Windows Vista Versions Unveiled

Microsoft isn't Baskin Robbins. It doesn't need 31 flavors of Windows. As a computer salesman, I can tell you that this is just going to confuse the hell out of people. Hell, it's hard enough now trying to tell them the differences between Home, Media Center, and Pro. People won't know which one they need. Some won't want Ultimate saying "I don't need all of that.", some won't get what they need by going with the basic saying "I'm sure it'll do everything." Some particularly computer illiterate people will just have no idea at all. IMO, and operating system shouldn't be a big decision. It's there, it works, let it be.

They should do 2 versions, do a Home version and a business version. Having 31 flavors only helps when you're selling ice cream.

My first thought is, why make things so complicated. Including tablet pc seems rediculous if most people don't have a tablet pc. I am interested in the Vista Ultimate and the comparison of the enterprise. I am wondering if it is comparable like XP home to Professional? I think the tablet PC is a great technology but people want to spend less on computers, not more, so why target that market unless the price is coming down? XP still has tons of bugs in it, Vista better be all it is cracked up to be!

So here I am, with a tablet pc, life-critical since it is the only way I can communicate (I lost my speech to ALS), with no idea whatsoever if I will want to upgrade or not. Will it work with my speech synthesis sytems and voice engines? Will I be lost in upgrade hell unable to communicate at all?

One of my speech products is already pretty long in the tooth -- the other one is new and "plays nicely with others".

I'll say this for Microsoft: they sure know how to obfuscate a market. I agree with the earlier comment, that this will make things even more confusing for consumers. In reality, the only point of Home before was to allow consumers a cheaper upgrade path, and to keep businesses from using that option they made Home incapable of joining a domain. Why do we need all of the options separated? Just make one version cheap enough for home users, and another for businesses, and throw all of the rest into install options like Windows 9x used to be.

I think going this route with multiple versions is a good idea. Rather than condensing all features into only one or two versions, it's spread out more so that the end user or business can get one customized to their needs. Much better than having it all in one big, bloated version.

Have they not learnt KISS from business history-keep it simple stupid. I'm computer literate-hey I'm literate and I'm as confused as hell already. As other commentators have said why not just have 2 versions for business and the home user. This could seriously make me move over to Apple.

As an Apple shareholder, this is thrilling news. :) I wonder how badly Basic will end up being crippled... worse than XP Home, maybe? Don't even want to think about Starter... as a former sys admin that gives the the absolute shivers.

Seems to me a typical Bill Gates venture: make more money and dominate. Lets face it, most people won't get the basic version only because, as stated, the aero interface...major selling point for Vista. I agree with everyone here, 2 versions please. Just adds confusion.

This will only hurt Microsoft's already marred reputation as shillers of flawed OS' With years to perfect it, they still haven't got a sound, solid and reliable version of XP going. To think they will now be spreading resources between so many different versions makes it very hard to believe any of them will ever get the attention needed to be what it should be.

With so many versions to choose from it makes me wonder, as a developer, which one(s) I need in order to hit my market? Which version will be robust for my development needs but not so expensive that I can't afford it? Do I need a business version or a home premium or ultimate? Not having the right tool for the job makes my life that much more difficult.

I doubt if I'll upgrade, especially after finally getting a hold of XP SP2. In fact, I will probably go back to 98SE or W2K SP2. I don't much care for the 1 computer limit to load the OS and having to log on to keep it activated. We have three homebuilt computers in the house. In order to run all the programs we have, I'll have to partition and run multiple OSs. XP's emulator doesn't work for spit. Marketeers and developers continue to get it wrong. I'm not sure who has the money to keep buying the latest and the greatest... I know I don't and it's seldom worth it to try.

What fools... Do all these different versions really serve a puropse ??

This is going to be a nightmare. Present users with too much choice, and they'll flail around and make one. They'll inevitably be unhappy with the outcome because it didn't include something they needed and had presumed to be included. Remember the Office XP Small Business Edition that sounded absolutely fine until you discovered it didn't include PowerPoint?

I agree with Steve Martin: two versions, Business and Home. Both install basic features, and if you want to activate any added bells and whistles, select them from a menu when you need them, and pay for the upgrade online with a credit card.

I dont get it - They have a good buzz going and in the end they stick there foot right into there mouth. Like everyone says keep it simple 2 versions home and work why waste time and money on things people will not want in the long run - unless they want u to get the basic then you relize you need to upgrade to the next one and have to pay for it.

Buy a Mac - Problem solved.

I used to be a computer salesman myself. There are just so many things wrong with this idea of multiple versions: most of the people that come into stores to buy PC's these days are stil n00bs or very casual users who just "want one". They have no clear idea of what they want, what they want to do with it now or in the future. What they do know is: they want it cheap.

How many of colleagues have had to face customers who were upset that their $600 PC didn't have MS Office on it? (Office basic retails at $500, OEM still at a whopping $200).

With so many vague feature limits in the different versions, the regular consumer will end up buying the cheapest one and then find a computer savvy cousin to download and install the Ultimate edition for them.

Now that isn't what the industry needs, is it?

