Microsoft Confirms 6 Versions of Vista

Darthmalt writes "The BBC has a story confirming that there will be 6 versions of Vista. They are Vista Business, Vista Enterprise, Vista Home Basic, Vista Home Premium, Vista Ultimate, Vista Starter. Also included are some of the differences between each version."

Straight from the horse's mouth

[BadAnalogyGuy]

There is a thing called a "re-gifter". I think it was coined on Seinfeld, but the concept has been around forever. At least since the invention of the fruitcake.

Why get your news from the BBC when Microsoft released this information yesterday [microsoft.com]?

Re:Proof this is a distorted market

[cyber-vandal]

Someone still stuck in 1998 I see. That myth was debunked successfully a long time ago. Why don't you google for "applications barrier to entry" to see why no competitor has threatened MS.

Self-correct...

[argent]

I wrote: "Apple hasn't released a retail version of Tiger".

I meant to write: "Apple hasn't released a retail version of Tiger for Intel".

I even previewed it and I still missed that.

Re:Microsoft will not fragment like linux

[SolitaryMan]

You write an app for linux and you can never tell what their system is going to be like. They could be on redhat, or ubuntu, or any of the popular distros.

If your application depend so much on linux _DISTRO_ version, then I think you should double check your code. If you are writing an installer for the app or/and need to check some library version, then yes, this can be a problem. Besides, with my debian box I can "apt-get install" almost any application/library that is missing.

Re:Translation

[ArsenneLupin]

We understand from psychology that people can only make effective, informed decisions when the number of choices is low, typically around six.

Smart. If the consumer can only handle "around six" choices, and if Microsoft already offered six choices, they've effectively crowded out the competitor's. Hey, if it's already difficult enough to chose between Windows Vista 1, Windows Vista 2, Windows Vista 3, Windows Vista 4, Windows Vista 5 and Windows Vista 6, who will be able to handle the additional choices of FreeBSD, Linux and MacOSX. "It's getting complicated".

Laundry-powder producers have been doing this for ages. Each producer has a zillion of "different" brands on its own, just to occupy shelf space, and increase the probability that one of its products will be chosen by the consumer...

Re:Server Platform

[lowrydr310]

It's not just the number of versions that's mind boggling, but also the 'features' that are built in to supposedly make your life simpler and safer. I read a list of supposed features in Vista and basically all I could ask myself afterwards is, "What does Vista do that 2000 doesn't?"

I'm a relatively happy Windows 2000 user. Since I have been using it, it has given me no problems (aside from the msblast worm that hit me). I still see no valid reason for me to upgrade to XP - the only thing remotely useful is the built in firewall, however I have always used an aftermarket one which in my opinion is better than Microsoft's. As for Vista, I really don't see any reason for me to switch.

I think I can safely say that I will never be purchasing a computer with Windows again. I'm looking to buy a intel-powered Mac laptop (MacBook) once they have some time to work out any bugs or issues.

Re:Aero for business?

[megan_of_wutai]

Dude, you need pixel shader 2.0 for shiny mode. So a radeon 9500/geforce 5200 and up.