Windows Vista™, the new operating system from Microsoft, was released in January 2007.

The new operating system differs from its ancestors (Windows XP and Windows 2000) in a number of significant ways.

We had been testing and using Windows Vista since early 2006 and are familiar with the new technology and features.

  Before you upgrade, let us assist you with:

- evaluating your software & hardware compatibility,
- choosing the right version of Vista,
- minimizing your down-time.

Compatibility
One of the biggest inconveniences involved with upgrading to Windows Vista is the potential for software and hardware incompatibilities due to changes in the underlying technology. Your current software (programs), hardware (& drivers) might not work correctly or at all.	To ensure compatibility, look for these logos on products you plan to use with Windows Vista.

Versions
Windows Vista is available in 5 different versions:

Business
Windows Vista Business is the first edition of Windows designed specifically to meet the needs of small businesses. You'll spend less time on technology support-related issues—so you can spend more time making your business successful. Windows Vista Business is the definitive choice for your business today and tomorrow.

Enterprise
Designed to significantly lower IT costs and risks, Windows Vista Enterprise meets the needs of large, global organizations with complex IT infrastructures.

Ultimate
Windows Vista Ultimate is the choice for those who want to have it all. Easily shift between the worlds of productivity and play with the most complete edition of Windows Vista. Ultimate provides the power, security, and mobility features needed for work, and all the entertainment features that you want for fun.

Home Premium
Windows Vista Home Premium is the preferred edition for home desktop and mobile PCs. It provides a breakthrough design that brings your world into sharper focus while delivering the productivity, entertainment, and security you need from your PC at home or on the go.

Home Basic
Windows Vista Home Basic is ideal for homes with basic computing needs like e-mail, browsing the Internet, and viewing photos. Easy to set up and maintain, it enables you to quickly find what you're looking for on your PC and the Internet, while providing a more secure environment to help protect you from an unpredictable world.

Feature Comparison Chart

	Windows Vista Basic	Windows Vista Home Premium	Windows Vista Business	Windows Vista Ultimate
64-bit processor support
Games Explorer
Instant Search
Internet Explorer 7
IPv6 and IPv4 support
Parental Controls
Remote Desktop
Speech Recognition
Sync Center
User Account Control
Windows Anytime Upgrade
Windows Backup and Restore
Windows Calendar
Windows Defender
Windows Display Driver Model (WDDM)
Windows Easy Transfer
Windows Firewall
Windows HotStart
Windows Mail
Windows Media Player 11
Windows Mobility Center	Limited	Limited
Windows Photo Gallery
Windows ReadyDrive
Windows Security Center
Windows Sidebar
Windows Update
Windows Welcome Center
XPS document support
Pluggable log-in authentication architecture
Windows Aero
Windows Meeting Space	Limited
Windows Rights Management Services (RMS) Client
Windows Tablet PC
Windows DVD Maker
Windows Media Center
Windows Movie Maker
Windows Movie Maker HD
Domain join for Windows Small Business Server
Encrypting File System
Integrated smart card management
Group Policy support
Roaming user profiles
Virtual PC Express
Windows BitLocker Drive Encryption
Windows Fax and Scan
Windows ShadowCopy
Windows Ultimate Extras