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27 Feb 2006
Microsoft has revealed the flavours of Vista it will be launching later this year, confirming many of the details which were inadvertently leaked last week.
As expected, there will be more than six versions of the new operating system: one for developing markets, two business systems, three for the home and some EU-specific packages that have Media Player removed. Most of the options will be available in 32-bit and 64-bit versions.
"Windows Vista is going to be a significant release for all Windows customers, including enterprises, small and medium-sized businesses as well as consumers," said Al Gillen, research director for system software at analyst firm IDC.
"Microsoft's strategy to address different customer segments with versions of Windows Vista optimised for their needs should be well received by these diverse user segments."
The developing market version, called Windows Vista Starter, will be limited to 32-bit processors and provides a very basic operating system suitable for office and internet functions.
Business users have a choice between Vista Business and Vista Enterprise. Both versions come with the new Windows Aero interface, which has improved graphics and desktop search capabilities. Support for Tablet PCs is built in and there will be no separate Tablet PC edition of Vista.
Vista Enterprise has similar features but with a number of security enhancements and better application compatibility. Microsoft is also claiming that Unix applications will be able to run on the operating system.
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Do you agree?
Yeah, Right...
Thinking that Microsoft will follow Apple's lead of a 5 computer license for Vista is an "excersize in futility". Microsoft knows they have an almost complete monopoly. This quote: "we have streamlined and tailored our product line-up" is a joke. Apple realized that pirating dramatically goes down the moment the value and performance of the product are worth the cost. When was the last time you said to yourself "Wow, I am happy I paid 100 bucks for Windows XP Home"? Never. We have gone from Windows 95, to 98, to Millenium for Home users and 2000 Professional for Corporate users, to XP Home and XP Pro, to 6 versions of Windows? This is an IT person's nightmare. Microsoft almost had it right with XP Home and Pro. Microsoft: For trimming the "fat" out of the OS, I commend you. For making my job as an IT professional, more difficult, I condemn you.
Posted by: Jonathan 28 Feb 2006
Pricing is everything...
Hopefully Microsoft has learned that overpricing their stuff causes the poor to pirate. If this new OS proves to be good, being that I have 4 computers at home, their software should be licensed for a Home Network of computers not just one at a time. I hate monopolies. With six versions people will have choice but I hope not a costly one at that. Be righteous Microsoft!
Posted by: Pepperoni 27 Feb 2006