Best version of Windows Vista?

I'm finally going to break down and buy a copy of Windows Vista, I'm still going to keep XP as my main OS, but i want Vista just to play a few select games in Direct X 10.

Questions….

Home Basic? Home Premium? Ultimate?

Just curious if anyone knows the major differences between them, and if it's worth spending the money on the more expensive one.

Also, does each edition come in a 32 bit and 64 bit version? Is there any good reason to get (or not get) get the 64 bit version?

I will probably buy the OEM version of whichever edition I choose to save a few bucks, unless there's a good reason not to.

Ultimate has all the features of every edition.

There are far too many versions of Vista and Ultimate, unfortunately, is way overpriced.

Do no get an N version because that version is meant for the European market. The N stands for No Windows Media.

It turns out that all discs contain the full version of Vista. The one you actually get is based on the CD-Key you use. I use the buesiness version because that's the license I get from MSDN from my university.

The 64 bit and 32 bit versions are separate discs however. Surprisingly, the same CD-Key will work in both. You are limited to 3.25gb of RAM if you use the 32 bit version.

The 64 bit version will make your machine around 10% faster and for that and many other reasons I recommend taking advantage of your processors capabilities.

Vista is not bad when you get used to it and you will soon realize that XP is out of date, particularly when it comes to poor security and features like RAID.

There are still a few issues with older software/hardware and 64 bit driver support but this has almost disappeared with Vista whereas I think it is still a problem with XP64, although the popularity of Server 2003 has helped it with crossover drivers.

I'm using Vista Home Premium OEM; it suits all my needs so far as a gaming platform, and DVD, music, image manipulations, online functions.

Personally i think both Home Premium and Business are very attractive editions based on their features.

Ultimate version has data protection, Windows backup, Windows fax and scan features; but you could also look for freeware or open source software to get those functions. Plus, Windows 7 would be out in about 2 years down the road so i wouldn't waste too much money on expensive Ultimate edition.

Go 32-bit for maximum compatibility but even 64-bit system is very stable for gaming purpose especially with modern titles. If you want to use 4gig RAM or upgrade to that amount in the near future, then 64-bit is a must.

I'm using Ultimate but only because it came with my Dell laptop. I've not used any of the extra features, as far as I know.

I think I'm going to go with Home Premium, as the Ultimate doesn't seem necessary to me.

Now I just need to decide between 32 and 64 bit.

I recently switched from Business to Home Premium, because I needed the Media Center thingy.

As for 32 vs. 64 bit.. if I had a choice, I'd go with 64 - more future proof, if anything else. Unfortunately my PC only came with a 32 bit DVD and Microsoft doesn't offer free shipping of other DVDs anymore.

I got Windows vista Ultimate 64 bit edition and I can't say I'm really happy with it. It just doesn't look finished even with the SP1 pack. I wouldn't compare vista with ME, but I don't think it's a must buy OS. If M$ comes with their new OS in 2010, you can skip vista and still use XP.

Btw, the 32bit version let you use a max of 4GB RAM, but this RAM includes the video RAM -> a graphics card with 512MB video RAM will leave 3,5GB and not the 3,25GB someone else here mentioned.
32 bit is still better supported then the 64bit versions, but it's beginning to change. (At least on windows that is -> 64bit ubuntu is for me a no go when you want to have a java plugin)

I'm running 64 Bit Vista Ultimate. Stay away from the Home version I you want to run the Aero desktop effects. Early On I heard that the next Windows release will be 64 bit only. I can't confirm that yet because it's too early to get on the Beta Test list.

The advantage of ther 64 bit version is a protected Kernal, meaning nothing can update critical OS files without you approval and it requires a reboot so a restore point is always created.

The only Driver Issue I've noticed is with the Creative Xi-fi Drivers which don't work well on 64 bit systems if you have more than 3 MB of Memory. Constant Snap Crackle Pop on Nforce 4 chip sets.

If you have a Nforce 4 series Motherboard Kepp the memory to 3 Gb Max.

I'm probably upgrading CPU and Motherboard withing the month and will see if the problem in fixed on newer motherboards.