You can't be serious.... There is no way any1 wants more versions. Those that want more have never actually used or worked with a computer evidentlly. Agree with the earlier post, add it to the install options in control panel. It makes no sense to put out a bad product full of flaws to later put out multiple bad products. In summary...BAD IDEA.

P.S. I feel for software company progrmmers. Just think how much higher software costs will go up because of design fees.

Ladiesman, I really feel for you sales people out there. I have been there and done that in a large scale electronics store, and you are right, Xp already confuses the hell out of people. This will only create a nightmare scenario for you all, not to mention having to deal with which models have which operating sytem installed

I can't wait for all my family members to ask me what they should use. I'll say, "Stick with what you got." When it's time for one of them to buy a new computer, maybe they'll go with a Mac which has, thankfully, one clean, full-featured OS for the desktop/laptop market.

One thing I can say about the Redmondonians is that they really know how to market their products. Just stop and think about it, like any other business they are in it for the money. Sure having varying OS versions can cause confusion in the beginning for some, but this could be a positive thing as well. Would you pay for options that you'll most likely not use? Plus they'll be plenty of write-ups about the Vista OS family. It'll be only confusing if you let it. Do your homework before you go out and shop.

As a longtime user of Windows, I can say that this concept is one of the best ideas that Microsoft has come up with in a long time. What an opening for Linux and it's various clones. The difference here is Linux is FREE, and contrary to many folks, it's easy to set up, quite secure, and also comes in many flavors.

If I designed an atntitrust action in a nation like ours, it would be to simply delegate the right to vote one share to everyone in the nation. More peole would vote on this than they do in presidential elections, while maintaining the efficiency of a near-monopoly... The only real reason monopolies are bad is because they don't do what we want. That's a fact.

The simplest solution: buy a Macintosh. You need Office suite? There is Office for Apple. Anything else you need, Apple brand applications will likely cover all your needs and trump the aesthetics and quality of anything offered for Windows users. Oh and as we're on the topic of the OS, well with Apple you just have one that will work in both a business and home world; and it will work, you won't have to be scared about buying the OS or wait for SP1 and SP2 to comeout before you can finally trust it.

Also, for those that have diehard Windows applications they love or must use, well keep a close eye on the Intel Macs then. Emulator developers are quite confident that in no longer having to deal with the Intel to PowerPC translation, their emulators will not see anywhere near the kind of performance loss as they once did. While one ought to take what the developers say with a grain of salt, its worth looking into and if it holds true, why on earth put up with Windows?

All the so called 'amazing' or 'power' features that Vista is bringing out have been available for Mac users for over a year, probably 2 years by the time Vista actually hits store shelves. Do your research and you might find that the best upgrade is to switch to Apple not to switch to a new OS that you'll likely need to wait for multiple service pack releases for before its legitmately stable and worth using.

Just so you know, I am primarily a Windows user. I'm not a long time uber-Apple guy that just likes to rip on Windows. I've just simply come to better understand the deficiences in quality in Windows the more I've worked on an Apple. Microsoft is a better corporate entity, Apple is a better software designer.

I'll wait for the first Sevice Pack to be released before committing to anything... =8||

Im in agreement with the consesus here - multiple versions equals much confusion. I'm wondering about the focus groups they tested these babies own. Didn't they mention it was a fudge working out which one is best for their needs or were they all to smart for that?

One thing I can say about the Redmondonians is that they really know how to market their products. Just stop and think about it, like any other business they are in it for the money. Sure having varying OS versions can cause confusion in the beginning for some, but this could be a positive thing as well. Would you pay for options that you'll most likely not use? They want to target most of the consumers and the vast majority of the 98 user up to par.
Plus they'll be plenty of write-ups about the Vista OS family. It'll be only confusing if you let it. I don't hink this is a bad idea just more choices, having too many choices can be confusing but without them where will we be?

I've already seen the chaos that Windows XP Multimedia Center and XP Home created in the workplace with drivers supported in XP home and xp pro but not MMC. Domain support removed for the first time in any version of windows. Being an outsourced network admin. I stand to make a TON of money off MS's latest decision and marketing profile. Its a joke that the business version "will help keep PCs running smoothly and securely so they are less reliant on dedicated IT support. " In reality, business owners will open their local paper, see a really cheap computer, probably running Vista Basic, buy it and expect me to make it work in their domain. Hurrah! Shame on you MS. I have to look these people in the eye and tell them "it has less features than windows 2000 and 98 for your business needs"

At last Microsoft is helping to get the Ubuntu, Suse and other Linux distributions even better established. Need something? Don't bother about going to MS University to study which version you need and then to the bank to get a stack of money to pay for it. Simply click the linux installed package, select the feature or application and install it. Life is so sweet at home these days, hey I even log onto my home PC from work to do stuff that windows can't. Thanks, Bill, keep the confusion coming, it works for us!

put simply, this will cause people too go and download the Ultimate version because they can't justify spending $200 on an OS because the $99 OS they baught doesn't have all the features they thought it would have, and because it isn't such a big improvment. i envision that gamers will download the ultimate and dual boot with XP. they'll need Vista for Halo 2 (MS pulling it's muscule again) but still use XP since it is simpler. and not including the Aero interface in the Basic is just a shot in the foot for MS since that is what people judge an OS by. XP looked different then previous versions and so people baught it. if you've got two OS's that look the same and you can't tell the difference, why buy the new one?

