By Darius Chang
22/01/2007
URL: http://asia.cnet.com/digitalliving/tips/0,3800004921,61983817,00.htm

With the specter of Windows Vista looming, there is surprisingly still many questions on the minds of the average consumer. We decided to ask around and answer the top five most frequently asked questions about the new operating system.

1. How many versions of Windows Vista are there? What are the differences between them?

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Windows Vista comes in four flavors.

Windows Home Basic is meant for those who mainly use the computer to email and surf the Internet. It still contains online security features--Windows Defender and Windows Firewall--as well as the Instant Search toolbar. However, the much-touted image revamp, such as the Windows Aero desktop experience and Media Center, are available only in the next upgrade, which is the Home Premium edition.

The corporate user's needs are, of course, different from the home consumer. As such, the Vista Business edition surrenders the Media Center interface in exchange for advanced backup and networking tools. A Remote Desktop feature allows system administrators to troubleshoot and repair faulty PCs remotely from a central location.

Of course, if both entertainment and work are just as important to you, then Vista Ultimate offers all the above and more. This version includes Windows BitLocker Drive Encryption, which hides the contents of your harddisk via a 128-bit encryption technology. This version is great for those of you with something to hide.
 

Features	Home Basic	Home Premium	Business	Ultimate
Online security tools: Windows Defender and Windows Firewall
Windows Instant Search
Aero Desktop experience
Windows Mobility Center and Tablet PC support: Optimized for laptops
Windows Meeting Space
Windows Media Center
Advanced backup features
Advanced networking features
Remote Desktop
Windows BitLocker Drive Encryption

2. How do I know which version of Vista can run on my existing system?
For the Home Basic edition, the requirements are, frankly, basic. All you need are a 800MHz processor, 512MB of system memory and a DirectX 9-capable integrated graphics card. In order to run Home Premium editions and above, you need to bump up the specifications to include a 1GHz processor, 1GB system memory, DirectX 9 graphics card with 128MB of discrete memory, 40GB harddisk, DVD optical drive, audio output and Internet capability.

If you are still in doubt, you can download the Microsoft Vista Upgrade Advisor which will query your system and recommend a suitable version. But note that due to the various new features of the new operating system, just barely meeting the minimum specifications may result in a slow and jerky experience.

The Instant Search feature displays relevant results to queries. (Click for larger image)

3. Since Vista Home Basic misses out on so many features, should I just stick to Windows XP?
Well now, that's like saying you would rather stick with a purebred stallion for travel just because the car you are offered doesn't come with air conditioning. Each subsequent iteration is, according to Microsoft, more stable and feature-packed. Who can forget the Blue Screen of Death (BSOD), now immortalized as a screensaver? The Home Basic edition may not have the perks offered by the more expensive versions, but it still offers a better and more secure experience compared with Windows XP Home Edition (though some may prefer to stick with Windows Professional for networking in their office).

However, just like a horse is superior on unpaved trails compared with a car, some older PCs may run better on the older Windows XP operating system, thanks to its lower system requirements. Moreover, if your company uses proprietary software for work, you might want to keep your copy of Windows XP just in case.

Oh, by the way, in Windows Vista, the BSOD is now history. The bad news is the Red Screen of Death (ROSD) is now the dreaded sight.

4. Will I have to upgrade my entire software collection when I upgrade?
This is a qualified no. Though Microsoft assures that Windows XP-era software should have no problems running on the new operating system, the myrid of third-party applications make such assurances an academic matter. We suggest you keep a copy of the older operating system until newer versions of your favorite software optimized for Vista comes out.

5. Should I buy a PC now since Windows Vista is due for launch on January 30?
This really depends on your needs.

But consider this. If you purchase a PC after the Windows Vista launch, you do save money since the new operating system will be bundled. You will not have to bother with backing up data or the hassle of installing the new software and drivers.

However, the flipside is that those who have already purchased their systems are not out of luck. Thanks to Microsoft's Express Upgrade to Vista program, PCs purchased now are, depending on vendor participation, eligible to receive a copy of Windows Vista for a fee. Hence, for those with an accountant's bent, you can get two fully licensed operating systems at a marginal cost.