Windows Vista Flavors

The current version of Microsoft's flagship operating system (OS) comes in five basic flavors: Home Basic, Home Premium, Business, Enterprise and Ultimate. Windows Vista is the latest in the Windows NT family of operating systems which includes Windows 2000 and Windows XP. As of this writing there are some applications that have difficulties with the new OS. Be sure to check with your software vendor before making the move.

While there are many exciting features spread across every package there are also great differences. The basics are as follows:

Home Basic - Enjoys improved security but lacks the vaunted Aero Glass user interface (UI). The lack of Aero makes this version less demanding on hardware and more likely compatible for upgrading your XP system. $199.95 / $99.95 Upgrade.

Home Premium - Comparable to Windows XP Media Center in that it includes enhanced multi-media features, Aero, Scheduled Backup and others not available in the Basic edition. $239.95 / 159.95 Upgrade.

Business - Includes business necessities, enhanced security features and utilities. Does include Aero but not all the media center features. $299.95 / $199.95 Upgrade.

Ultimate - Include all the features of the versions listed above. Also the most hardware intensive and expensive so far. $399.95 / $259.95.

To compare the features of the above versions side by side use the Windows Vista Comparison Chart.

Enterprise - Most the features in this version are beyond the needs of a single location small business. Included are new BitLock encryption and diskless remote terminals. You can find out more at the Enterprise Site.

There are still some recognized bugs in the platform that Microsoft is working out. They have announced a service patch due out in November. Remember to check for compatibility with your existing applications.