Six versions of Windows ? Six more reasons to switch to a Mac

I see no reason to "upgrade" as it is. I still use Windows 2000. We don't need a new file system, a flashy new cartoon interface, integrated web search (if it's as slow as XP's file search, Google will score another win), or any of the other "improvements" that are promised with Vista. The operating system shouldn't include all sorts of integrated "features" that just bog it down.

I've seen the Vista beta trying to run on a system with an AthlonXP 3200+ and 1GB of PC300 RAM, and it's like waiting for paint to dry. That flashy interface and laundry list of random "features" just makes Vista a bloated system hog.

Wow this is retarded why are they gonna make tablet freindly ??? how about the people who prefer PCs ??

Well...How many service packs would be there. I sure would end up downloading a wrong one. 6 different editions ..hohoho... actually, for downloading patches there'll be 12 (32bit & 64 bit). Very very confusing..

Idea for having a XP home is that it's meant for HOME without Networking features (there'r some however).

6 different ideas....Hard to swallow ..let alone understading it.... It looks just like a Sales gimmick to address different segments of Market which i feel would take a bite. I know Fortune 500 companies that in 2005 were still on Win2000 Prof. Would they change from XPPro to one of these 6 versions..... I don't see this being received well....

Can you believe there's a Starter addition as well....

Am I the only one on the planet who wants to buy JUST an operating system and THEN add the programs I want? This has gotten way out of hand trying to bundle everything that anyone could possibly want to use into the "operating system" Microsoft is turning into a system integrator.

"Build a system a fool can use and only a fool will want to use it!"

Want to play games? Buy a console. I learned how to use a computer at an expert level from installing and playing games - but those days are long gone. Want to be a Tech geek and work in the industry MS created through it's incompetence? - buy a PC. Want to actually get work done? - Buy a Mac.

Let's just go back to DOS 6.22 and start over.
At least it worked and there was only one. Can't remember having too many problems with it and seemed to be pretty fast on a 486 dx66. More versions is a waste of MS's valuable time. This is a the kinda move that failing companies try in a last ditch effort to survive b4 shutting down.

It's really not a bad setup. I agree that 2 version is nice, look at it this way:

Home Basic - Upgrade for XP as they'll stop issuing updates for XP in a while as they did for Windows 98. This will be able to run on most old computers easily.
Home Premium - The New OS
Home Ultimate - The New OS with the Home/Office features in addition to the Entertainment and Gaming Systems.

Business - Has tools for small to medium sized businesses that are rather useless to home users; won't have the gaming features that home versions.
Enterprise - Keeps big businesses happy giving them more tools and flexibility that they wouldn't otherwise find in regular XP. Also lets them offer bulk purchasing packages without worrying that someone will install it on a home computer. Gets people to upgrade from Windows NT/2000.

Starter - Keep all those cheap/poor people from finding out about Linux/BSD :)

By focussing on niche markets you can remove some fancy features to enhance performance on business machines, and offer more of these same features on the home machines. Not a bad setup.

wtf? with windows 2000 they stated that they where going to make an all in one os... this is crap

**Am I the only one on the planet who wants to buy JUST an operating system and THEN add the programs I want? This has gotten way out of hand trying to bundle everything that anyone could possibly want to use into the "operating system" Microsoft is turning into a system integrator.

"Build a system a fool can use and only a fool will want to use it!" **

Nope, you're not the only one, Bill. I'm right there with you.

What i would really like to know about windows vista is whether or not it will be more friendly with MAC OS programs? I just downloaded the latest version of Itunes for Windows XP and after a seemingly successful install my itunes window will run but will not respond or display... This problem seems to have occurred when windows automatically downloaded updates to my computer shortly after i installed the itunes software. Is windows secretly sabotaging software released by MAC? Seems far fetched but i do know that every time i restart my computer Windows media player ( the worst player i have ever had to use ) constantly tries to reassign its self as the primary player for MP3 & MP4 file types.

This would be an ideal sales product, if and only if the entire population are well educated in computer software. IMO, I doubt businesses would transfer to the new Vista within the next 2 to 3 years, since Xp Pro and 2000 Pro are still in active service. The home entertainment, on the other hand, would be quite impressive. by the looks of integration, MS might desires to turn TabletPC into another ordinary microwave oven like machine. Where each family may require one. Imagine wirelessly remote controllying your Media Center system with a wireless TabletPC. Or reading news paper on your tabletPC and other stuff as if it was any other ordinary printed material.
But of course, that would require some rather low priced computer parts to create such an ideal home entertainment dream.

One thing is for damn sure....I don't care if Microsoft releases 42 versions of Vista.....i'm still not buying a Mac. Not that there's neccesarilly anything WRONG with Mac's, I simply don't buy into the whole hipster "You need a Mac to be cool" image. I know Windows. i've used it forever. I don't want to switch, and have to learn some completely different animal, when the one I have now works fine for me.

I fail to see all the problems with XP. My computers have always worked fine with Windows.

