it isn't gaming platform, but every program for Windows has a counterpart on Mac.
Posted Feb 16, 2007 1:52 am PT
So what if I have this collection of music....say to the tune (no pun intended) of 26,000+ songs that I have obtained. Forget how I obtained it, most of it came off a friends external HD. Anyway, are you telling me that Vista deletes all that without my permission, or even won't let me play it? I understand not pirating and everything...but that's just a little too far. What we need more than anything is to get to the symptom of the pirating problem, morals (which I apparently don't have), not auto-deleting the consumers files. So I'm staying away from Vista till I can safely story my music collection somewhere archived so I can continue to play it later. Maybe I will just wait till after college and build another machine to use Vista on and go clean on it. But I'm not losing my entire collection for some game, I don't care how good DX10 is. IMHO....
Posted Feb 15, 2007 10:53 pm PT
The missing direct3d sound is the fact that about 80% of BSOD screens are from audio drivers. They also want to protect the kernel from direct attacks. The audio issue is with the driver makers. Companies like Creative have had more than enough time to shell out a driver that works with Vista and they haven't. This also goes with other companies like Nvidia. Geez...I wonder why they would delay making drivers that won't work with Vista or ones that only work with the newest high-end parts like Xi-Fi or 8800 GTX.
Posted Feb 15, 2007 8:06 pm PT
Everyone is talking about Directx and that it is fantastic, etc. but what about the MIA Directsound 3D? what about that? all those great games that have 3d sound that when you upgrade to Windows Vista turn into stereo only, integrated-sound quality? and Yes, of course the best feature ever: the New solitaire, thats the answer to all our problems, sure......
Posted Feb 15, 2007 1:16 pm PT
I have to say that i agree that Microsoft should adopt a "FREE" OS such as UNIX.. But all this get a MAC stuff is really starting to annoy me.. How the heck are they gonna make a mac gaming laptop when you would have to have Direct X on it.. Sure you can dual boot Windows on a MAC, but then it's not longer a MAC is it.. Honestly i never liked the mac interface.. I like my start menu and my 4 different ways to do one thing.. In terms of Windows copying the MAC, well did you not realize that Apple did not invent the GUI? Everyone copies man.. Haven't you all ridiculed Microsoft for not adopting some of the MAC features? Now that they have, you all say meh it's a clone.. We'll yes it is, it's exactly what you asked for.. So live with it..
Posted Feb 15, 2007 12:01 pm PT
I've been using OSX for 3 years... None of this is anything new. MS just copies Mac like they've been doing since Windows 3.0 "borrowed" everything found in Mac System 6, but with horrible results. Enjoy your Vista. I'm sticking to XP for at least 6 months until the bugs are worked out. I'll let others be the testers and have their gaming passwords key-logged through security holes because MS STILL won't assume a UNIX based system and will forever stick to their own, inferior, home-made "system registry"
Good luck.
I don't know what all of the fuss is about.
Posted Feb 15, 2007 10:19 am PT
Simbryo, no one else is using the Mac. Its so bad that they had to start using Intel chips and are now really just another PC. It'll run Vista and now the PC can run OSX with a few minor tweaks.
Posted Feb 15, 2007 8:21 am PT
Simbryo, no one else is using the Mac. Its so bad that they had to start using Intel chips and are now really just another PC. It'll run Vista and now the PC can run OSX with a few minor tweaks.
Posted Feb 15, 2007 8:21 am PT
Mac should really release a gaming alptop or desktop, think of the money they'd make! My dad has a Mac and it runs smooth as silk and the interface is far superior to any windows OS.
Posted Feb 15, 2007 8:16 am PT
Microsoft has done it again Vista has the same story as Win 95, 98, 2000, ME and XP. Bugs, memory drain and stupidity, not to mention lies! I have 2 Gigs and Vista, and I can forget to work in Photoshop or 3dStudio. IT sucks memory BAD! The only good OS that Microsoft ever deliverd was DOS (god bless it, RIP!). Next time I'm buying MAC like every inteligent person on this Earth. MS isn't gonna get my money again, EVER!
Posted Feb 15, 2007 7:42 am PT
I'm only using XP to get with her hot sister DirectX.
