Windows Vista Home Basic is designed to be easy to set up, to help people use their PCs securely and reliably, to help people stay better connected, and, like all of the editions of Windows Vista, to be compatible with the widest range of software, devices, and services that people use and trust. For those who simply want to use their PC for tasks such as surfing the Internet, corresponding with friends and family using email, or performing basic document creation and editing tasks, Windows Vista Home Basic delivers a safer, more reliable, and more effective computing environment. Windows Vista Home Basic is the entry-level offering for consumers. Highlights include:

• Significant advances in security and reliability
• Parental Controls
• Windows Vista Basic user interface
• Search and Organize innovations
• Improved networking

 

Windows Vista Home Premium is the mainstream edition of Windows Vista for consumer desktop and mobile PCs. Windows Vista Home Premium makes finding information, staying connected, and interacting with your PC easier and more secure. Using, organizing, and sharing photos, video, TV programs, and music becomes a part of your everyday life. With Windows Vista Home Premium, balancing your checkbook, doing homework, watching a movie, listening to music, or playing a game is a better and more enjoyable experience. It includes all features available in Windows Vista Home Basic, plus:

• Windows Aero™ user interface
• Windows Media Center functionality
• Additional digital media features such as authoring and DVD burning
• Windows Tablet PC capability
• Additional mobility features such as PC-to-PC synchronization

 

Windows Vista Ultimate is the flagship edition of Windows Vista across consumer and small business desktop PCs and mobile PCs. The primary user of Windows Vista Ultimate is the individual, such as a small business owner, who has a single PC to use both at home and at work. This edition includes all of the features available in Windows Vista Home Premium and Windows Vista Enterprise. Windows Vista Ultimate is the first operating system that combines the advanced infrastructure of a business-focused operating system, the productivity of a mobility-focused operating system, and the digital entertainment features of a consumer-focused operating system. For users who want their PC to be great for working at home, on the go, and at the office, Windows Vista Ultimate is the no-compromise operating system that provides it all.

 

Windows Vista Business is the primary edition of Windows Vista for business desktop and mobile PCs. This offering crosses the small business, mid-sized business, and enterprise segments. This edition includes all the features available in Windows Vista Home Basic (with the exception of a small number of entertainment features), plus:

• Windows Aero user interface
• Windows Tablet PC capability
• Additional mobility features such as PC-to-PC synchronization
• Core business features such as Domain Join, Group Policy support, and Encrypting File System
• Small business–specific features such as Fax and Scan, and Small Business Resources

 

Windows Vista Enterprise is the premium edition of Windows Vista for business desktop and mobile PCs. This offering is available only to customers who have their PCs covered by a Microsoft Software Assurance agreement. In addition to including all of the features available in Windows Vista Business, highlights of this edition include:

• Windows BitLocker™ Drive Encryption
• All worldwide interface languages
• Virtual PC Express
• Subsystem for UNIX-based Applications (SUA)

 

Windows Vista Starter is designed to empower families and entry-level users in selected emerging markets to take advantage of the social and educational benefits that personal computer technology and the Internet make possible. Highlights of this edition include:

• Advances in security and reliability
• Search and Organize innovations
• Windows Vista Basic user interface
• 32-bit only operating system designed specifically for lower-cost computers