6 different versions? 12 counting the different kernel types!?!?! get serious micro$oft!!! soon the world will see there is a better choice. linux. debian linux. ubuntu, redhat/fc, whatever. how long do you think it will be before people wise up? hmmm... lets see... i can spend $300-$500 PER LICENSE for a buggy, crash-prone, resource-hogging, totally UNsecure OS like windows.... or... i can get a secure, stable OS with infinitely more functionality.. FOR FREE!!! tough choice. if youre a chimpanzee.

Microsoft you are the best! Making all of these OSs is a really good idea. Don't listen to all these other people. Keep at it with all these good ideas.

i personalyl think microsoft should fix all the bugs before starting on a new os, even though the new os is cool looking, ive had the first beta version which was called longhorn, and i personally thought it sucked, this was like a year and a half ago, iam sure it wasnt that much better. microsoft isnt safe at all i like macs becasue they are, but then again taht new trojan that attacks macs. well i think windows should be safer by kicking all the hackers and crackers off with there fake cd keys, that would definately work, but within 1 hour of the release of the new windows it will be up at most of the main download sites and programs, with a crack that you can get updates and everything. - JJ

Why not just have one version of Windows with installation options for home, small business, etc.? They just don't get it....

Just the operating system please. When I can have access to all of my processor, all of my memory, and can create multiple independant instances on any drive connected to my machine. Then you can let your developers work on the other crap.

Like all Microsoft OS releases, Vista, will come complete with an array of bugs an glitches which MS will, again, rely on consumer of its "finished product" to beta test for the development team. This time 'round there'll be 12 versions, each with its own problems, not to mention the additional problem of integrating broadpatch fixes that'll cover hiccups that all 12 versions have in common. I dunno if MS knows it can bite off more than it can chew. But, I suspect, this time we'll find out. I'm sticking with XP until the dust clears on this'un.

Something i'm worried about is the talk about the "copyright protections" is supposed to have, why buy a product that doesn't let you use your files how you want.

As a dedicated user of the Tablet PC I am very glad to see it included in most of the new Vistas. I'm amazed that many more people don't use a tablet (since its functionality is so much better for the average mobile user than a laptop; and, way, way better for the knowledgable road warrior). Even a home user could have great value by browsing on their computer in the "Lazy Boy" with a pen rather than a keyboard.

Well this is great news for other operating systems. Who knows, maybe MS wants to promote Linux? xD I remember screwing myself over buying XP Home. What a mistake THAT was. Now the odds are tripled. It's a shame I love games so much, I'm already 75% convinced I should use Linux or Mac based on my usage. MS has SO much clout, why don't they use it by giving a simple, universal solution? This definitely decreases my chances of buying significantly.

why oh why does linux seem more appealing to me? i think microsoft is sticking it to themselves with this update. wont waste money on it though. someone will crack it...then i'll try the "free" version

I was concerned about this article but http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Windows_Vista tells the truth. I thought 6+ versions of Vista would be bad, but it?s really easy to pick. Basic for budget home comps, Premium for normal home comps, Ultimate for custom/high-end/gamer comps, Business for all business, and Enterprise for MS Enterprise Accounts (SA). Most people with end up with Premium for home (for newer comps) and only Business for work. Just sell normal home users Premium (if they have a newer comp and good video card) and gamers Ultimate or sell them a new custom built or Tier 1 (HP & Dell & Toshiba & etc) desktop/notebook/tablet package that has the right OS for them. I will personally get Ultimate.

I don't get it. Microsoft Media Center has some pretty serious drawbacks, and even with last years update, well, it's a piece of crap. I am not satisfied with that product yet, and here comes more.

Windows is also removing support for Internet Explorer on Macs, even though it was only n00bs that used and still use it. I am a firefox man and have looked at IE7 - IE7 is firefox with a windows theme. Vista is shit with extra stink lines. I'll stick with XP for a while ... well I was windows 3.1 to Windows 98SE to XP so maybe i'll skip vista ... im sure i can find an emulator, be it vista or xbox, to support Halo 2. I agree with bill and kris - I say 2 basic systems - Home and Business - Home has the stuff most home users want ie game support - Business has things most businesses want - Ie powerpoint. Just make 2 or better yet 1 ('cause it'll be 2 with the patches (32-bit and 64-bit))

No, you may well not want the most expensive version, because it is likely to be the least safe. Most users need fewer features (and related software holes), not more.

I have never used a Mac before. I dont really want to. I dont want to use some free OS that has NO support for drivers or software. I just want Microsoft to fix their problems. FIX IT! Not create NEW problems (6 more, geez)!

Bill needs a cowboy belt... You know, the kind with your name printed on the back. That way when he pulls his head out of his a** he will know who he is. Home and pro where bad enough, but SIX versions. I need to find a new job and quit being a sysadmin... You want fries with that???

