Datasheet

Chapter 1: Selecting the Right Vista Version
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Windows Vista Business
Windows Vista Business Full $299.00
Windows Vista Business Upgrade $199.00
Windows Vista Ultimate
Windows Vista Ultimate Full $349.00
Windows Vista Ultimate Upgrade $219.00
OEM Versions
One of the biggest secrets in the software world is that Microsoft’s operating systems
are available from online retailers in special OEM versions (which come in just the Full
SKU) that are aimed at the PC-builder market. These are the small “mom and pop”-type
PC makers who build handcrafted machines for local markets. OEM packaging can be
seen in Figure 1-4.
Table 1-14: (continued)
Adding to the complexity here is that all retail versions of Windows Vista, except
for Windows Vista Ultimate, are available only in 32-bit versions. If you want a
64-bit version of Windows Vista Home Basic, Home Premium, or Business, you
can purchase the 32-bit version and then mail away for a 64-bit install disk.
Windows Vista Ultimate includes both 32-bit and 64-bit installation disks.
If you’re buying a retail copy of Vista and you already own a previous version of
Windows, such as XP, don’t buy a full version of Vista. Find out what Microsoft’s
current requirements are to qualify for an upgrade version, which is much
cheaper. To successfully load an upgrade version, you usually must be installing
onto a machine that has the old version installed, or you must have the old ver-
sion on a CD (which you insert briefl y during the installation of the new OS as
proof). Note, however, that you can in fact use an Upgrade version of Windows
Vista to perform a clean install: you’ll learn how in the next chapter.
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