Which version of Windows Vista would be best?

Question

Hi, I am going to be buying a new desktop for Christmas soon. It will most likely be Windows Vista, but which version of Windows Vista should I get?

There are 4: Basic, Premium, Business, and Ultimate (Basic>Ultimate is like a $200 upgrade!!)

I want to experience:
- Cool, new features that were not found in XP (like that 3D flip thing!!)
- Good security and easy to use (more or less)
- Cheapest one with most of these features above and possibily more (without tremendous increase lag)

Which one would be best for me? And why? (Especially for Ultimate... IF I am going to upgrade to Ultimate, that's an extra $200 and I want to know what I'm paying for otherwise it's like a rip-off!!).

Thanks.

Oh and... this is kind of off topic but... the computer package comes with McAfee (antivirus, antispyware, firewall).

Is McAfee a good firewall/antivirus/antispyware program?

Does it slow down your computer like Norton? Or is super fast like NOD32? Or just average????? Thanks :]

Answer 1

Home Premium is what you want. It's the cheapest with the Aero function

Answer 2

Where do you get $200 from?

The difference between Home Basic and Home Ultimate at OEM price level is no more than $80. If anyone's charging you $200 to "upgrade" when ordering a new PC, go somewhere else. I bought a laptop with Home Ultimate already on it, "off the shelf". It's great unless you need to get it to connect to a domain (if you are using it in an office or connecting remotely to an office).

Answer 3

Wait before you go wasting your money on Vista, please take time to read my answer :

Vista is grossly inferior to Linux.

Ubuntu 7.10, for me its simply awesome :

http://www.ubuntu.com/

I work with both Ubuntu and Vista, Vista has been an expensive disappointment for me and sits mainly redundant on my hard drive and I consider Ubuntu to be far superior of the two.

I will break it down in to categories and give each system a rating out of 10.

System resource friendly :

Ubuntu 10/10
Vista 4/10

Graphics (Eye Candy) :

Ubuntu 10/10
Vista 7/10

Ease of use :

Ubuntu 7/10
Vista 9/10

Software compatability :

Ubuntu 4/10 (Open Source alternatives in some cases are available) also WINE as described above can be used.
Vista 8/10

Wireless compatability :

Ubuntu 5/10
Vista 8/10

Networking compatability :

Ubuntu 7/10
Vista 8 /10

Security :

Ubuntu 9/10
Vista 8/10

Gaming :

Ubuntu 3/10
Vista 8/10
This category sourced from various sites.

Office software :

Ubuntu 10/10 (Free)
Vista 2 /10

Price :

Ubuntu 10/10 (Free)
Vista 2/10

Overall performance :

Ubuntu 9/10
Vista 6/10

Value :

Ubuntu 8/10
Vista 2/10

It should be noted that these ratings are based on my experience working extensively with both Ubuntu and Vista.

Of the two for me Ubuntu wins hands down.

For further details check out ;

http://www.ubuntu.com/

Answer 4

The only thing better about Vista is the way it looks and the more money you spend the fancier it will look... but, if you want to do this fine. Just be careful and make sure that it is compatible with the rest of your hardware and the software you want to run. There are a lot of compatibility issues with Vista.

Answer 5

I agree with Linux Geek, I consider Ubuntu to be better than Vista, you say what your looking for is features like 'that 3D flip thing'. Well with Ubuntu, you have whats called Compiz Fusion, much better than Aero.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=E4Fbk52Mk1w

If you still disagree and go with Vista, I'd have to say Home Premium.

Answer 6

If you want the 3D flip thing u must get ultimate. Its only available in ultimate. I have ultimate and love it. I've used all versions but nothing compares to ultimate. If you wanna know a secret about vista email me.

Answer 7

Seriously, don't waste your money. Linux is indeed better. If you want your XP to look like Vista simply download VistInspirit

Answer 8

None. Use Ubuntu Lunix
It's easy to use, pretty, and efficient!

Best of Luck!

Answer 9

Hi. The Business version does most of what most folks want.