Windows Vista Ultimate with SP1

Vista is leaps & bounds over XP. From its increased security, faster start-up times & faster intall times.

I have been dealing with it since Beta 1 & have had zero issues. My machine is used 4 everything from gaming 2 development 2 multi-media. Vista performs as well as, or in some cases better than XP.

I generally recommend that people upgrade 2 Vista.

With any product, there are of course some downfalls. Some of Vista's include:

Increased resources - although this doesn't come as surprise, as every version has demanded more, I think Vista's resources came as a bit of a shock. It generally runs well, even on slightly low end hardware, I do not recommend anything less than 1GB of RAM, preferably 2GB. You will need a decent size hard drive as well. If you have a low end processor, you will want 2 stick with XP.

Price - the price is insanely more money than any previous version of Windows. In this, MS seems 2 be keeping with the trend, as every new piece of hardware & software this generation has almost doubled in price.

In closing, don't believe all those negative ads on TV or internet forums. Vista is truly the best OS 2 come out of Redmond yet. Go & try it 4 yourself.

I was unable 2 complete installation due 2 inadequate room on my hard drive. The only reason I'm giving it such a high review is that it has been well received by other people I know who have been able 2 install theirs, & I will continue 2 hold onto it until I get an upgrade on my own pc.

There are many pros & cons 2 Microsoft Vista. If you are buying a new computer, then Vista is a good option. The computer manufacturer will have installed Vista, with all of the correct drivers. The modern computer will also likely be fast enough 2 run Vista. However, if you are looking at buying this product, then you are likely installing Vista on an existing computer.

I installed Vista on a Dell with Intel hyper threading. This computer now runs about 80% as fast as it did before. I needed 2 perform screen shots with Microsoft's latest, so this was a good upgrade 4 me. However, 4 most computers, that are already running just fine, I do not see why Vista really adds that is worth the performance sacrifice that it will likely exact from older hardware.

Vista does have many features beyond what XP provides. The screens are much cleaner & visually appealing. Security is improved. Though you will frequently get security pop-up's asking if its okay 2 do something. The improvements 2 Vista, 4 the vast majority of users, are mostly cosmetic. It may not be worth the hassle of finding drivers & slowing down your computer just 2 run Vista.

I installed it on two machines. One of them it runs perfectly on but the other one gives me the blue screen of death & crashes at least once a day. I was blown away by the features & beauty that is vista ultimate, just hope the next service pack fixes my problems :)

Just bought this 4 my new system & I just love it. It's not good if you have a older computer.

The most complete choice 4 your business just got better.Windows Vista Ultimate with Service Pack 1 helps you focus on what matters the most: you, your business, & your customers. Special enhancements & security protocols help make this Vista truly ultimate. This is the most complete edition of Windows Vista - with the power, security, & mobility features that you need 4 work with fun entertainment features. Windows Vista Ultimate has an advanced, business-focused infrastructure, mobile productivity, & a premium home digital entertainment experience, all in one box. It combines all of the features found in Windows Vista Home Premium (like Windows Media Center, Windows Movie Maker with high-definition support, & Windows DVD Maker) & Windows Vista Business (like business networking, centralized management tools, & advanced system backup features). It also has all of the security & data protection features that you need. Found only in the Ultimate edition are Windows Ultimate Extras, add-ons that extend the capabilities of your system including:

Windows Defender & Windows Firewall - safeguard your PC against security threats Easier use of a PC with Windows Tablet & Touch Technology - pen-and-ink functionality, improved navigation, improved handwriting recognition & built-in touch screen support Collaborate & share documents with Windows Meeting Space Enjoy Windows Media Center on your TV with Xbox 360 & other devices Business networking connectivity with Networking Center & Remote DesktopSystem Requirements 800 MHz processor & 512 MB of system memory 20 GB hard drive with at least 15 GB of available space Super VGA graphics support If you want a single PC that fulfills all of your work, travel, & entertainment needs, Windows Vista Ultimate is the system 4 you.

Windows Vista Ultimate with Service Pack 1 is the choice 4 those who want 2 have it all. Easily shift between the worlds of productivity & play with the most complete edition of Windows Vista. Ultimate provides the power, security, & mobility features needed 4 work, & all the entertainment features that you want 4 fun.

