The Versions of Windows Vista

The: 22/04/2009 - AT: 4:15

There are to many versions of Windows, so many that a lot of people buy the wrong versions. In many cases the Home version will be enough, one reason for this, is that most the extra software included in the other versions, will be replaced by better alternatives anyway.

Windows movie maker for one, and DVD Burning. Etc. So to know which version suit you the most, you should read through this post carefully, as well as visit the attached links which may have other relevant information.

Windows Versions

If you have a quick look at the comparison of Windows Vista Editions at Microsoft, then it won't be hard to chose the correct version for most users.

The problem is that Microsoft praise the features in their descriptions, its actually more of an advertisement of the features then a useful description. Most of the features are obsolete to most users, but many will buy the largest edition of vista, even when they don't need the features. So lets try and Compare some editions of Vista.

Aero Interface

Note. Found in Home Premium, Business, and Ultimate.

The first difference between Home Basic and the Home Premium versions, is that Home Basic lacks the Aero Interface.

Would it really mean that much to include the Aero Interface? I don't know why its missing, but its not something we will miss either. The default Interface just don't have the transparency, or glass like effects Aero has.

Windows Mobility Center

Note. Found in Home Premium, Business, and Ultimate.

Home Basic also lacks the Windows Mobility Center, which may be desired for laptops. I wont go into any more details on this one, as i don't currently use a laptop, you better read more about it on Microsoft's website. But generally, it shouldn't be a problem, not even when having a laptop.

Windows Meeting Space

Note. Found in Home Premium, Business, and Ultimate.

The Windows Meeting Space, is useless for the general user, but can be useful for many companies, most of these however, may already have their own alternatives.

Windows SideShow

Note. Found in Home Premium, Business, and Ultimate.

The Windows SideShow is intended to enable you to easily view information on a connected display, while the computer is turned off. Such as a small color display in a laptop lid.

The feature is largely obsolete in my case, since i often plug out my computer when its turned off, to save power. Even electronics that are standby consume power, and it really adds up!

Windows Media Center

Note. Found in Home Premium, and Ultimate.

Media centers in the form of Hardware, are useless if you got a PC. You can easily hook up your PC to other equipment in the house, even your TV. There is no need for Hardware media centers, and there is no need for additional software centers.

The Windows Media Center is obsolete, it may provide a few extra features. But nothing you will miss, if you connect your equipment properly.

It should make it easier to connect your PC to your TV, and view your photo collection, movies, or record movies and such. But these are all features, which already existed, and features such as recording from the TV, is achieved just as good (if not better) with other alternatives.

The interface is to simplified, and doesn't seem to provide anything that the standard folder view in windows doesn't. Maybe you can control this with the remote, but I'd much rather control things from a keyboard or a real mouse.

Windows Backup and Restore Center

Note. Found in Business and Ultimate only.

This utility is used to backup your "entire computer", whatever that includes is not specified. Maybe it means just that. Your entire hard drives is backed up, to a specified location.

Generally i would say that the Windows Backup and Restore Center is useless. I don't have any important stuff on my system, that i didn't already backup manually. And if i where running a server, then i would simply program my applications to automatically save a backup.

Don't rely on such features, because your backup usually get out of sync anyway. Even failing hard drives can be repaired and data restored. Finally failure is something which happens rarely, especially if you got enterprise drives. And unlike what some think, those don't cost much more then normal hard drives.

Windows Fax and Scan

Note. Found in Business and Ultimate only.

This one is hard for me, as i don't use, own, or operate a fax. It would seam this is aimed at businesses, in cases where employees would share computer and such.

It doesn't mean that you can't use your scanner, if you don't have Windows Fax and Scan, but the features may be worth checking out.

Remote Desktop Connection

Note. Business and Ultimate only.

The Remote Desktop Connection is very useful, if you require remote access to applications. But again something which the general user won't need, i would also much prefer to run everything directly from my hard drive.

Windows DVD Maker

Note. Only in Home Premium and Ultimate.

Finally something i would use, or would i really now? No i certainly wouldn't!

The Windows DVD Maker Lacks the most basic functionality of Real DVD Authoring Software, such as DVD Architect. I Would really want more, then just being able to chose from a bunch of templates, with minimal customization options.

Ok maybe it would be fine for your kids to play with, but i for one, wouldn't consider using it on my own.

Windows Movie Maker and Movie Maker HD

Note. Only in Home Premium and Ultimate

I never really liked Movie Maker, since it lack the basic functionality of my superior editing solution in Vegas Pro.

Windows Movie Maker and Movie Maker HD, enables you to do basic editing of home videos, and to do it in HD. But with very limited customization options, when compared to other editing solutions.

Additional Programs and Features

This is something which is aimed at Ultimate, and it includes Extras such as the Windows DreamScene. But about same functionality can be achieved better with the free open source media player called VLC player.

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Author: BlueBoden