Microsoft unveils the Vista versions

By Matt Whipp

Posted on 27 Feb 2006 at 12:39

Barely a week after a web page detailing Microsoft's Vista range made a fleeting appearance online, Redmond has officially unveiled the Vista lineup.

Although at the time, Microsoft said the Web page was posted prematurely and 'included incomplete information about the Windows Vista product line up', there is clearly little difference between what was 'leaked' last week and the official version.

However, we do now have more information on exactly what each version will offer.

The first in the lineup addresses what is to become of the Tablet PC edition. Billed as Windows Vista Business, it includes that same technology along with other improvements such as integrated search and a new interface. Windows Aero promises a 'transparent glass design' and other niceties that give the nod to the likes of Sun's Looking Glass project, with 'Windows Flip and Flip 3D'.

Next up is the Enterprise version. In addition to the Business features, it promises 'higher levels of data protection using hardware-based encryption technology, through Windows BitLocker Drive Encryption. Large companies will also be able to deploy Windows desktops from a single image and be able to handle all the languages supported by the platform.

Other Enterprise tricks include the ability to run Unix applications unchanged thanks to a Unix subsystem. This again is borrowed finery in the sense that Sun's Solaris 10, for example, is able to run Red Hat software natively. It might also go towards explaining Microsoft's use of the technology it controversially licensed from Unix company SCO.

Also in the Enterprise edition, Virtual PC turns up in the form of Virtual PC Express. This allows applications written for older versions of Windows to run in much the same way as Apple has different environments for applications written for OS X and OS 9.

The consumer versions come in three flavours. Home Basic is the no-frills version. Sure, you get better security and search tools, plus parental controls. But this pales in comparison to Home Premium.

With this you have the Aero interface as well as the equivalent of two other Windows products thrown in. Tablet PC and Media Centre technologies are included with Premium, as well as advanced integrated search and the ability to burn and author DVDs.

Finally, Windows Vista Ultimate is the best of both worlds, adding in business credentials to the entertainment strengths of Premium.

Available separately in emerging markets, a Starter version will be available. And according to the page leaked last week, versions built to comply with restrictions imposed by the EU antitrust rulings will be suffixed with an N.

All versions will be available in both 32-bit and 64-bit editions. The two business versions will only be available to those taking up Microsoft's Software Assurance licensing program.

'We live in a digital world that is filled with more information, more things to do and more ways to communicate with others than ever,' said Mike Sever, corporate VP of Windows Product Management and Marketing at Microsoft. 'The PC needs to give people the clarity and confidence to handle this "world of more" so they can focus on what's most important to them. With our Windows Vista product line, we've streamlined and tailored our product lineup to provide what our customers want for today's computing needs.'