Seven days of Vista -- day 7: Which Vista version?
Tags: microsoft, upgrade, windows vista, premium
In six days we uncovered Windows Vista's cooler features, and on the seventh day we rested. Or at least we would have, but for the constant pestering from friends and family about how they can go about getting the new OS onto their PCs.
"Buy a copy or get a new PC," we snapped. "But there are, like, dozens of versions. And what if I don't want to scrap my current PC?" they responded, clinging to our heels as we tried in vain to run. It's a good question, though -- so we figured we'd take a look at the available options for our own curiosity. And get you off our backs, of course.
The three easiest methods are to update your current version of XP with a Vista upgrade, wipe your hard drive to install Vista from scratch, or take the coward's way out and buy a new Vista PC. The last option is the easiest, provided you have the cash (you can check out a list of the first Vista desktop PC's we've seen in the UK here). But if you haven't the money or inclination, then upgrading your current PC is the way forwards.
Your first port of call should definitely be the Windows Upgrade Advisor tool -- it analyses your PC and tells you which versions of the OS your hardware will permit. Try to avoid the Home Rubbish Basic edition if you can (£179, or £99 for upgrade). Microsoft says it's secure, and it's definitely easier to use than XP, but if you want to actually feel as if you've got a new OS, complete with the flashiest features, then get the Home Premium (£219, or £149 for upgrade), Business (£289, or £189 for upgrade) or Ultimate editions (£369, or £249 for upgrade). Trust us, or trust this comparison table.
Home Premium is the pick of the bunch for us. It has the hella-cool Media Center interface, Windows DVD Maker, and all the features that make Vista stand out from the increasingly dated XP. We wouldn't bother with the Business version unless you wear a suit to parties, or you want 'complete' backup software and dorky networking functions.
But bear in mind that Business, along with Vista Ultimate, features Windows Movie Maker, which lets you create hi-def home movies. Ultimate also has animated desktops and a subscription to Vista Extras, which lets you download exclusive, free applications as they're released by Microsoft. Whether Ultimate's extra features warrant an extra £150 over Home Premium is your call.
As for upgrading versus fresh installs: we haven't found any significant benefit in doing one over the other, but geekdom as a whole seems to swear by fresh installs every time. We subscribe to this theory, but in the end it's your call -- we've had no problems so far with either method. Vista installed fairly quickly (within 30 minutes) on our test machines.
Our final tip would be to consider buying OEM (original equipment manufacturer) versions of Vista, which are officially intended for system builders. You won't get any fancy packaging or manuals with it, but on sites such as Dabs.com, the consumer version of Ultimate is £239, yet it's just £121.68 for the OEM version -- a saving of £118. Likewise, you can save £66 on Home Premium.
Microsoft says its OEM software isn't intended for Joe Public, and for good reason. Each OEM version of Vista is tied to the motherboard it's first installed on. You can upgrade other bits, but the minute you change your board, you'll have problems. You don't get support, either. If something goes wrong, your first port of call is yourself -- you, the system builder, remember? Vista comes with 90 days of free support, but you'll need to pay for any subsequent help.
Only go the OEM route if you know what you're doing. Or you're really poor.
Alright, enough already. Go forth and enjoy the 'Wow'. -RR
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Bert PotnubbinWed 31 January, 2007 10:35am
How does the OEM version tie itself to the motherboard? It comes on a DVD, right? Does the drive write some code to the DVD that prevents subsequent installations? I don't get it. How would the installer DVD know anything about your motherboard?
SimonSharksWed 31 January, 2007 10:30pm
There is nothing complicated about the versions of Vista; Home Basic is for very low spec PC's and will mainly be sold to developing countries. Home Premium is the standard consumer version of Windows, it will come with every new PC. Business is self-explanatory, no one will buy this you will just see it at work. Then Ultimate is for the enthusiast who must have everything and has money to burn. Actually Microsoft has simplified its versions, you can buy a consumer PC today with either XP Home, Pro or Media Center and all come with different features, how confusing is that? Home Premium bundles all these features into one version... not that anyone will ever notice, it will come with their new PC and that will be that. I don't know what all the fuss is about! People don't care about their PC's specs are, what version to upgrade to because it will come with their next PC purchase. But my copy of Vista is coming tomorrow.
