Which Vista Operating System is Right for You?

When purchasing a new computer, you have several Vista operating systems to choose from including the Home, Professional and Enterprise Editions. You may also be wondering how the Vista versions compare to the XP version you have become accustomed to.

Luckily, choosing a Windows Operating System (OS) isn't rocket science, but you do have to think about what you plan to do with your new computer. Vista is available in five versions and runs best on high–end systems. Vista also has laptop and tablet PC features and is ready for flash drives. Here is a brief outline of the Vista operating systems.

Home Use

• Windows Vista Home Basic – This is for basic computing; it has enough security for home use and can be installed on a simple network. This OS will run on PCs with at least 512 MB of RAM.

  Replaces: Windows XP Home

• Windows Vista Home Premium – Has the computing elements of the Home version with the Media Center. A capable PC with this OS can be connected to a home entertainment system and will play movies, music, organize photos and access online content. This OS requires a high–end PC and a fast Internet connection.

  Replaces: Windows XP Media Center

• Windows Vista Business – This is for basic computing and has administration and networking tools and security devices for business use. It can run on basic PCs.
• Windows Vista Enterprise – For large–scale, global companies. This version can handle multiple languages, a mobile workforce and Unicode.
• Windows Vista Ultimate – Contains all business and home computing elements as well as the Media Center. Basically, this version does everything and requires a good system to run.

  Replaces: Windows XP Professonal and Professional x64

What to Look for in a Windows Operating System?

When considering a new Windows operating system it is most important to think about how you intend to use the computer. After deciding your computer's primary function, you will need to decide what kind of networking and administrations tools you need and the level of security you desire.

Below are the criteria TopTenREVIEWS used to evaluate Windows Operating Systems:

• Home Use – We assessed the operating system in terms of how well it supports general home use; for example, it should have basic Internet security and be easy to use.
• Office Use – OSs for office or business use need sophisticated Internet security, the capacity to network and ought to include administration tools.
• Multimedia/Entertainment Use – Some OSs are designed to entertain, these can play/record television and music without supplementary software.
• Security – All OSs should provide frequently updated security features such as firewalls, pop–up blockers, antivirus and antispyware software and more. OSs for business or network use require additional security and administrator tools.
• Networking – Business and home OSs can be used in a network. These systems should offer administration tools and security.
• Practical Use – The operating system should be practical for its intended use; for example, since the new Vista requires 1GB of RAM to run at its fullest potential it may not function well on some computers.
• Laptop Use – Laptop or mobile specific features are important. These features include battery saving functions and more.
• Ease of Use – All OSs should be straightforward; we looked at its search functions and more to rate the ease of use.
• Technical Help/Support – Since OSs perform numerous functions, above average support is needed. Generally, Microsoft offers more support choices to its business customers and mostly self–guided support for individuals.