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Microsoft Windows Vista Ultimate

Mon, 08 May 2006 11:17:52 -0400

It was more than five years ago that Microsoft released Windows XP, and on January 30th, 2007 Microsoft is launching Vista, the latest operating system in the Windows family. The most notable improvement is the development of Windows Aero (Authentic, Energetic, Reflective, Open); a new graphical interface and visual style featuring eye candy such as window transparencies and animations. Other new features include tightly integrated search and a Windows Sidebar as a space to put desktop gadgets like a clock, calendar, weather, RSS, and other small applets.

Microsoft Windows Vista

Wed, 02 Jul 2008 10:10:50 -0400

Vista is Microsoft's sixth generation Operating System and features more focus on bundled functionality, more streamlined networking, and improved security. Compared to the previous standard - Windows XP - Vista contains a more integrated and consistent technology base which Microsoft hopes will reduce the number of software and hardware compatibility issues. On the security side, every module has been made secure to reduce and prevent malicious software from ruining the computer, however the downside is the Vista "User Access Control" panel which has been made the butt of many jokes for being too annoying.

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.casino slot games

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.

Microsoft Windows Vista Home Basic

Mon, 29 Jan 2007 21:32:31 -0500

From Wikipedia: Similar to Windows XP Home Edition, Home Basic is intended for budget users not requiring advanced media support for home use. The Windows Aero theme with translucent effects will not be included with this edition. 64-bit Home Basic will support up to 8 GB of physical memory, and will be supported until 2012.

Microsoft Windows Vista Home Premium

Mon, 29 Jan 2007 21:34:07 -0500

From Wikipedia: Containing all features from Home Basic, this edition will also support more advanced features aimed for the home market segment, such as HDTV support and DVD authoring. Extra premium games, mobile and tablet PC, network projector, touchscreen, and auxiliary display (via Windows SideShow) support, and a utility to schedule backups are also included. Home Premium supports 10 simultaneous peer network connections (compared to 5 in Home Basic). The version of Meeting Space included will also allow for interaction (in Home Basic, meetings may only be viewed). This edition is comparable to Windows XP Media Center Edition. 64-bit Home Premium will support up to 16 GB of physical memory, and will be supported until 2012.

Microsoft Windows Vista Business

Mon, 29 Jan 2007 21:35:26 -0500

From Wikipedia: This edition combines all the features of the Home Premium and Enterprise editions, a game performance tweaker (WinSAT), and "Ultimate Extras". On January 7, 2007, at CES, Microsoft began to announce what some of these Ultimate Extras will be. When Vista launches to consumers on January 30, Microsoft will immediately make the following Extras available for Ultimate users: "Dream Scene", a utility that will allow for full-motion video desktop backgrounds; "Hold'Em", a Vista-customized version of the Texas Hold'Em poker game; Multi-user interface language packs, designed to allow individuals fluent in different languages to share the same PC; BitLocker Online Secure Key Storage, where Ultimate customers will be offered a secure place to store their BitLocker encryption keys in the Online Vista Marketplace; and "Digital publications," a collection of tips and tricks, blog links and other resources for getting the most out of Ultimate.