But the Vista's just to but ugly!
http://www.thestar.com/Business/article/175801
http://economictimes.indiatimes.com/articleshow/1578487.cms
http://www.ksdk.com/news/watercooler/hot_topics_article.aspx?storyid=112158
Posted Feb 15, 2007 6:11 am PT
What mentality Hiliary!!!!!!
You're talking like kids!! "jealous"???? "and make brilliant programs"???? i hope you are not talking about Windows Vista!!! have a look around it isn't so brilliant!!! Get informed before speak!!!
bye
Posted Feb 15, 2007 5:51 am PT
I for one purchased Vista Home Premium and I LOVE IT!
The interface is clean and very intuative. Oranization is a breeze and cycling through your files and windows is easier then ever. I love the added graphic effects such screen savers and color schemes that you can literally customize by color and translucency.
I miss my Windows XP but I get the feeling that will slowly subside being I'm loving Vista.
And having Vista dirext X10 structure is a BONUS.
Folks plz don't be fooled by those who mock MS for making a good product. They are just jealous that they aren't smart enough to make brilliant programs and money. So all those who make negative remarks are those who have low self esteem and empty bank accounts.
Posted Feb 14, 2007 10:59 pm PT
If anyone wants to save money by getting the upgrade version there is a workaround the need to have an older version pre-installed that will invalid the older license.
"#1) Grab your shiny new Windows Vista "Upgrade" DVD and "boot" your PC from it.
#2) Select "Install Now" button but DO NOT enter the Product Key from the yellow sticker on the Vista packaging that holds the DVD.
Also, make sure the "Automatically activate Windows when I'm online" box has NO tick in it!
In the next dialog box that appears, confirm that you really do want to install Vista without entering a Product Key.
#3) Now from the list on the next screen you must select the version of Windows Vista that you're installing: Home Basic, Home Premium, Business, or Ultimate.
#4) On the next screen select the "Custom" install, not the "Upgrade" install option.
#5) Windows Vista will now copy all the files it needs so sit back and relax for a few minutes! Please note that the PC will reboot automatically several times.
At this stage of the installation DO NOT attempt to "activate" Windows Vista, that will come later. Now the installation is complete move onto the next step.
#6) We now need to install the the Vista upgrade files... To do this place the DVD in the drive again but DO NOT try to run the setup again from the DVD.
Instead logon to Windows Vista using the account you just created and from My Computer run the DVD's setup.exe program.
#7) On the screen that appears click "Install Now" but make sure that you also select "Do NOT Get The Latest Updates For Installation." - You will check for these updates lat a later time...
#
On the next screen you CAN now enter the Product Key from the yellow sticker on the Vista DVD packaging. But make sure you TURN OFF the option "Automatically activate Windows when I'm online."#9) Now on the next screen that appears you will need to select "Upgrade" and not "Custom" that you selected in an earlier stage...
#10) Wait while Windows Vista copies the files it needs and reboots itself, there is no action required on your part...
You will be asked to boot from the DVD - DO NOT do this!
Instead, wait a few seconds and the setup process will continue on its way. You will notice some character mode menus appear, just IGNORE them!
After a few seconds, the correct choice will run for you automatically...
#11) On the next screen to appear click the button labelled "Start", Windows Vista's login screen will then appear (this may take a few moments.)
Now just enter the username and password that you selected during the first install and you are finished upgrading to Windows Vista!
#12) All that remains is to activate Windows Vista within the next 30 days. Failure to do this will mean you will lose most functionality of Vista.
To activate Windows Vista simply click Show more details in the Welcome Center that automatically displays upon each boot-up, then click Activate Windows now.
If no Welcome Center appears, access by doing this: Start - Control Panel - System & Maintenance - System
...and that is it!"
Posted Feb 14, 2007 4:14 pm PT
Vista is going to be great, especially because Microsoft targeted gamers and the security upgrades.
Posted Feb 14, 2007 12:38 pm PT
Microsoft made Vista not to play old games nostalgically but to force us to play upcoming releases...the reason of course again, is for the developers to make more money. If you wanted to play old games you can always partition your hard disk into 2 or 3 with different OS installed on it. I have Windows ME on my other hard disk partition because I still play the old DOS games.
Posted Feb 14, 2007 1:34 am PT
Direct X 10 is another excuse from Microsoft to force their pawns (yeah we are all pawns) for a Vista upgrade and, as goals in all businesses, to gain more money which is a hard fact. Despite its more than average incompatibility issues, Vista was released prematurely and I am liking and loving Vista because of its beauty and external face-lift , and most of all importantly, I am using it for free in glorious pirated Vista Ultimate. hahaha no way i am going to pay for a premature and unstable OS version.
