Need Windows Vista advice

Edict

I would like to put Windows Vista on my new computer. My college only offers Vista Business for $90. I don't know if this is an upgrade to home premium or not. My question is should I purchase the business version or not? Thanks for any advice or links that might help.

Rook

The Business version doesn't have the Media Center, but does have some other features like Bit Locker. But if you don't think you'll use the media center than there's nothing wrong with it.

wunderbar

I bought Business above Home Premium for myself because I needed Remote desktop but not Media Center. As long as you dont' need Media Center you are fine to get business. (note that media center is not the same as Windows Media player, which every windows version has)

Dunadan019

my college offered vista ultimate for 20 bucks a year ago. 90 bucks is a deal but not if you already have a different vista version (if you dont then go for it)

Morskittar

Business doesn't have Bit Locker; that's the next tier (Ultimate via retail). Check this chart out.

Really, there are only four versions you'll see on shelves or preinstalled (all the others people bitch about are for developing countries, enterprise customers, and the like). One is gimped to the point where you're better off running XP instead of it.

Home Premium = XP Media Center edition (no Active Directory/server connectivity, games, media center)
Business = XP Pro (no media center, full backup and restore features, server connectivity)
Ultimate = new; all of the above plus Bit Locker and some random extras

Not a lot of reason to go from Home Premium to Business, unless you really need the server connectivity or granular and scheduled backup features.

Edict

Thanks for the quick replies. It looks like I would want Home Premium, but as I said my college only offers Business. I don't know what the media center is, would I be missing out on alot if I go with business?

I think I would be better off trying to get home premium after looking at your link.

I just checked and I can now get Vista Ultimate for $95, that seems like the best way to go, am I right?

squirly

You could always buy the OEM version of Vista Home Premium for $99 -- http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16832116488

Dunadan019

if you can buy ultimate for 95 dollars its better than business for 90.