Im on Windows XP Pro but am thinking of going to Vista Home Premium, But theres 4 different types, Premium 32 bit oem, 64 bit oem Full edition (32 bit with info on obtaining 64 bit) and an upgrade edition, I don't mind formatting my drive and starting a fresh but which version do I go for???????? I think i'm right in saying stay away from the oem version as this is for brand new systems so whats the difference between the full editon and the upgrade edition apart from about £60
2007-03-11 07:02:17 · 15 answers · asked by IsThatURinal 1 in Computers & Internet ➔ Software
first of all,i would recommend you stay with windows xp pro for at least another 12 months,this will give vista enough time to plug any issues it has,such as driver avalibilty and also for the price of direct x 10 compatible hardware to reduce in price,at the moment the only direct x 10 card is the nvidia geforce 8800gts/gtx and the prices are around £180 to £450
however when you do plan to buy vista first run the vista upgrade advisor(http://www.microsoft.com/windows/products/windowsvista/buyorupgrade/upgradeadvisor.mspx)just to make sure your current hardware can run vista
with regards to the 32bit or 64bit versions,well if you currently have a 64bit p.c(i.e amd64 3200) then you need to choose a 64bit version of vista,otherwise choose a 32 bit version
each version of vista(basic,premium,business,ultimate)all have extra features as the better the version goes,for example the basic version is basically"basic",as it has no 3d aero,no speech recognition,but this shows in the price(around £80),however the ultimate version has everything(aero3d,speech,the lot)
one tip though,if you are a experienced user why not buy a o.e.m(original equipment manufacturer),these are the same as any other versions but dont have as much support or warranty as a full or upgrade verion,but dont worry ,its got a full product key but as its not got as much support that is why i say its best for experienced users
in my opinion the best version to buy is the premium version,this gives you all the best vista features at the best price
i have looked for the best prices for a o.e.m vist premium and here are the best 2 buys
1.http://www.dabs.com/productlist.aspx?&NavigationKey=11168&NavigationKey=404090000&CategorySelectedId=11168&PageMode=1
2.http://www.scan.co.uk/Products/Products.ASP?CatID=37&FilterCategories=67&Thumbnails=yes
i hope this has helped
good luck
2007-03-11 07:40:16 · answer #1 · answered by brianthesnail123 7 · 0⤊ 1⤋
I would suggest you stick with XP for about another year - Vista's got a lot of new things and only a few programs fully work with it.
If you really want Vista...
32 vs 64 depends completely on your computer. If you have a 64 bit processor then you go with the 64 bit version. If not... it's 32.
I would suggest you make sure you have a copy of restore disks for your (XP) computer, and that you buy the full version of Vista.
Why? Full versions should have less issues... it's a complete restart vs building on what's there. And what's there may have some folders in odd spots or registry issues...
I still think you should stick with XP. Or even take a look at Linux (It's going to be a change for you anyways, right?)
2007-03-11 07:25:08 · answer #2 · answered by AmandaKerik 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
If you like tweaking and Bugs with drivers any vista will do. Honestly i would go with OEM. Its much cheaper and the exact same thing for alll practical purposes. I have been reading about Vista if you are gamer, you will take hits in the Frames per second category, Unless you have the latest and greatest. It isnt worth the effort..
The upgrade version may or may not worth with your current OS even if it is XP, there are certain situations if your XP was an upgrade version already it might not work. I dont have exact details but thats what they said in "MAximum PC" .
The full version is the way to go.. Do a nice format and instal;l...
I still would go OEM if you can..\
ALso make sure you have at least a 1 gig of ram, a speeedy processor and dedicated video graphics. If you dont have this,, you will just chug along and you just might start thinking your XP was faster.. which it is btw.... there are more background services running in VISTA meaning a larger RAm requirement. You can reduce the appearance quality and VISTA and you will pick up about 20% more frames per second in 2d performance tests,, so that will make your VISTA run alittle smoother...
Honestly I would wait about a year or two,, Its just marketing HYpe,,, you dont need it... you just want it... If you want something to play with. try Linux maybe Fedora 5.0 or Knoopix live, or Suse or many others They are free and fun to play with,,, and they also have WIne which is a Windows XP emulator,, meaning you can play games and use other windows software... OH did i mention its free..
Or go ahead spend $300 US and get full install,, If you do it that would be way to go.. And you can get buy with the Basic windows Vista,, but its alot of money for something that isnt quite ready yet... Oh ya stay away from 64 bit version,,, its like asking for more trouble times 2,, unless you are hard core and like to experiment.. at least 2 X more bugs that already exist for regular Vista..
************OH LASTLY try to find beta version of Vista ,, I downloaded it from microsoft about 5 months ago.. #1 its free it should work till June I think but you can try any version, Basic, Ultimate, business... there may be a few bugs also but it would be a good test to have the Vista experience
2007-03-11 07:23:53 · answer #3 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
Go for Vista Ultimate. Hehehe!
Home premium retail or oem are the same full edition but OEM is cheaper. I've heard that choosing the upgrade version will invalidate your XP product key..
2007-03-11 08:21:59 · answer #4 · answered by Dubu 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
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2016-12-01 20:19:15 · answer #5 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
The Upgrade version is basically a 'discount' for if you have a legal older copy of Windows. You can upgrade an old installation from either the upgrade or the full edition - you don't have to format.
2007-03-11 07:13:01 · answer #6 · answered by Yanni Depp 6 · 0⤊ 1⤋
Download Windows Vista Upgrade Advisor here for your answers http://www.microsoft.com/windows/products/windowsvista/buyorupgrade/upgradeadvisor.mspx
2007-03-11 07:08:15 · answer #7 · answered by clubkid_03 3 · 3⤊ 0⤋
From what I hear not all software is compatible with Windows Vista, and there is still bugs to be worked out. If I were you I would wait a while longer.
2007-03-11 07:18:29 · answer #8 · answered by Steve P 3 · 1⤊ 0⤋
I would choose windows home premium it gives you all you need really its just like xp home edition and its excellent for surfing the net and listening to music
2007-03-11 07:13:49 · answer #9 · answered by Gill 2 · 0⤊ 1⤋
The only difference is that the upgrade version is the upgrade. it just doesn't require you do format
2007-03-11 07:10:30 · answer #10 · answered by Grape Shield 4 · 0⤊ 1⤋