ROTFLMAO, I have heard of overkill but this has got to be the absolute stupidest thing Bill has done yet.
When they dropped support for for the older OS's I decided to try out Linux, and yes some of it took a little bit of time to get working exactly the way I wanted. But since doing so these units have not given a single problem since, I mean nothing! So thanks to Bill's greed driven OS I will swear to this much, when they get around to dropping support for XP home and Pro I will drop use of Windows OS entirely. I already have set up classes teaching some of those "Noobs" just how easy they can do the basic things they want on a totally FREE OS, and I would guess 2-3 of every 10 have left windows already. When you have a company as big as MickeySoft and as deversified as they already are, I simply do not see the logic in forcing the hand of those that feed you. When I go to a resteraunt that hs the best stake in town, and they tell me that I can no longer order the stake without buying these 6 side dishes with it, well its pretty simple to guess what I would tell them. If bill wants multiple systems here is how they should go. Home = Windows with all the basics including networking, MMC and MS Works installed.
Business equals full blown networking with basic server qualities MS Office PRO with the whole 9 yards just abou everything. and last but not least Enterprise Edition = Server with all that it encompases. 3 versions and only 3 as for those other countries, build them a basic if that is what they want and leave the rest of us out of it.
But this will not happen and thus like I said, I will look forward to seeing the rest of you joining the ranks of Linux/Unix soon. And the others thay have the money to burn will probably move to Mac's.

Ah...15 different versions and likely all of them crippled by the fact that the security will be horrific and buggy as all get out.

People will no doubt by the basic for the cost issue and then find that what they really want wasn't included, so they'll be forced to either upgrade or suffer, which will just mean that Gates will get more money out of this.

I have to say this, he's a brilliant businessman, playing upon the stupidity and ignorance of the common user. He'll sell twice as many because people are stupid and don't know what they need.

PS: To those that crack on grammer and spelling, I forgot to place the previous post in the spell checker before I hit the post button, I was a bit taken aback by this. And since i know i already screwed one up I see no reason to waste time checking this one lol.
So sue me if you must. :)

as a person who uses windows and macs, i can say macs are great too. no, not because they're hipster cool things. thats the dumbest thing i ever heard. they're great machines with great software. i use windows and linux but i find that i more often prefer using my mac. pity that people react to some of the people who use macs and not to the machine itself. such chips on their shoulders. with that logic then you shouldnt buy BMWs or any other quality thing that has an aesthetic appeal. damn reactionaries, eternally stuck with their fragile image..."no no i cant buy that. do you know what'll it do to my sense of self. it'll completely destroy it."

I think the system requirements are ridiculous. 1GB of RAM, 64MB video card?? And I thought XP was a resource hog!

I agree with the previous comments regarding confusion of having six flavors. It seems to me that Microsoft will dramatically increase the cost of their lame, buggy OS. By offering the basic version, they hope to soften the "sticker shock". I am certain that a lot of users will be "forced" to pay more $$ to upgrade to a more usable version.

I myself will be migrating to Linux, a free and stable OS Linux.

Guess I'm getting a Mac!

1) Perhaps the real reason is antitrust. The cheap version with no add ons(and no push from Microsoft for anyone to buy), then the rest with addons that may cross the line to pushing a different product line (antivirus/spyware, IE, Messenger, MSN, etc.).
2) Will all the tablet stuff automatically run in the background? (odds, it will)
3) If you buy the wrong version, will there be a cheap way to upgrade to the one you should have bought?

I'm an ex-Windows user now, and proud of it! I will never, ever understand how MS was able to trick so many people into buying that scum.. eerrr system. They should be proud of themselves. Heck, MS would be probably able to sell a TV to a blind man, and a refrigerator to an Eskimo..

Just today while installing some new stuff on Linux (Slackware to be precise), I got this voice in my head telling me that this system is the best thing that happened to me since I got a PC in the first place (133MHz, 16MB Ram, Windows 3.1, *sigh*.. the good old days when Windows was actually fast). And I vow never to install Windows on my PC ever again. Amen..

How about one version that works like it is supposed too? No flaws or Service Packs no constant Critical Updates, you know a operating system based on something other than Swiss Cheese. Just a thought!

Windows live forever!! Macs suck! Ra ra.

Buy a Mac, trash Windows. Ra Ra.

Total dweebs. Puerile 4th graders

Great Microsoft . weldone!

To Jim, who posted "It'll be only confusing if you let it. Do your homework before you go out and shop."

You're missing the point. I don't think anyone posting here doesn't do their homework. The confusion to come will not effect the geeks. The six versions means headaches when we (the geeks) try to explain the differences in the six Vistas to family-members and friends depending on us for computer advice and assistance. That is, I am not looking forward to trying to explain the various versions of Vista to my brother, who understands computers about as well as I understand Japanese (which is not at all).

mega byter: The comparison to a BMW was a great one. Yeah, a BMW is a good car, just like Macs are good computers. But then again, why do you need the $60,000 BMW when the $20,000 Ford is just as good. Because it's in style. It's en vogue to hate on Microsoft, and it's en vogue to hate on American cars.

How many people bought iPods for the image, especially when they first came out?! How many buy Mac's when passing by their store because they look cool? Probably the biggest thing I get when trying to sell PC's is how cool Mac's look. ALOT of people have no idea of the difference between Mac OS and Windows.....they want the Mac because it's stylish.

Personally, I use Windows because like I said before, I have and I see no reason to change. Maybe i'm lucky, but i've never had a problem with Windows. Certaintly nothing to make me not want to use it. Plus, in the business world, Linux and Mac are just totally out of the question. I played with Linux, It's cool, whatever. I went back to Windows.

mac osx.....need i say anymore :)

Alrighty then first off, lets quit with the operating system bashing. Both Macs and Windows systems have their uses. Both have their strengths and weaknesses. As for the new Windows. I quite like the idea. If done properly by both microsoft and the sales people on the ground this could potentially be great. A little confusing at first glance yes but then again thats what people said about Windows XP along with osX. I say good work microsoft for giving us a choice.