Compare Windows Vista editions.

Use Instant Search 2 quickly find the information you need. View larger.

Windows Vista Aero provides spectacular visual effects such as glass-like interface elements that you can see through.

The redesigned Windows Media Center in Windows Vista lets you enjoy your media throughout your home, even on your Xbox 360. View larger.

Improved Reliability & Performance
Windows Vista with Service Pack 1 & improvements delivered by hardware & software partners increase the reliability, performance, & compatibility of Windows Vista-based PCs.

With Windows Vista with SP1, many of the most common causes of operating system crashes & hangs have been addressed. Windows Vista includes new, innovative technologies that help pinpoint & diagnose issues reported anonymously by Windows Vista-based PCs from millions of users who have elected 2 have their PC send us system information.

Windows Vista with SP1 supports a number of important new technology standards, so it will keep making your PC easier & more enjoyable 2 use 4 years 2 come.

The most complete edition of Windows Vista--with the power, security, & mobility features that you need 4 work, & all of the entertainment features that you want 4 fun
When you want 2 have it all, including the ability 2 shift smoothly between the worlds of play & productivity, there's Windows Vista Ultimate with Service Pack 1. You'll never have 2 worry about having the most advanced capabilitiesÑthey're all here. This edition of Windows Vista offers an advanced, business-focused infrastructure, mobile productivity, & a premium home digital entertainment experience, all in a single offering.

Specifically, Windows Vista Ultimate with Service Pack 1 offers all of the features found in Windows Vista Home Premium, including Windows Media Center, Windows Movie Maker with high-definition support, & Windows DVD Maker. It also offers all of the features found in Windows Vista Business, including business networking, centralized management tools, & advanced system backup features. And Windows Vista Ultimate with Service Pack 1 has all of the new security & data protection features that help take Windows Vista 2 a whole new level of dependability.

In addition, Windows Vista Ultimate with Service Pack 1 includes support 4 all of the new mobility features in Windows Vista, including Windows Tablet & Touch Technology, Windows SideShow, Windows Mobility Center, & other new, advanced mobility features.

Exclusive 2 Windows Vista Ultimate with Service Pack 1 are Windows Ultimate Extras. Windows Ultimate Extras are add-ons that extend certain capabilities of your operating system or just make using your PC more fun. Windows Ultimate Extras currently available include:

• Windows DreamScene, an Extra that enables you 2 use looped, full-motion video as your desktop wallpaper instead of a static image
• Windows Hold'em, a poker game 4 players of all skill levels
• Language packs 4 Windows multi-language interface, where users can install & use multiple languages on a single PC. Great 4 multi-lingual households or if you are learning a new language.
• Secure Online Key Backup, where Ultimate users can store their BitLocker recovery password & Encrypting File System certificate on Windows Marketplace's Digital Locker website 4 access 2 the key anytime, anyplace, & from any computer that has an Internet connection
• BitLocker Drive Preparation Tool, an automated tool which removes the complexity of setting up your PC 2 use this exclusive data security feature.

Whenever a new Windows Ultimate Extra is ready 4 distribution by Microsoft, you will see the Ultimate Extra control panel inform you that there are new extras 2 download. Simply download & install the Extras & begin enjoying these exclusive software & services that give your Windows Vista experience an extra lift!

If you want a single PC that fulfills all of your work, travel, & entertainment needs, or if you simply want 2 be confident that you have the very best, Windows Vista Ultimate with Service Pack 1 is the no-compromise edition 4 you.

Windows Sidebar gives you quick access 2 gadgets like picture slide shows, Windows Media Player controls, or news headlines. You pick the gadgets you want 2 see in Windows Sidebar. View larger.

Use Flip 3D 2 navigate through open windows using the scroll wheel on your mouse. View larger.

Safety
Windows Vista with Service Pack 1 helps protect your family & your personal information from threats from malicious software & phishing scams & helps you keep your PC backed-up & running smoothly.

