Because different kinds of computer users need different features in their operating system, Microsoft offers multiple editions of Windows Vista, or retail "SKUs," each oriented to the needs of specific types of customers.
The Windows Vista SKU plan is optimized around key audiences—consumers, small businesses and medium and large organizations—and usage scenarios within each of these segments. The main goal of the Windows Vista lineup is to more closely align the product offerings with customer demand, rather than forcing customers to make tradeoffs between functionality and form factors. Now, for each major customer segment—consumer, small business, and medium and large business—there is at least one entry-level edition and a premium edition.
Consumer SKUs
Windows Vista Home Basic is the entry level offering for consumers. Highlights include:
- Significant advances in security and reliability
- Parental Controls
- Windows Vista Basic user interface
- Search and organize innovations
- Improved networking
Windows Vista Home Basic is designed to be easy to set up, to help people use their PCs securely and reliably, to help people stay better connected, and like all of the editions of Windows Vista, to be compatible with the widest range of software, devices, and services people use and trust. For people who simply want to use their PC for tasks such as surfing the Internet, corresponding with friends and family using e-mail or performing basic document creation and editing tasks, Windows Vista Home Basic will deliver a safer, more reliable, and more effective computing environment.
Windows Vista Home Premium is the mainstream edition of Windows Vista for consumer desktop and mobile PCs. It includes all features available in Windows Vista Home Basic plus:
- Windows Aero™ user interface
- Windows Media Center functionality
- Additional digital media features such as authoring and burning DVDs
- Windows Tablet and Touch Technology
- Additional mobility features such as the Windows Mobility Center
Windows Vista Home Premium makes finding information, staying connected, and interacting with your PC easier and more secure. Using, organizing and sharing photos, video, TV and music becomes a part of your everyday life. With Windows Vista Home Premium, balancing your checkbook, doing homework, watching a movie, listening to music or playing a game is a better and more enjoyable experience.
Windows Vista Ultimate is the flagship edition of Windows Vista for consumer and small business desktop PCs and mobile PCs. The primary user of Windows Vista Ultimate is the individual, such as a small-business owner who uses a single PC for both home and work activities. This edition includes all of the features available in Windows Vista Home Premium and Windows Vista Enterprise.
Windows Vista Ultimate is the first operating system that combines the advanced infrastructure of a business-focused operating system, the productivity of a mobility-focused operating system, and the digital entertainment features of a consumer-focused operating system. For the person who wants their PC to be great for working at home, on the go and at the office, Windows Vista Ultimate is the no-compromise operating system that provides it all.
Business SKUs
Windows Vista Business is the primary edition of Windows Vista for business desktop and mobile PCs. This offering spans the small business, midsized business, and enterprise segments. This edition includes all of the features available in Windows Vista Home Basic (with the exception of a small number of entertainment features), plus:
- Windows Aero user interface
- Windows Tablet and Touch Technology
- Additional mobility features such as the Windows Mobility Center and
Windows Meeting Space - Core business features such as Domain Join, Group Policy support and
Encrypting File System - Small business-specific features such as Windows Fax and Scan, and
Small Business Resources
For small businesses, Windows Vista Business will help keep PCs running smoothly and securely, with less reliance on dedicated IT support. For larger organizations, Windows Vista Business provides dramatic new infrastructure improvements, enabling IT staff to spend more time adding strategic value to the business. Windows Vista Business also offers powerful new ways to organize, find, and share information, while helping people stay better connected with a mobile PC whether in the office or on the road.
Windows Vista Enterprise is the premium edition of Windows Vista for business desktop and mobile PCs. This offering is only available to customers who have their PCs covered by a Microsoft Software Assurance agreement. In addition to including all of the features available in Windows Vista Business, highlights of this edition include:
- Windows BitLocker Drive Encryption
- All worldwide user-interface languages
- Virtual PC Express
- Subsystem for UNIX Applications (SUA)
Windows Vista Enterprise is designed for large enterprises and organizations with complex desktop infrastructures. It helps reduce the cost and complexity of deploying and managing PCs, improves reliability and security, and makes it easier to comply with information policies. Windows Vista Enterprise also increases information worker productivity and enables mobile users to stay better connected with customers, partners, and their businesses in the office or on the road.