I want to get a better copy of vista (using a "business" copy me mate gave me atm) and I'm looking at Home premium versh dvd oem. Now will this copy allow me to instal without a copy of another operating system and will I be able to reinstal it a few times if summat on me pc breaks and needs replacing.
Which version of vista to get?
- Thread starter pieman109
- Start date
Man of Honour
- Joined
- 17 Oct 2007
- Posts
- 3,871
Hey Pieman, here is a great graph that compares all of the editions of Windows Vista with one another. The two you are most likely looking at are Windows Vista Home Premium and Ultimate. I have used both and in my opinion Vista Ultimate is not worth the extra £50 over Home Premium.
Now you may also be wondering weather to purchase the 32-bit or the 64-bit edition of Windows Vista. If you have a processor that is capable of handling 64-bit instructions then their is no reason to go for the 32-bit edition. You won't see a massive performance increase going from a 32-bit to a 64-bit operating system as of yet since many programs have been written for 32-bit architectures. However this will be changing in the future because with 64bit being more recognized, more and more programs will be written under 64-bit architectures. When programs are released that are written specifically for 64-bit, you will then start to see a performance increase from 32-bit programs.
If you do purchase the OEM version of Windows Vista, you do not need to have a previous version of Windows so that you are able to install Vista. This only applies if you purchase the Upgrade version.
Now regarding the licensing terms. OEM stands for Original Equipment Manufacturer and these versions usually come with pre-built systems or can be ordered from most online retailers. They are much cheaper than their Retail cousins since they are limited in some respects. The operating system itself is exactly the same as the retail version but the difference being is the licensing terms. Once Vista is installed, it is then linked to that particular system so if you install it on any other system you will be violating the EULA. You can upgrade any system component apart from your motherboard and your license will still be intact. If you change the motherboard in your system im afraid you will have to purchase a new copy of Windows Vista.
The only exception to this rule is if your motherboard becomes faulty, if this happens and you can not get the exact same motherboard replacement due to various reasons you are still legal to install and activate your current copy of Windows Vista when your new motherboard arrives due to this being no fault of your own. If and when this happens, you will have to ring up Microsoft for them to re-activate your copy of Windows Vista (They will have no problem re-activating your copy of Windows for you due to the circumstances) for you since online activation will most likely fail.
Now you may also be wondering weather to purchase the 32-bit or the 64-bit edition of Windows Vista. If you have a processor that is capable of handling 64-bit instructions then their is no reason to go for the 32-bit edition. You won't see a massive performance increase going from a 32-bit to a 64-bit operating system as of yet since many programs have been written for 32-bit architectures. However this will be changing in the future because with 64bit being more recognized, more and more programs will be written under 64-bit architectures. When programs are released that are written specifically for 64-bit, you will then start to see a performance increase from 32-bit programs.
If you do purchase the OEM version of Windows Vista, you do not need to have a previous version of Windows so that you are able to install Vista. This only applies if you purchase the Upgrade version.
Now regarding the licensing terms. OEM stands for Original Equipment Manufacturer and these versions usually come with pre-built systems or can be ordered from most online retailers. They are much cheaper than their Retail cousins since they are limited in some respects. The operating system itself is exactly the same as the retail version but the difference being is the licensing terms. Once Vista is installed, it is then linked to that particular system so if you install it on any other system you will be violating the EULA. You can upgrade any system component apart from your motherboard and your license will still be intact. If you change the motherboard in your system im afraid you will have to purchase a new copy of Windows Vista.
The only exception to this rule is if your motherboard becomes faulty, if this happens and you can not get the exact same motherboard replacement due to various reasons you are still legal to install and activate your current copy of Windows Vista when your new motherboard arrives due to this being no fault of your own. If and when this happens, you will have to ring up Microsoft for them to re-activate your copy of Windows Vista (They will have no problem re-activating your copy of Windows for you due to the circumstances) for you since online activation will most likely fail.
Last edited:
Hey Fire Wizard, can help but notice how much information you provide in threads like these very impressive 
what is it that you do? if you don't mind me asking.
On topic
ATM I'm using Vista 32Bit Ultimate, but am waiting to received my new HDD than am starting fresh with a 64Bit install, 99% of people recommend this over 32 so I am going to see what the fuss is about!
what is it that you do? if you don't mind me asking.On topic
ATM I'm using Vista 32Bit Ultimate, but am waiting to received my new HDD than am starting fresh with a 64Bit install, 99% of people recommend this over 32 so I am going to see what the fuss is about!
Man of Honour
- Joined
- 17 Oct 2007
- Posts
- 3,871
Hey fothsn,
Im currently doing a Computing BTEC National Award at college.
You wont see a massive performance jump moving from 32-bit to 64-bit Windows as of yet. However, this will be changing in the future when more programs are written under 64-bit architecture.
Hey Fire Wizard, can help but notice how much information you provide in threads like these very impressive
Im currently doing a Computing BTEC National Award at college.
On topic
ATM I'm using Vista 32Bit Ultimate, but am waiting to received my new HDD than am starting fresh with a 64Bit install, 99% of people recommend this over 32 so I am going to see what the fuss is about!
You wont see a massive performance jump moving from 32-bit to 64-bit Windows as of yet. However, this will be changing in the future when more programs are written under 64-bit architecture.
