Windows Vista General Information

Microsoft has released its new Windows Vista Operating System. The Windows Vista product lineup consists of five "Editions" which encompass two business versions (designed for larger IT infrastructures) and three consumer versions (designed for personal or home use). According to Microsoft, each product is tailored to meet specific needs of various segments of the market - home PC users, small and medium-sized businesses and large enterprises. See the Microsoft Web site for more information on the various Microsoft Vista Editions. Learn more about the features of Microsoft Vista Features. Additional details about the new Vista desktop system are available on the Microsoft Vista Web site .

Vista Versions

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. Learn more about Windows Vista Ultimate.

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. Learn more about Windows Vista Home Premium.

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. Learn more about Windows Vista Business.

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

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. Learn more about Windows Vista Ultimate.

Are you ready for Vista?

Microsoft has an Updgrade Advisor web site that allows users to have their system checked to ensure Vista will work properly. Also, please see the System Requirements page for additional information.

Where can I purchase Vista?

Penn State faculty, staff and students can purchased Windows Vista Versions at a significant discount over retail pricing at the Penn State Computer Store.