I wish Apple would actually be competitive for home gamers, but as long as companies continue mainly developing DirectX games, Apple is out in the cold.

Apple should spend considerable capital persuading companies to create and use a non-MSFT only api (hey, start with OpenGL).

Frankly, I'd love to see Gates and MSFT face great competition. One nice thing Apple does is offer home licenses for their OS. If you like to build computers (as I do), and if you have 4-5 computers at home, then buying several Vista licenses is expensive, especially considering what you'll be getting.

APPLE WILL TRIUMPH AT LAST

screw you all!! use linux

The first non-mythical creature with five legs.

Contrary to all of the 'dows bashing. I think that this will actually prove to be a smart move for Microsoft and, depending on pricing, my opinion of them will probably change for the better.Finally, they're giving consumers choice. For the record, I am a Mac user and a licensed Linux zealot.

If THEY offer multiple versions, I'll be waiting multiple months or multiple years before I buy it. Sorry, Bill.

Well, come now, Bill has a great plan; see MSFT has already admitted the Ultimate version will be locked into the DVD and accessible via the proper license key. They (OEM) will install the super-Best (test OS from ship date until the first Service Pack - Let's be honest) then after a month or so you'll have to upgrade (buy) a license due to the fact all the "ultimate Plus-Pack" goodies in the Vista "gold level" OS will expire. Thus leaving the client with the old drab stripped-down non-AERO "Starter" version until upgrade key is entered and activated. You are not thinking like Bill Gates. Look at all of the "phone home" goodies they have been beta testing in the x64 Edition of XP. When Vista boots, you log on, it will immediately go to MSFT to verify valid licensing, much less the validations when dialing out for the "fixes" through "Wnidows Update." Kudos Bill, I feel as if the slow migration to MAC for me started with the iPod but Vista will push me over the edge. My XP x64 Box will simply end up as a TiVo multimedia server until MAC perfects "Front Row" TiVo compatability.

yo more shit to dabble around with and complain about & with.....for all, us computer geeks out there! That love computers and net no matter what! woooot
It has begun! =)

I use a Mac at home and a PC at work. They both do the same thing. The MAC is great for home movies and anything multimedia. It's all part of a free add on call iLife. Microsoft would have been better served by building one product and selling add ons. But hey... I'm sure my IT department will upgrade my XP in the next couple of years. Vista will be fine as XP is just fine. If you want gaming... buy a Xbox or Playstation. Microsoft operating systems are for MS Office products. If you don't add crap to your PC, it will work fine. Always has, always will... Get over it!

Vista is for work. OS/x is for multimedia
End of Rant!

Well, Mac OS X is UNIX and also for scieence and math, not just for multimedia. Also, simplicity: Mac OS X and Mac OS X Server. All the development tools are free and work with either of the two (not 6) versions. Of course, multimedia is built in and free.

MSFT has a plan for you: to entrap you and suck you dry. No thanks.

i hope linux grows up before the support cycle of xp ends. this vista is looking a might tacky.

I would just sell one version of the OS (It would have all the features on ) and have people pick up the extra feature/s as they need.

I would just sell one version of the OS (It would have all the features on ) and have people pick up the extra feature/s as they need.

The only reason Mac doesn't work well in Enterprise environments is Microsoft has done everything it can to cut off Mac OS at the knees. They've all but castrated any Exchange functionality, there's NEVER been a Mac version of MS Project or Access (Who cares Filemaker is better anyway). The trouble is MS can do what it wants noone has any real choice except go along for the ride.

I just read the article and I can't understand why MS would be doing this, other than the financial gains they will receive. I am an on site tech, and most of my customers are computer illiterate, so I see my job becoming that much more work. Many prople have alot of problems with XP already, let alone have a joke like a basic version. My XP system runs completely flawless, but I don't see myself jumping to Vista anytime soon. Haven't had any problems for well over 3 years, pretty good. Just make it simple, please, no extra versions that nobody is really going to like anyway.

Screw M$.. I am going Mac and never looking back!!!!!!!!!

judging by these reactions it looks like MS might be making a bad move. from the posts on this site i would guess that 10:1 people are against it.

I'm a huge (die-hard) fan of Windows and I can tell you that Microsoft is doing great and making a good move. 6 versions are not that bad. When Windows Vista gets released, I will be getting Windows Vista Ultimate!!!

Oh, and those who hated Windows, if you don't like Microsoft, don't bother posting and stick to which OS you use. I've read pretty very lame comments like "get a Mac and problem will be solved" and "screw Microsoft. use Mac or Linux," and they do seem childish.

I am a total Windows geek and have been keeping up ahead of security and what's happening from Microsoft.

Jeebus,

Time to go buy Apple stock.

Yeah, this doesn't sound good to me at all. I don't like the idea of all these different kind of OS's, it's really going to confuse people who are not that computer literate.

Go Buy a Mac, While your at it, buy stock in them also. Funny thing, all the microsoft office programs run better on a mac, more features, easier to use. odd?