Posted Feb 14, 2007 1:26 am PT
what do you thing about MAcOsx?? is better os than windows! maybe there are not a lot of games but is more safety!!
whats your opinion??
Posted Feb 14, 2007 1:06 am PT
Hey, what about old games? With so much innovation that DirectX 10 brags, the nostalgic side of me is worried that old games such as Baldur's Gate or Icewind Dale got overlooked. Or doesn't it?
Posted Feb 13, 2007 8:39 pm PT
this looks exactly like something i totally don't need yet. my video card n computer isn't good enough for dx10 games. so basically it'd be like upgrading to have that pointless flipbook thing that i won't need and the active thumbnail stuff that will waste memory n don't need either..
Posted Feb 13, 2007 7:52 pm PT
you know what? that movie maker stops working when i try to export any movie i made from any source video to any place or fomat!
Posted Feb 13, 2007 6:20 pm PT
Where is all this misinformation coming from?
"People at my job have Vista and they all are having problem." I bet they are.. How about you stop lying.
"Why won' Aero3D work on XP?" Maybe because the API for Aero3D only works on Vista.
I purchused Vista and have had no problems.
Posted Feb 13, 2007 5:33 pm PT
I'm going to put Vista on hold. WinXP is fine with me I don't really need to upgrade until net year or so.
Posted Feb 13, 2007 4:35 pm PT
man that **** tight i get my **** up grade soon specially the flip #d and the thumnail icon
Posted Feb 13, 2007 4:22 pm PT
Aero sounds awesome! but why can't they just make it available for Windows XP? i mean seriously would it be that hard to make a good operating system better? but obviously microsoft doesn't get it all they care about is money and not the quality of their products!
Posted Feb 13, 2007 4:08 pm PT
The UAC feature sounds like a good idea, kinda like the root access in Unix. WISHFUL THINKING: It would be cool for them to add a UAC feature in XP SP3, but I know business-wise thats not a good idea, it'll be one more reason for Joe Schmoe not to upgrade.
Posted Feb 13, 2007 2:49 pm PT
i just bought a new computer including the window vista ultimate, and let me tell u. i'm pretty impressed with microsoft new software.... i even like it better than my mac. lol.
Posted Feb 13, 2007 1:51 pm PT
no.. wait.. if you are to play games on your pc.. i redomend you wait until 2008 to buy vista.
there have been reportet bugs and crashes with games running on vista.. games like doom 3 and f.e.a.r. the list of games not working great with vista is long.. so if you want a good gaming pc.. wait until 2008 buying vista.. by then all of the drivers should be allright, and DX10 should have kicked in for real!
so just waith with vista.. cuz right now it sucks for gamers!
Posted Feb 13, 2007 1:46 pm PT
Winsows Vista works excellent! I've had it for almost two weeks now and haven't had any issues yet. Some games run a bit slower, and there are some drivers that doesn't work on it, but those drivers aren't used anyway! Haven't had any problems, so that means I'll be playing the new solitare and you'll be sticking with the old crappy one! haha! : )
Posted Feb 13, 2007 12:58 pm PT
That looks ausome,and tyou just have to uprgrade no new computer,cool!!!!
(aero looks AUSOME
)
Posted Feb 13, 2007 11:47 am PT
Well in theory it all sounds great.... However, I have multiple people i work with running vista having nothing but trouble. I suppose it will take awhile, but the networking at this point seems to be worse then before. The GUI is better but the performance is pure crap. I suppose it depends on what you are running.
Posted Feb 13, 2007 10:46 am PT
forgot to add vista does look nice though but i'm returnibg to windows xp64 definately better than vista in terms of speed for gaming and programing at the moment good luck to anyone installing vista and expecting a clean and easy ride with it
Posted Feb 13, 2007 8:32 am PT
hi everyone well i installed vista lastnight had it on my pc for 5 hours before decideing to remove it to many driver issues to sort out yet and i could'nt even put deamon tools on it i really don't rate it yet at the moment windows vista just needs to much work and updating needed to it what do you think people lol chris
Posted Feb 13, 2007 8:24 am PT
