I have read that Microsoft will eventually stop supporting XP as they have other older operating systems. So I'm anticipating having to switch in a few years. Is there a difference, other than features they advertise, between the different versions of Vista? Is Vista ultimate better than Vista basic because Ultimate is more comprehensive and better written overall? Or is Vista basic better because it may be less complicated, so therefore more stable? Ed
The main difference is some added features and extras http://www.microsoft.com/windows/products/windowsvista/editions/choose.mspx http://www.helpwithwindows.com/WindowsVista/vista-which-version.html Basic might run better on slower computers, Because it doesn't come with windows "AERO". which is basically eye-candy anyway. Anyway the above link compares the different versions, And what they have and don't have between them. Good luck from a happy vista user.
Thanks Jizmak, I do have an unopened copy of Vista Premium. I'm in no rush to install it untill I have to but there is a bit of a deal available on the Ultimate version. I'm still within the take back period of the premium so I may exchange for Ultimate. Thanks for your info.
Unless you have something that requires Vista, I would recommend using Vista until the next version of Windows comes out. Right now it's known as Windows 7 and is expected to be available in late 2009 or early 2010. Of course, there isn't an official release date available yet.
MS has announced that Windows 7 is in the planning stages atm and will take 3 years to actually develop once they complete planning (in around 6 months). They project a 2011 release at the earliest. Link
Just like the link you provided, there are several others that state different timetables (http://www.itbusinessedge.com/blogs/msh/?p=165). Like I said earlier, there isn't an official timetable. Most likely even Microsoft doesn't know for sure when it will ship. My point is that Windows XP will continue to work until the next version does finally ship, and that's what I would recommend people wait for (regardless if it's 2009 or 2011).
Ashwin says that there is a way to turn off Aero. Then he implies that this ability should encourage us to buy a "better version". This also implies, to my twisted mind, that Ultimate may be a better product,,ie better written etc etc etc, not just the additional 3-4 features that I don't really think I need. These are: HELP PROTECT AGAINST HARDWARE FAILURE,,BUSINESS NETWORKING AND REMOTE DESKTOP,, BETTER PROTECT YOUR DATA against loss or theft with Bitlocker and drive encryption. Does one really need these for a home application where all my documents are personal and I already have taken steps to protect my data? It would mean another outlay of about $130.00 to go from Premium to Ultimate. Ed
I would say that most home users would be perfectly fine with Premium. Ultimate is suppose to include extras, but MS has been pretty slow in releasing any (Texas Hold'em Poker). Again, my personal opinion is to stick with XP, but sometimes it's hard to convince people that newer isn't always better.
