Windows Vista Versions
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How many Windows Vista Versions are there?
There are seven product editions planned for Windows Vista (or nine, if you count the N Editions as being different). Note that all of these product names are placeholders for now: They could change before the final product is released. However, this breakdown of editions is current as of this week and is unlikely to change.
Windows Vista product editions
Here's how the product editions look, along with a preview of Microsoft's marketing message for each version.
Windows Starter 2007
Aimed at beginner computer users in emerging markets who can only afford a low cost PC. As with the XP version, Windows Starter 2007 (note that it's not branded as Window Vista) is a subset of Vista Home Basic, and will ship in a 32-bit version only (no 64-bit x64 version).
Starter 2007 will allow only three applications (and/or three windows) to run simultaneously, will provide Internet connectivity but not incoming network communications, and will not provide for logon passwords or Fast User Switching (FUS). Starter 2007 is analogous to XP Starter Edition. This version will only be sold in emerging markets.
Windows Starter 2007 is lacking a number of unique features found in most of the other Vista product editions. There is no Aero user interface, for example, and no support for Castle-based networking. Other missing features include DVD Authoring, gaming common controller support, and image editing with enhanced touchup.
The marketing message: For beginner computer users in emerging markets who can only afford a low cost PC, Windows Starter 2007 provides a more affordable and easy introduction to personal computing because it is lower priced, tailored to the needs of beginner personal computer users, compatible with a wide range of Windows-based applications and devices, and tailored to each market.
Windows Vista Home Basic
A simple version of Windows Vista that is aimed at single PC homes. Windows Vista Home Basic is the baseline version of Windows Vista, and the version that all other product editions will build from.
It will include features such as Windows Firewall, Windows Security Center, secure wireless networking, parental controls, anti-spam/anti-virus/anti-spyware functionality, network map, Windows Search, Movie Maker, Photo Library, Windows Media Player, Outlook Express with RSS support, P2P Messenger, and more.
Windows Vista Home Basic is roughly analogous to Windows XP Home Edition. This version is aimed at general consumers, Windows 9x/XP Starter Edition upgraders, and price sensitive/first-time buyers. Like Starter 2007, Vista Home Basic will not support the new Aero user interface.
The marketing message: For mainstream Windows customers, Home Basic is where it all begins. Here, Microsoft will be pushing "peace of mind" and "performance," and will promise consumers a faster, more secure and reliable productivity experience. Home Basic is secure by default and easy to keep secure. You can trust Windows with your most important tasks and data and complete everyday tasks faster.
| Windows Vista Version Comparisons |
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Windows Vista Basic |
Windows Vista Home Premium |
Windows Vista Business |
Windows Vista Ultimate |
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| 64-bit processor support |  |
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| Games Explorer | |
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| Instant Search | |
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| Internet Explorer 7 | |
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| IPv6 and IPv4 support | |
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| Parental Controls | |
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| Remote Desktop | |
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| Speech Recognition | |
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| Sync Center | |
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| User Account Control | |
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| Windows Anytime Upgrade | |
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| Windows Backup and Restore | |
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| Windows Calendar | |
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| Windows Defender | |
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| Windows Display Driver Model (WDDM) | |
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| Windows Easy Transfer | |
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| Windows Firewall | |
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| Windows HotStart | |
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| Windows Mail | |
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| Windows Media Player 11 | |
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| Windows Mobility Center | Limited | Limited | |
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| Windows Photo Gallery | |
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| Windows ReadyDrive | |
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| Windows Security Center | |
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| Windows Sidebar | |
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| Windows Update | |
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| Windows Welcome Center | |
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| XPS document support | |
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| Pluggable log-in authentication architecture | |
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| Windows Aero | |
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| Windows Meeting Space | Limited | |
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| Windows Rights Management Services (RMS) Client | |
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| Windows Tablet PC | |
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| Windows DVD Maker | |
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| Windows Media Center | |
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| Windows Movie Maker | |
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| Windows Movie Maker HD | |
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| Domain join for Windows Small Business Server | |
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| Encrypting File System | |
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| Integrated smart card management | |
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| Group Policy support | |
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| Roaming user profiles | |
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| Virtual PC Express | |
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| Windows BitLocker Drive Encryption | |
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| Windows Fax and Scan | |
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| Windows ShadowCopy | |
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| Windows Ultimate Extras | |
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Windows Vista Home Premium
Whole home entertainment and personal productivity throughout the home and on the go. As a true superset of Home Basic, Windows Vista Home Premium will include everything from Home Basic, as well as Media Center and Media Center Extender functionality (including Cable Card support), DVD video authoring and HDTV support, DVD ripping support (yes, you read that right), Tablet PC functionality, Mobility Center and other mobility and presentation features, auxiliary display support, P2P ad-hoc meeting capabilities, Wi-Fi auto-config and roaming, unified parental controls that work over multiple PCs, backup to network functionality, Internet File Sharing, Offline Folders, PC-to-PC sync, Sync Manager, and support for Quattro Home Server, a Windows Server 2003 R2-based server product aimed at the home market.
