Vista - Basic, Premium or Ultimate...

BIGLASH · 21 Oct 2008 at 13:52

Hey peeps,

Noob first time poster here

So I was wondering if anyone can help me make a decision on the different types of Windows Vista versions. I'm building my machine in the next week or two and as I want 4GB of ram I know I need a 64 bit operating system, so I was going to go for the Vista Premium 64. The system I'm building is mainly going to be used for gaming (probably an E8400 build), so basically, are there any big differences that will effect me if I get the Premium over the Ultimate, as I don't fancy having to pay out the extra cash for Ultimate. Or would the Basic 64 bit version be enough, as the only reason I'm going with the Premium is the fact its only a £10'ish more.

Or can anyone point out the main differences between the versions to help my decision? Its just that I've noticed a lot of people are running Vista Ultimate in their system builds (in their sigs), so wondered if there was a specific reason for this, or just their choice/epeen

Cheers all

stoofa · 21 Oct 2008 at 13:58

Home Premium is a favourite amongst home users.
You get a good set of applications, features and tools and it doesn't cost you the earth.
You get more over Basic - enough to make it worth the little extra.
Ultimate really doesn't give you much (as a home user) for the extra outlay.

http://www.microsoft.com/windows/windows-vista/compare-editions/default.aspx

Snograt · 21 Oct 2008 at 14:05

BIGLASH said:
Its just that I've noticed a lot of people are running Vista Ultimate in their system builds (in their sigs), so wondered if there was a specific reason for this, or just their choice/epeen

It's that nagging feeling you get that, if you don't buy the top-of-the-range product, you must be missing out on something.

You aren't

pingwing · 21 Oct 2008 at 14:42

Firstly CLAMED!!! (really wanted to do that...)

Anyway just get home premium!

Why? Basically basic is missing a fair bit of the nice vista style stuff (aero, some of the games, really higher memory support- i think x64 is limited to 8gig, media center, built in dvd burning the list goes on). Ultimate on the other hand just gives you domain access and a few extra games which doesnt justify the extra monies really...

Of course the install dvd comes with all versions on it and the cd key dictates which version you install (so if you knew someone with the dvd you could borrow it, try out each version by just not putting in a lisence key and then buying the one you like)

BIGLASH · 21 Oct 2008 at 21:16

Ah thought as much peeps

Just needed the confirmation, cheers guys

Skeeter · 21 Oct 2008 at 22:31

Home Premium + RDC Hack = Ultimate without the 'Extras'

ticktock · 21 Oct 2008 at 22:35

Premium is all anyone needs.

zzzJonny · 21 Oct 2008 at 23:56

Premium is the happy medium

_Jimlad_ · 22 Oct 2008 at 09:39

Home Premium for me........ best value

bledd · 22 Oct 2008 at 09:54

basic vs premium

basic is smaller
premium has media centre
premium has aero support (fancy desktop graphics)
premium supports more ram (think home is limited to 16gb -not an issue yet, but still)

Wiggins · 23 Oct 2008 at 10:53

BIGLASH said:
Its just that I've noticed a lot of people are running Vista Ultimate in their system builds (in their sigs), so wondered if there was a specific reason for this, or just their choice/epeen

Cheers all

Probably due to the fact that the naughty, activated copy of Vista that has hit the torrent sites is in fact the Ultimate version. They do not have an epeen, they actually have a small maggot as they will not shell out the cash for it.

Not guilty here though as I have friends in MS sales.