I agree. If this doesn't show how lame and aimless MS is -- and doubtless how bizzare Bill Gates' mind is -- nothing will. Or for that matter, trying to wreck the next gen DVD market by backing what was once considered the DOA HD-DVD just to "get" Sony Corp.

If anyone here hasn't caught on to all this creepy MS garbage yet -- where have you been.

I wonder why they bother with it all (keeping code pushers employed until they can find meaningful work?) - when Vista [enter cool-named version here] hits, everying that one needs to pump blood into the iron will be sipped from the net as required, then discarded.

Hi All,
Bought a Mac 4 years ago. Best purchase I made.
PS: I'm a geek.

12 reasons to buy a mac

12 reasons to buy a mac

Oh yeah, ive used vista and seen it work. and yes it still blue screens and takes a big giant dump

Why are people so concerened about Microsoft or what they do? I switched my three networked machines to Linux Suse and Linspire Months ago and it was free on Magazine covers and was the best thing I have done. Nobody needs Gates.

It's funny to see how many Microsoft bashers have Hotmail adresses. Unless of they just use them for public forums :-)

More unbridled greed from microsoft. I have been a PC microsoft geek for for nearly 20 years and have had my fill.

MAC will give you a five user license for less than the price of one for XP. I can't imagine how the cost of these operating systems will be bloated. What's the goal in Redmond, to own the world?

I can't tell you how many times a day I curse Microsoft for making inferior software. Wouldn't it be nice if they spent a few pennies on product testing. Then again, why do that when you can have millions of consumers duped into beta testing a product they have to pay a premium to use.

Now that MAC is on the intel platform I will encourage all my clients to either jump over to the MAC or invest in Linux.

F--K microsoft, too f'ing greedy! May the knats of a thousand camels infest gate's crotch.

maybe they should stick to free email then

Remember Windows 2000, Then Windows Me and then WindowsXP. Basically Microsoft is maximizing profits through dividing the product. This is an old marketing rule. In this case, diversification of the product can hide behind "legitimate" reasons , such as business use, tablets, etc.

Lol..hehehe..Who's going to spend money for these junks. 12 versions. LMAO. You know what I'll do > I'll bring PIRATED Indo-Chinese copies for my own poor lonely PC. hahaha. 12 version will cost me 24 dollars. :( Too Much.

I'm still dying with a version of XP. This trash took me a long time to get comfortable with.

7 x 32 bit versions of windows
6 x 64 bit versions of windows
A total of 13 versions of vindows to choose from..........
hmm..........I think I'll wait for the hacked version like I do every release.......MUHAHAHAHA!!!!!!!!!!

Almost 22 years later and the arguments, analogies and angst sound exactly the same. After having paid dearly for both Mac and DOS / Windows systems and O/S software during those intervening years, I have come to the conclusion that it all boils down to one thing: what do you use your computer for? As it was then, it is today; I have one fairly up to date version of each sitting on the same desk. A few feet away from this desk is the $15,000.00 reason why there remains a PC: the raster image processing software for my wide-format sign printer/cutter is only available for Windows. Period. Everything else that I have to do with a computer is easily, elegantly and yes, in my eyes, esthetically-pleasingly performed on the Mac. A year-plus-old 14? iBook at that, running last year?s flavor of the O/S. Hip? Perhaps. Cool? Maybe. But it works when it?s required to, and that is all that I ask. Continued?

Continued from previous post?
The days of the PC may be numbered with the arrival of the Intel-powered Macs and the emulation software mentioned in some of these posts. I have successfully run (as a proof-of concept only) the RIP software from within the emulation software on the iBook, albeit at a non-commercial pace. With future emulation being able to be performed at the hardware instead of software level, commercial performance may be well within reach. And I?ll have more clear space on my desk (and floor!) Then again, seems to me that Microsoft, not that long ago, bought out the predominant producer of Windows emulation software for the Macintosh! Perhaps Bill?s crystal ball is a lot clearer than we think it is. I won?t list the PC on eBay just yet!

the day norton kept poping up, i got infected with a virus, have spyware everywhere and windows had bogged down so bad it wouldnt load anything and i saw one more of those CRITICAL update bull**** popups at the bottom telling me my microsoft was was going to explode in my face and come back to haunt me in my sleep and eat my dog if i didnt download another update I BOUGHT A MAC AND NEVER LOOKED BACK!!!! and guess what NO BLUE SCREEN !!!! ahahahahah thank you mr jobs

Linux !

the day norton kept poping up, i got infected with a virus, have spyware everywhere and windows had bogged down so bad it wouldnt load anything and i saw one more of those CRITICAL update bull**** popups at the bottom telling me my microsoft was was going to explode in my face and come back to haunt me in my sleep and eat my dog if i didnt download another update I BOUGHT A MAC AND NEVER LOOKED BACK!!!! and guess what NO BLUE SCREEN !!!! ahahahahah thank you mr jobs

Wait for someone to crack it, try all the versions for free! Buy the one which you like, or better yet dont buy it at all.
So many versions will just promote Piracy.

