Versions
Vista comes in 6 flavors, that differ in bundled features and are targeted towards different markets.
Windows Vista Starter - much like Windows XP Starter Edition, this edition sells only in "emerging markets" such as Mexico, Brazil, India, Pakistan, Thailand, China, Indonesia and the Philippines — mainly to offer a legal alternative to using unauthorized copies. Microsoft does not make it available in the United States, Canada, Europe, Israel, Australia or New Zealand (although users can install a three day trial-version from the 32-bit DVD).
Windows Vista Home Basic - Similar to Windows XP Home Edition, Home Basic targets budget-conscious users not requiring advanced media support for home use.
Windows Vista Home Premium - Containing all features from Home Basic, this edition also supports additional features aimed for the home market-segment, such as support for HDTV and DVD-authoring.
Windows Vista Business - Comparable to Windows XP Professional and Windows XP Tablet PC Edition, Windows Vista Business Edition targets the business-market. It includes all the features of Home Basic with the exception of Parental Controls and the Windows Vista Standard theme.
Windows Vista Enterprise - This edition targets the enterprise segment of the market: it comprises a superset of the Vista Business edition. Additional features include support for Multilingual User Interface (MUI) packages, BitLocker Drive Encryption, and UNIX application-support.
Windows Vista Ultimate - combines all the features of the Home Premium and Enterprise editions, plus the "Ultimate Extras" and stronger encryption. "Mainstream Support" for Ultimate ends on April 10, 2012, while Microsoft flags "Extended Support" as "Not Applicable".
Common Vista Features
Aero - this is the new fancy graphical style that uses the 3D processing power of the computer for additional effects and animations.
Shell - replaces Windows Explorer to be more streamlined and easier to navigate.
Instant Search - improved search examines information inside of files, and returns results as soon as typing starts.
Sidebar - an area for Desktop Gadgets which are mini-applications that usually focus on performing one specific task.
Mail - built-in mail program that replaces Outlook
Games Explorer - a dedicated and unified area where all your games can be accessed and launched.
