WINDOWS VISTA: EDITIONS OF VISTA

There are not just one, two, or even three editions of Windows Vista-----there are six editions (see list below). Different editions exist for home users, video game enthusiasts, small, medium and large organizations, business professionals, and even emerging markets.

The Windows Vista editions are:

• Home Basic
• Home Premium
• Starter*
• Business
• Enterprise
• Ultimate 

*According to Microsoft, "Windows Vista Starter is not currently scheduled to be available in the United States, Canada, the European Union, Australia, New Zealand, or other high income markets as defined by the World Bank."

Vista has been released in January 2007. UIS will support Vista Enterprise and Vista Business. Department, classroom, and lab computers at Georgetown will include Vista Enterprise. For detailed explanation of each edition of Vista, please refer to the Microsoft Vista Editions Comparison Chart.

If you're not sure whether your computer can run the Vista edition you want, Microsoft has created a Windows Vista Upgrade Advisor that, according to Microsoft, "will scan your computer to help you choose which edition of Windows Vista is right for you. It will also provide guidance about many of the advanced Windows Vista features your computer supports and compatibility of your existing software and devices with Windows Vista."

Be sure to check the hardware specifications for running Vista to ensure that it can run on your computer.