Shaf

But the bottom line is that most of the games that will run on the 32 bit version will also run on the 64 bit one…….right?

I'm not going to be trying to run older games on it, I'm keeping XP for that, it's just for Direct X 10 games.

Originally Posted by JDR13
But the bottom line is that most of the games that will run on the 32 bit version will also run on the 64 bit one…….right?

We had the 32 vs. 64-bit debate on the forums before, so you could look for that, but in short: get the 64-bit one, especially if you're already keeping XP around for the rare (game-related) compabitility issue.

As I said I'm running Vista buesiness edition and it has Windows Media. Its the N versions that don't have it: ie Home Premium N and Business N.

64 bit compatibility problems are rare these days as it seems programs are tested in 64 bit Vista first. Its much more of an issue on XP it seems to me. As I said before you'll get a 10% faster speed out of it. If you want to save some coin buy a 32bit version then torrent a 64 bit version and use the same CD-Key.

Also Business has Windows Backup, etc. Anyway, here's the version diffs according MS.

Originally Posted by Lucky Day
As I said I'm running Vista buesiness edition and it has Windows Media. Its the N versions that don't have it: ie Home Premium N and Business N.

I thought the "N" versions were only in Europe though. I will definitely not get the "N" version, as it seems to cost the same yet is missing some features.

Leaning strongly towards Home Premium at this point.

I'm running Home Premium (32 bit) and as far as gaming goes, I've been able to play any game I've tried both new and old.

For instance, I'm playing M&M7 right now with no problems. I'm also fiddling around with several old DOS games (old Wizardry's, The Magic Candle, Gold Box games, and many more), and they all run perfectly.

And of course, all of the newest games run great.

So far the only game I've had any trouble with was Realms of Arkania: Shadows Over Riva. I couldn't get it to run properly using dosbox. But everything else has been good.

Why is there such a large difference in price between the retail and OEM versions? Is there any reason not to get the OEM version?

I'm familiar with the difference between OEM and retail products when it comes to hardware, but i've never bought OEM software before.

The retail version has nice box, manual and maybe some more extras, while OEM version come in very basic packaging, plus limited warranty and support (you're the one providing the support if you installed it), and with key only usable on either 32-bit OR 64-bit (not both).

The biggest disadvantage is the OEM license bound to your first motherboard, so if the m/b died then the license died with it. You could try replace the faulty m/b with new but exactly same model, or try calling Microsoft while sobbing uncontrollably…

Originally Posted by Remus
The biggest disadvantage is the OEM license bound to your first motherboard, so if the m/b died then the license died with it. You could try replace the faulty m/b with new but exactly same model, or try calling Microsoft while sobbing uncontrollably…

So you're basically saying that it's not possible to do major upgrades with OEM Vista because it thinks you're installing it on a different computer?? That would make it pretty much useless for an enthusiast who upgrades often!

Originally Posted by JDR13
I think I'm going to go with Home Premium, as the Ultimate doesn't seem necessary to me.

Now I just need to decide between 32 and 64 bit.

Home Premium has Aero and most things, but not all of the bloatware extras you'll never use. And Home costs half the price.

64bit would be the best choice. If your going 32bit better to just stick with XP. I would get at least 4gig of ram, vista 64 benchmarks pretty well with that, around 6-8gig gives you optimal performance.

Interview about the new, forthcoming window: http://news.cnet.com/8301-13860_3-9951638-56.html

I guess I'm one of the few people doing this, but I tried Vista, hated it, then jumped from XP64 to the 32bit version of Server 2008. Read up a little on using that as a desktop. Switched over to it at work and have been very pleased with it. So I switched over to it at home and have been, once again, nothing short of pleased with it. Performance wise I've had no complaints. Don't have many games on the system right now, but everything I have tried so far worked perfectly. Drivers haven't been an issue either. Vista drivers work just fine for video and sound. So, for me, there is no need to bother with Vista. I'll be sticking with this setup for the time being.

Here is the web site that kinda got the crazy idea of doing this lodged in my head.

http://www.win2008workstation.com/wordpress/