Why Windows Vista Won't Suck

Windows Vista is hot news. Just in case there was any concern, ExtremeTech is providing a very indepth review of Windows Vista. It is not geared specifically to software developers, but it actually addresses a lot of concerns we might have. Worth a look if you are interested in the future of the Microsoft platform.

Subject Tags: [Programming] [Software] [Microsoft] [Windows] [Vista]

With Vista you get Six

Six versions that is. Instead of just Home, Pro and Server, like previous operating systems, Vista actually has 6 different versions. There was a rumor that there would be 8 versions for a while.

What does this mean for a software developers? Most operating system tests to determine what OS you are running on and what resources are available to your application. For your reference here are the versions:

• Vista Starter -- Streamlined version meant for low-powered PCs in developing nations.
• Vista Home Basic -- For those content to browse the web, use email, and create and edit basic documents from their PC. Includes desktop search and security tools.
• Vista Home Premium -- Includes everything in Basic but also includes the Aero graphical interface, Media Center functionality, and ability to connect to xBox 360. The version most of us will own at home.
• Vista Business -- The basic version for companies of all sizes with tools to help organizations manage their PCs.
• Vista Enterprise -- Includes everything in the basic business version with improved encryption and BitLocker system to keep data from being read on a stolen computer.
• Vista Ultimate -- All the features of Home and Business in one.

Most likely you will only run into the Starter edition if your application is used internationally. I noticed that like XP there is no server edition. Does this mean we will have a Windows 2006(or 2007) server in the same way XP was complimented by Windows 2003 Server? I suspect Ultimate will be really common among power-users and gamers. Frankly it is nice that Microsoft provides such an edition. They have been notorious for having different editions where none of them include everything. With Team System they did provide Team Suite, which includes everything, but the price tag is astronomical. Hopefully Ultimate will not be that expensive.

Subject Tags: [Programming] [Software] [Microsoft] [Windows] [Vista]

Subscribe to Mailing list

A few people are having trouble finding the mailing list sign-up on the right. I will move it closer to the top. In the mean time you can sign-up here.

GoogleGroups Mailing List

Email:

Browse Archives

Subject Tags: [mailing+list] [sign-up]

Funny Bone's Geek Week

Boise's Funny Bone comedy club is celebrating Geek Week from February 8, 2006- March 12, 2006 (so more like a month.) If you work in IT/IS then you get 2 free tickets to each show for the month. It is great to be a geek.

Visit the Funny Bone website to read the press-release or print out your tickets [both PDF].

Subject Tags: [GEEK] [Comedy] [Boise] [Boise, Idaho] [Free] [Comedian]