Potato FountainThu 1 February, 2007 10:36am
Yes, it's all very simple, it only takes 500 words to explain.
Fanny Cradock's Nuclear BitchslapThu 1 February, 2007 12:00pm
And you got it wrong - Vista Starter is the version to be sold in developing countries. Never mind, have some of this Battenburg, it's delicious.
AnonymousTue 24 April, 2007 12:22am
The WOW starts when?
How many years? How much money? And this is what we get?
The coolest part of the whole release has been the nifty plastic retail package! That's like going to see a movie and only remembering the seat was comfortable. LOL.
XP has it's problems but it works enough for most people. From what I've seen, Vista doesn't offer most people anything more apart from needing more memory and faster PCs to achieve a slightly prettier interface. And you have to pay HOW MUCH to get it? Some patches for older MS software have offered more for free...
Then we have the four million versions. Great idea there - confuse everyone.
Sure, it's not THAT hard. But you gotta wonder who's bright idea it was to change everything (well, tell everyone how it's all changed for the better) and then try to create as many variations on a theme to make people think which one they need. Have you got the time or knowledge to know ALL the wrinkles?
Same with Office Vista. All change, any gain? We still use Office97 here - it works enough for our tasks. When it finally gets to upgrade time, I'm sure it will be to OpenOffice.
In case you are wondering, I've been a programmer for 20 years, I love tech but MS haven't convinced me on any of this. I even bought a new laptop that had XP on it. The reason? All the programs I wanted to install on it have worked well under XP. No issues with graphic drivers etc. It just works.
There are lessons for all businesses here. No matter how big or profitable you are, nothing replaces listening to and meeting customer needs.
Apple may not be everyone's cup of tea but think about their tech and operating systems. You'll find an awful lot of people are rethinking their computing. If I could transfer my existing software licenses over to Apple versions, I'd jump ship in a blink.
Got you thinking?
Cheers!
Wayne
AnonymousMon 28 January, 2008 12:06pm
I really don't know what Microsoft want -- more money I guess. One version will be very ok without all that different versions crap. I'm going for a mac and I can also run Vista. And I will get Vista for free. U watch me.
AnonymousSat 16 February, 2008 11:28pm
my my my what had microsoft done here
name the simplest part of Vista
oh wait there isnt one, (well smashing up your computer when the "Blue screen of death comes up oh wait wasn't that in windows 95 and 98(dont know about ME and 2000))
I havehad Vista and it was crap
iv had xp not bad
iv had 98 and i loved it
but i dont use them because i find using linux so much easier. There are so many amazing things out for it. Yeah people complain about the installation, but get your head around it and way you go
AnonymousThu 10 April, 2008 3:54am
Vista...performance....it is a junk believe me
xp it is much better
but the old one the 98 ohhh very goood!
so i suggest why they did not convert and expand 98 add more feature much more better than vista.....or xp.. add more colling device thru 98 for example...that's it...
AnonymousSun 28 September, 2008 10:09pm
Nothing would persuade me to get Vista, even when I upgrade my PC.
XP works well and I know of several friends that have had Vista problems and, to make matters worse, cannot get back to XP.
Does Vista make changes to your BIOS so it won't allow you to reformat?
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Terrance TumperdinkWed 31 January, 2007 10:24am
Well done Microsoft, you've done it again and completely confused us all. Why are there fifty different versions of Vista? This has all the clarity of choosing a mobile phone tariff. Congratulations, no seriously, congratulations. After five years of delays you can't even get the simplest thing right. You are a marvel.