Microsoft Confirms Six Vista Editions

By Geoff Duncan Published June 19, 2018

Although the news originally leaked last week, Microsoft Corporation has confirmed that it plans to offer six core editions of its forthcoming Windows Vista operating systems, plus two editions for the European Union stripped of the Windows Media Player software. The number of editions matches the total count of version of Windows XP the company currently offers, but instead of targeting different sorts of hardware with different editions (64 bit computing, tablet PCs, etc.), the different editions of Windows Vista will focus on what users want to do with their computer.

According to Microsoft, the six core Windows Vista Editions will be:

Vista Home Basic: Aimed at users who mostly want to use their computers as an information and communications appliance: e.g. surf the Web, use email, plus create and edit basic documents.
Vista Home Premium: Everything in the Vista Home Basic edition, plus the new Aero graphical interface.
Vista Business: A basic version of Windows for all sizes of business with bundled PC management tools.
Vista Enterprise: All the features of Vista Business plus BitBlocker, an encryption system to help prevent data being accessed if a computer is lost or stolen.
Vista Ultimate: Combined all the features of business and home editions.
Vista Starter: A stripped-down version of Windows with lower hardware requirements aimed at developing markets.

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Business and Home editions of Windows Vista without Windows Media Player software will also be developed for the European Union to comply with an EU antirust mandate. With these editions, the total number of Windows Vista releases will total eight.

Microsoft hasn’t announced an official ship date for Windows Vista, but the operating system is expected to be released in the second half of 2006.

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Geoff Duncan writes, programs, edits, plays music, and delights in making software misbehave. He's probably the only member…

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Microsoft won’t back down on Windows 11’s biggest hurdle

The Surface Pro 11 on a white table in front of a window.

Microsoft has reaffirmed that it will not lower the minimum hardware requirements for Windows 11, solidifying the need for a Trusted Platform Module (TPM) 2.0 and a compatible CPU. This decision leaves many older PCs ineligible for the upgrade. Microsoft emphasizes that these standards are vital for improved security and performance.

As per a recent blog post titled “TPM 2.0 – a necessity for a secure and future-proof Windows 11,” Microsoft reaffirmed its decision not to relax Windows 11’s strict hardware requirements. TPM 2.0 is a hardware-based security feature that protects sensitive data and ensures secure boot processes. Microsoft argues that such measures are nonnegotiable as the company continues to address rising cybersecurity threats. The minimum requirements include a list of approved CPUs, starting from AMD Ryzen 2000 and Intel 8th Gen processors, that offer advanced security features and better performance efficiency.

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Cyber Monday Strategy: Should you save the full $466 on a complete Microsoft Surface Pro 11 for Cyber Monday?

Microsoft Surface Pro 11 front view in tablet mode.

A lot of Cyber Monday deals can give you a feeling of restriction. And by this, I mean there isn't a lot of room for the freedom to choose and build and tinker like there are at other times. "This is what you'll get, and you'll like it!" the world seems to say. And that's true of Cyber Monday Microsoft Surface deals, too (including the "you'll like it" part, they are pretty great deals and you will like them, go check them out!). But, if you go through Microsoft you can now get a Surface Pro 11 bundle with the works (including the critical keyboard and even a stylus pen) and get up to $466 in savings. It's one of the best ways to get the full Microsoft Surface Pro 11 experience out there. But how should you build your bundle? And is maxing out the savings really the best choice? Tap the button below to get started and we'll walk you through the five-step process in no time.

How to shop Microsoft's Surface Pro 11 Bundle offer
Microsoft's store lays this out as a five-step custom order, and there's no reason for us to do any differently:

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Cyber Week Microsoft Office deals 2024: Save on Microsoft 360

Microsoft Office free apps.

Cyber Week deals are the perfect time to score a sweet discount on useful services that will help you all year around, and the Cyber Week deals we're seeing are pretty great. We’re talking about Microsoft Office, which is perfect for typing up documents, creating spreadsheets or presentations, and much more. While Google apps may fulfill many of these roles, it’s tough to compete with the allure of Microsoft Office.

We’ve picked out all the best Cyber Week Microsoft Office deals so you can save big on these services. It’s perfect for going alongside Cyber Week laptop deals that you may have snapped up. We’ve also looked at some awesome Best Buy Cyber Week laptop deals too if you’re still seeking the best hardware. For now though, keep reading and we’ll take you through all the best Microsoft Office deals around at the moment. We also have some great buying advice if you’re not sure what to look for.
Our Top Pick: Microsoft Office Home 2024 -- $100 $160 33% off