Windows Vista

Hi i was thinking about buying windows vista home premium but i see there's 2 versions of it: an upgrade version and a normal one. What is the difference

 

The upgrade version will be cheaper, but will require that you prove that you have a qualifying EARLIER version of Windows. (Typically by inserting the installation CD during install)

The normal version will be more expensive, but doesn't require ownership of a previous version of Windows.

 

Small correction Mada. As of Vista, qualifying media must be installed on the hard disk, and not simply proven by a CD.

 

Yes, I knew that... my apologies, theven 4!

 

>> Re: Hi i was thinking about buying windows vista home premium but i see there's 2 versions of it: an upgrade version and a normal one. What is the difference - theven 4 <<

Windows Vista comes in four editions: Home Basic | Home Premium | Business | Ultimate | Enterprise (see this Vista comparison webpage)

The basic difference between the FULL editions and the UPGRADE editions is that you can install the FULL editions without having any prior operating system and with the upgrade edition you need to have a prior Windows version on your PC.

You can upgrade any of these four editions from your current edition of Microsoft Windows XP or Windows 2000 to a corresponding edition of Windows Vista by purchasing and installing an "upgrade copy" of Windows Vista. Another difference is that the upgraded copies of these editions are slightly cheaper in price.

Note: You can also use the Windows Vista Upgrade Advisor to determine if your Windows XP-based PC can run Windows Vista. Also check out the recommended system requirements for the four editions.

Good Luck!

 

Why did you say Vista comes in four editions when you listed five?

 

I figured it must be because he's human, and not a robot.....?

 

Well, he has five fingers on each hand, right?

 

Well thanks for clearing that up!

But what is the difference between the 64bit and the 32bit?

 

On the outside, nothing. No extra features in that respect.

64 bit allows you to use more ram, over the 4gb limit 32 bit OSes have. It allows you to run 64 bit applications, which you are unlikely to be finding or using any time soon

It also requires every driver to be WHQL signed. Some may argue due to the stricter driver requirements being enforced on the OS, that the drivers are more mature and stable. I couldn't tell you either way.

While you can run 32 bit applications in 64 bit Windows, there is always a risk that there will be some compatibility issues. Gaming is debatable, due to the strict driver requirements, it might be better, I don't know.