Bad idea Mr. Bill "13 Versions" Gates.

chaser we know you love mac...we get the point...don't repeat the same thing over and over again.

with the point of vista, give some credit to programmers of windows. Even though it has so many flaws and bugs, programming is hard.
I'm onli a high school student and i already know programming without having any errors, crashes and problems is pretty much impossible.

i agree with the people who say there should be only 2 kinds of Vista: Business and Home.
Much More easier to understand for people who don't really know computers :)

"i agree with the people who say there should be only 2 kinds of Vista: Business and Home.
Much More easier to understand for people who don't really know computers :)"

Agreed. THEN allow people who are more advanced FULL freedom (not the hunt & find freedom of XP) to pick and choose which features they want to Add/Remove.

I'm not planning on building a rocket ship so I don't need to figure trajectories to the moon.

All I need a computer for is to get online, play with ebay, post on my blog and on occasion view the short videos that come in emails.

Oh! And word processing with a good spill chucker.

- I'll stick with the XP I have until the Internet passes it by. - GBYAY - prying1 -

I'm not planning on building a rocket ship so I don't need to figure trajectories to the moon.

All I need a computer for is to get online, play with ebay, post on my blog and on occasion view the short videos that come in emails.

Oh! And word processing with a good spill chucker.

- I'll stick with the XP I have until the Internet passes it by. - GBYAY - prying1 -

This should be fun for Independent Software Vendors. Guess they'll now have to buy all twelve versions so they can test out their software to certify it for the various versions.

As far as the consumer trying to pick the right version, it will be easy. Really. Just as easy as trying to pick which Medicare Plan to be on. Are the folks at MS using the same "stategery" as the goverment? Or is it the other way around?

I think eventually it will shake out this way:

Home Premium - home PC

Ultimate - for people who operate a business at home

Business - small businesses

Enterprise - corporations

This way MS could charge a bundle extra for Ultimate over Premium and for Enterprise over Business.

But, sumaz, that's the whole point!~ As mentioned elsewhere here, micro-segmenting any market boosts profits. Look at cars as an object example. "Oh, you want antilock brakes? That comes only on Option Package C - where you get chrome alloy wheels you don't want outside the barrio, a spoiler you don't need on a 4-cylinder import, and a three-note horn perfect for Bo and Luke - an extra $x00." Now rewind, and stick in "Aero", "media Playa", "MS DesktopSearch", and "MSN".
Yeah, hey - sign me up.

Too bad - here was a chance for Windows to take their time and really streamline and tighten the product code. To create a really fantastically stable OS that ran fairly swiftly on even older hardware. Fix the bugs, fix the redundancy and junk code

But no - because it's not about good, it's about sales.

Well, I've been a long time Windows PC user, but I'm thinking of making the leap to a totally different OS.

The funny thing is you will all have the new Windows Vista on your PC's when it comes out. You all sit around and complain about how much it sucks but yet you will still give Bill Gates your money.... I guess he wins.... lol

So... which version is the comparable one to XP Professional...

Sheesh.

Linux anyone?

No matter what MS does people will complain. If they made only two flavors of this os - they would complain their version cost too much and i never use that feature why should i pay for it.

Cars makers should only make 2 versions of their cars.
one that gets good gas milage and one that does not.
or one that is a convertibles and one that is not
or
one that is red and one that is black
or
.....

You could buy a Model T in any color as long as it was black... :)

Well, no matter what they will do, they will never be able to continue.
How do they want us to use their products if another excellent solution is out there waiting to be harvested. LINUX is the solution to all these troubles they give us every now and then.
Waiting to see the first MS announcement of a security hole in their new product....

The computer has become generic?any computer will do just about anything you want to do with a computer, interchangably. The only thing that now distinguishes them is the external appearance and, some would argue, the OS.

Mac OS is UNIX with a fancy GUI, Linux is a strain of UNIX and Windows consists of two strains, the obsolete DOS strain (derived from CP/M, which was derived from UNIX) and the new NT strain (derived from VMS, a UNIX wannabe). So, in the end, we're all running something like UNIX on the same basic commoditized hardware.

Microsoft is attempting to differentiate its OS and customize it in advance sale to what it perceives to be its target audiences. You want something sporty, get the sporty model. You want something sturdy, you get the surdy model. You want something basic, you get the basic model. You want it all or just aren't sure what you want, you get it all in the Ultimate model.

Apple is doing this with the iPod, Microsoft with Windows. Whether it's a smart move remains to be seen.

MicroSoft = General Motors

Need I say more?

Windows should have been recalled 10 years ago.

Methinks that Microsoft have made this so mind boggling and they have had so many problems in the past that most people will just stay with what they have. My programs work just fine and do all that I need or want, why would I upgrade?

Billy Boy is into quantity, not quality - this only hammers the point home for the umpteenth time. Wake up, Windoze users, and switch to mac or linux.

Multiple choices would be great if the choices came from multiple choices of COMPETION. The reduction in competion since the '80's urge to merge, in so many indrustries including software, has lead to less choices. What we are left with here is the dictates of the very few to the very large mass of the rest of us. Wouldn't it be nice if the masses could dictate to the few what the masses want. "Hey Bill, this is what we want". Unfortunally, because the few have a stranglehold on the masses NEEDS, the masses say, "do as you please Bill"

This is only a dillemna for the suckers who purchase this up fro