Windows Vista: 8 Flavors to Choose From!

It's been reported on a number of blog sites that Microsoft will release Windows Vista with -- get this -- 8 different versions. Hint: Windows XP only has 2 versions (Home and Pro edition). Unfortunately, they have yet to describe what the differences are between each version.

It's also speculated that Microsoft Vista will require (at minimum) 512 MB of memory and a Pentium 4 class microprocessor to operate efficiently.

The 'Vista list' is as follows:

• Windows Starter 2007
   
• Windows Vista Home Basic
   
• Windows Vista Home Basic N
   
• Windows Vista Home Premium
   
• Windows Vista Business
   
• Windows Vista Business N
   
• Windows Vista Ultimate
   
• Windows Vista Enterprise

A few of these are obviously not for the home/hobbyist user but what is even more disturbing is the pricing of these various versions; in fact, that specific piece of information is missing.

If history shows anything, it shows the prices are going to be higher, and to my way of thinking, that is just too high. I am thinking that the Windows we have now is going to be it for a long while.

My advice is to be prepared to make some decisions as to which direction you will be going. If you go with Vista, will you need a new computer? Will you be able to upgrade your existing system?

If you're like me, the piggy bank will need to be fed more regularly to be able to afford the new system/upgrade and Vista.

Do not think you are safe, since Microsoft will be providing updates for XP for only a couple more years but ME and 98 SE will be dropping off the list soon. Windows 2000 and NT have a while left but even they have a 'Drop Date'.

What to do?

Perhaps it is time to consider Linux! With the use of Emulators such as WinE, you can run those Microsoft applications on Linux. Plus, the list of Office Productivity and other types of software for Linux is getting longer and more impressive day by day.

Is it worth it to switch to Linux and Open Source? You might consider this: Sterling Ball, a jovial, plain-talking businessman, CEO of Ernie Ball, the world's leading maker of premium guitar strings endorsed by generations of artists ranging from the likes of Eric Clapton to the dudes from Metallica had a problem. Microsoft 'raided' his company and as a result, the company was fined for license violations. After paying the fines, he switched his entire company from Microsoft to Linux and Open Source software. As a result, they saved $80,000 in license fees and support contracts the first year. Read the article.

If that interests you at all, be sure to check out my previous post (it's a 3-part series):

Changes on the horizon?

Changes on the horizon?, Part 2

Changes on the horizon?, Part 3