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It has now been over a year since the release of Windows Vista. There are 5 different versions of Windows Vista available. Most residential consumers will require Vista Basic or Vista Premium unless running a home based business.

Here is a brief description of the various features of the new Windows Vista Operating system and chart showing the features included in each version of Vista.

NOTE: Service Pack 1 for Windows Vista is scheduled for release the first quarter of 2008. It is currently in beta testing now and should be ready for release to the general public soon.

Windows Vista Features List

Windows Aero Desktop
- Available to PCs using a compatible graphics
- Windows Flip (Windows Vista update of the feature known as ALT+TAB in previous versions of Windows.) and Windows Flip 3D (Uses the dimension of visual depth to give you a more comprehensive view of your open windows.)
Windows Security
- Windows Defender (provides always-on protection against malware) (spyware).
- Windows Firewall (An Improved version of the firewall in XP, the Windows Vista Firewall monitors inbound and outbound traffic as well as abnormal program behavior which may indicate the presence of malware.)
Desktop and IE7 Search
- Desktop search and organization helps you locate files and e-mail messages on your PC.
Windows Meeting Space
- Enables face-to-face collaboration among small groups of Windows Vista users.
Windows Media Center
- Helps you organize your entire PC digital entertainment library.
- Media Center Extenders (interface capabilities for equipment add-ons that integrate other media equipment such as Xbox)
Windows Backup/Restore
- Image-based backup tool (Capable of restoring your entire PC environment, including the operating system, installed programs, user settings, and data files.)
Windows Fax and Scan
- Simplifies sending and receive faxes, scanning documents and images, and sharing results.
Scheduled Backup
- Basic file backup and restore which can be automated to a backup schedule.
Remote Desktop
- Provides direct access to applications and data or to the entire network while working remotely.
Network Sharing Center
- Puts you in control of your network connectivity.
Bitlocker Encryption
- Provides added security against data leaks from lost or stolen data drives by encrypting the entire Windows volume.
Windows DVD Maker
- Create professional-looking video DVDs
High Def Movie Maker
- Work with movies captured in the new high-definition video (HDV) format.
New premium games
- Upgrades to existing games and some added new games.
NOTE: If you are considering buying the business version of Windows Vista you will most likely be purchasing a copy of the new Microsoft Office 2007. Microsoft made some major changes to the Office package user interface in this version as well as changing to a different file format. If you have business associates that are using older versions of Microsoft office they will need to install the "Microsoft Office Compatibility Pack for Word, Excel, and PowerPoint 2007" in order to be able to view documents created in the new 2007 Office package. If the recipient of a new file is unable to install the "Compatibility Pack" another alternative is to select the older file format when saving a new document which will allow older Office versions to view the file.

Click "here" to obtain the "Microsoft Office Compatibility Pack for Word, Excel, and PowerPoint 2007."

Windows Vista Features Table

Feature List	Vista Basic	Vista Premium	Vista Business	Vista Ultimate
Windows Aero Desktop
Windows Security
Desktop and IE7 Search
Windows Meeting Space
Windows Media Center
Windows Backup/Restore
Windows Fax and Scan
Scheduled Backup
Remote Desktop
Network Sharing Center
Bitlocker Encryption
Windows DVD Maker
New premium games
High Def Movie Maker
Rated for Laptop

NOTE: There is also an enterprise version of Windows Vista but it is only for use on Domain networks and is not available for home users.