How to Choose the Right Windows Vista Edition for You

There are six different editions of Windows Vista. Each one has distinct features and capabilities developed for a different user. Whatever you use your PC for – from gaming to business to family entertainment. Read on for info on each edition so you can choose the right Windows Vista edition for you:

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Instructions

1. The Windows Vista Starter - This edition is designed specifically for the technology markets of the developing world. It is, essentially, an affordable edition that's intended to help bridge the digital divide.

2. Windows Vista Home Basic - This edition is designed for users who are on limited budgets and who do not really need advanced technical features.
   Windows Vista Home Basic is not recommended unless it is the only edition you could possibly afford. It may not have all the functions you'll need in the future, meaning you would have to spend extra money to upgrade your system.

3. Windows Vista Home Premium - This edition is a huge upgrade from the Home Basic version. It has all the basic version's capabilities in addition to many more features including: DVD authoring, HDTV support, touch-screen capabilities and premium games. The Windows Vista Home Premium is strongly recommended if you really need a budget operating system.

4. Windows Vista Business Edition - This edition is is comparable to Windows XP Professional. Aimed at the business market, it has features such as: fax support, a web server, dual processor capabilities, file system encryption and dual CPU support. It can also handle most types of hardware and software. It is a very capable version of Vista, and strongly recommended if you can afford it, and need an operating system capable of handling all of your heavy-duty and business needs.

5. Windows Vista Enterprise - This edition is basically an upgrade from Windows Vista Business. It offers even more features such as: UNIX application support, multilingual support and BitLocker Drive Encryption.
   
   Windows Vista Enterprise must be purchased directly from Microsoft, as it is not available in any original equipment manufacturers (OEMs), or any retail stores. This edition is only recommended if you need it to operate a relatively large business, or to handle massive amounts of data and information.

6. Windows Ultimate - This edition is the most technically capable of all the Windows Vista editions. It has all of the features and capabilities of Vista Home Premium and Enterprise. In addition, it also includes several more features called "Ultimate Extras." Windows Vista Ultimate is also capable of handling two CPUs as well as more than 128 GB of RAM memory. Talk about overload! Windows Vista Ultimate is recommended if you are willing to spend as much as $260 and deal with an incredible amount of computing.

7. For the average user, Windows Vista Business is considered to be the best value for money simply because of its price and capabilities. It provides all the standard features, as well as some for advanced computer use. This edition can also handle many high-end applications such as video editing and next-generation video games.