Parental Controls help parents keep children safer while using PCs through convenient tools 2 manage & monitor children's computer use, access 2 websites, & ability 2 play certain games & use certain applications.

PCs running Windows Vista are 60% less likely 2 be infected with viruses, worms & rootkits than PCs running Windows XP SP2.

Windows Internet Explorer 7 helps protect your PC & your personal information against malicious software, fraudulent websites, & online phishing scams. New phishing attacks are more than 25 times as common as new viruses, & over 20,000 fraudulent phishing websites are created every month. Internet Explorer 7 is now blocking nearly one million inadvertent attempts 2 access fake phishing sites per week.

Help defend your PC against pop-ups, slow performance, & security threats caused by spyware & other unwanted software with Windows Defender. Windows Defender in Windows Vista automatically scans Internet Explorer 7 downloads 2 help bring spyware 2 your attention before it can infect your computer.

More easily back-up the content on your PC--including digital photos, music, movies, & documents--with Scheduled & Network Backup.

If you have serious PC problems, Complete PC Backup & Restore makes it easier 2 restore your PC by not only backing up all your files, but also the entire operating system & all of your applications.

Help ensure that the data on your computer stays confidential, even if your PC is lost or stolen. windows BitLocker Drive Encryption provides full-volume encryption & boot integrity monitoring (alerting you if someone has tampered with your PC).

Entertainment
Windows Vista with SP1 is more entertaining. With Windows Media Center, you can enjoy your digital photos & music on your TV as well as on your PC. And it can turn your PC into a digital video recorder, so you can record TV & watch it on your schedule, not theirs.

Sit back & enjoy recorded TV, photos, music, home videos, games & DVDs from the comfort of your couch with Windows Media Center.

Access & project your TV, music, photos, & movies 2 any room in your house using an Xbox 360 console connected 2 your wired or wireless home network. It's like having your Media Center PC wherever you have an Xbox 360!

Author & burn movies, photos, & music 2 DVDs you can play on your PC or a DVD player with Windows DVD Maker.

Live the game! It's easier 4 you 2 find, play, & manage your games with GAMES EXPLORER. Games Explorer provides detailed information including when you last played, game genre, & rating of your games. With DirectX 10, play vivid & engaging games with unrivalled realism. Also, use the same game controller with both your PC & your Xbox 360 system.

Ease
It's easier & faster than ever 2 find, use, manage & share the information on your PC or on the Web with Windows Vista with SP1.

Most Windows Vista-based PCs boot in less than a minute, which can be an improvement over Windows XP boot times.

The Windows Vista sleep & resume features can bring your PC 2 life in a snap. The vast majority of Windows Vista-based PCs resume from sleep in less than six seconds.

See everything you're working on more clearly with Windows Aero & quickly switch between windows or tasks using Windows Flip 3D.

Find it fast! Simply type something about a file, picture, or song, such as a word contained in a document or e-mail message, the artist of a song, or the date a picture was taken, & Instant Search will bring back any matches instantly.

Organize a lifetime of photos & movies with ease using Windows Photo Gallery. Tag your photos by date, keyword, star rating or any identifying label you choose--so you can find them anytime you want them.

Display live information, like weather, stocks, & news, directly on your desktop with easy-to-use Gadgets & Windows Sidebar.

View multiple web pages simultaneously with Quick Tabs in Windows Internet Explorer 7.

Get up & running faster than ever with Windows Easy Transfer that automatically copies your files & settings from your old PC.

Mobility
With special features 2 help you go mobile, Windows Vista with SP1 makes computing & connecting away from home or the office easier than ever.

Work the way you want with touch & digital input & handwriting. Tablet & Touch Technology makes your notebook PC experience truly personal.

Set up a wireless network at home with Network & Sharing Center--so you can experience the freedom of working virtually anywhere in your home. Then easily find & join a wireless network at your favorite hotspot--so you can stay productive wherever you go.

Optimize your power & mobil settings centrally with Windows Mobility Center.

Easily sync & manage your music, contacts & pictures across your devices & other PCs with Sync Center.

Share your desktop or any program with Windows Meeting Space. Co-edit documents, & pass notes in class, a favorite hotspot, or where no network exists.