Windows Vista Premium is similar to XP Media Center Edition, except that it adds numerous other features and functionality, including Tablet PC support. My guess is that this will be the volume consumer offering in the Windows Vista timeframe (today, XP Pro is the dominant seller). This version is aimed at PC enthusiasts, multiple-PC homes, homes with kids, and notebook users.
The marketing message: Home Premium turns it up a notch. In addition to the baseline functionality offered in Home Basic, this version focuses on such things as integrated entertainment (movies, memories, and more), mobility (media and productivity on the go), and connected living (connect with family, friends, and home). Home Premium supplies whole-home entertainment and personal productivity throughout the home and on the go.
Windows Vista Business
A powerful, reliable and secure OS for businesses of all sizes. Windows Vista Business will include domain join and management functionality, compatibility with non-Microsoft networking protocols (Netware, SNMP, etc.), Remote Desktop, Microsoft Windows Web Server, and Encrypted File System (EFS). Additionally, Vista Business will include Tablet PC functionality. Windows Vista Business is roughly analogous to XP Pro today. This version is aimed at business decision makers and IT managers and generalists.
The marketing message: Vista Business is a powerful, reliable, and secure operating system. It helps PC users be more effective at work and offers improved connectivity and access to information, so that companies can realize better return on their IT investment.
Windows Vista Small Business
Designed for small businesses without IT staff. Vista Small Business is a superset of Vista Business, and includes the following unique features: Backup and Shadow Copy support, Castle and server-join networking, and PC fax and scanning utility. Additionally, Microsoft is looking at including a number of other features, many of which might be cut:
These include Vista Small Business guided tour, pre-paid access to the Windows Live! Small Business or Microsoft Office Live! subscription services, Multi-PC Health (a managed version of Microsoft One Care Live), and membership in the Microsoft Small Business Club online service. Microsoft will offer a Step-Up program for Vista Small Business that will allow customers to upgrade to Windows Vista Enterprise (see below) or Windows Vista Ultimate (see below) at a reduced cost. This SKU is new to Windows Vista; there is no XP Small Business Edition. This version is aimed at small business owners and managers.
The marketing message: Vista Small Business provides smooth operation even for those businesses without an IT staff. It is the operating system designed to help small businesses start, grow and thrive.
Windows Vista Enterprise
Optimized for the enterprise, this version will be a true superset of Windows Vista Business. It will also include unique features such as Virtual PC, the multi-language user interface (MUI), and the Secure Startup/full volume encryption security technologies ("Cornerstone"). There is no analogous XP version for this product. This version is aimed at business decision makers, IT managers and decision makers, and information workers/general business users. Vista Enterprise will be offered exclusively through Software Assurance.
The marketing message: Vista Enterprise provides an advanced application compatibility solution that will be crucial to many large business users, can be deployed to multiple language locales using a single image, and provides Secure Startup functionality for the ultimate in security on the go. It is the client OS that is optimized for the enterprise. Vista Enterprise reduces IT cost and complexity by providing tools that protect company data, reduce the number of required disk images, and ensure the compatibility of legacy applications.
Windows Vista Ultimate
The best operating system ever offered for a personal PC, optimized for the individual. Windows Vista Ultimate is a superset of both Vista Home Premium and Vista Business, so it includes all of the features of both of those product versions, plus adds Game Performance Tweaker with integrated gaming experiences, a Podcast creation utility (under consideration, may be cut from product), and online "Club" services (exclusive access to music, movies, services and preferred customer care) and other offerings (also under consideration, may be cut from product).
Microsoft is still investigating how to position its most impressive Windows release yet, and is looking into offering Vista Ultimate owners such services as extended A1 subscriptions, free music downloads, free movie downloads, Online Spotlight and entertainment software, preferred product support, and custom themes. There is nothing like Vista Ultimate today. This version is aimed at high-end PC users and technology influencers, gamers, digital media enthusiasts, and students.
The marketing message: Vista Ultimate is the "no compromises" version of Windows Vista. It provides the best performance, most secure and complete connection to the office, and is optimized for the individual. Everything you need for work or fun is included. It is the best operating system ever offered for the personal PC.
N Editions
Finally, I should note that Microsoft is planning to offer so-called N Editions of Windows Vista for the European market, in order to meet the requirements of an antitrust ruling there. Windows Vista N Editions--Vista Home N and Vista Business N--will mirror the Vista Home Basic and Vista Business versions, respectively, but will not include Windows Media Player and other media-related functionality.