FREE WINDOWS VISTA - DOWNLOAD VISTA (BITA)
Windows Vista Home BasicThe good: Windows Vista Home Basic does improve some features within Windows XP; fewer system crashes than Windows XP; and Windows Vista offers better built-in support options.
The bad: Windows Vista Home Basic does not put Search on the desktop (it's buried within applications, within the Start Menu); no Aero graphics system in Home Basic; no new software yet written exclusively for Windows Vista; optimized only for the Microsoft Windows ecosystem (for example, RSS feeds from IE7 get preferential treatment); and little reason to leave Windows XP.
The bottom line: Windows Vista Home Basic is essentially warmed-over Windows XP, Windows XP SP3. If you're currently happy with Windows XP SP2, we see no compelling reason to upgrade. On the other hand, if you need a new computer right now, Windows Vista is stable enough for everyday use.
Windows Vista Home Premium
The good: Windows Vista Home Premium does improve some features within Windows XP; fewer system crashes than Windows XP; and Windows Vista offers better built-in support options.
The bad: Windows Vista Home Premium does not put Search on the desktop (it's buried within applications, within the Start Menu); no new software yet written exclusively for Windows Vista; optimized only for the Microsoft Windows ecosystem (for example, RSS feeds from Internet Explorer 7 get preferential treatment); Tablet PC support unnecessary; fax and scan support missing; and there are too many editions of Windows Vista.
The bottom line: Windows Vista Home Premium is essentially warmed-over Windows XP Home Edition. If you're currently happy with Windows XP SP2, we see no compelling reason to upgrade. On the other hand, if you need a new computer right now, Windows Vista Home Premium is stable enough for everyday use.
Windows Vista features
The bad: Windows Vista Home Premium does not put Search on the desktop (it's buried within applications, within the Start Menu); no new software yet written exclusively for Windows Vista; optimized only for the Microsoft Windows ecosystem (for example, RSS feeds from Internet Explorer 7 get preferential treatment); Tablet PC support unnecessary; fax and scan support missing; and there are too many editions of Windows Vista.
The bottom line: Windows Vista Home Premium is essentially warmed-over Windows XP Home Edition. If you're currently happy with Windows XP SP2, we see no compelling reason to upgrade. On the other hand, if you need a new computer right now, Windows Vista Home Premium is stable enough for everyday use.
Windows Vista features
DIY Windows Vista
Need a road map for Vista? We've rounded up some simple tips and tutorials on the OS's most useful new features. Check out our video how-tos, tips, online classes, forums, and more. Read more
Put Vista in your living room
If you are looking to put Vista in your living room, we've reviewed three home theater PCs that might fit the bill, and we anticipate seeing many more introductions in this category as the year progresses. Read more
Windows Vista performance: What to expect
CNET Labs tested two laptops with XP and Vista to see how performance differs between the two operating systems. Read more
CNET Learning Hub: Windows Vista
Find Windows Vista tutorials, tips, and classes with CNET experts. Read more
Windows Vista's half-cocked firewall
The new Windows Firewall in Windows Vista allows outbound connections by default. How is that providing two-way firewall protection? Read more
That $200 Windows XP Service Pack called Vista
Most of the touted security enhancements in Windows Vista don't appear in the Home Premium and Basic versions, and what's there could have fit into a free Windows XP Service Pack instead. Read more
Security Bites Podcast: Windows Vista
Microsoft is finally unleashing Windows Vista for consumers. One of the software giant's messages is that the operating system upgrade boosts PC security. But is it enough to warrant buying a new Windows version? Listen to the podcast
CNET Labs tests the first Vista systems
While most vendors were still putting the finishing touches on their refreshes and introductions, HP and Toshiba were the first two manufacturers to get us working units for review. HP served up a Pavilion tablet and a totally unique all-in-one desktop, while Toshiba's first Vista laptop is a beautifully crafted convertible tablet. See how they performed.
Need a road map for Vista? We've rounded up some simple tips and tutorials on the OS's most useful new features. Check out our video how-tos, tips, online classes, forums, and more. Read more
Put Vista in your living room
If you are looking to put Vista in your living room, we've reviewed three home theater PCs that might fit the bill, and we anticipate seeing many more introductions in this category as the year progresses. Read more
Windows Vista performance: What to expect
CNET Labs tested two laptops with XP and Vista to see how performance differs between the two operating systems. Read more
CNET Learning Hub: Windows Vista
Find Windows Vista tutorials, tips, and classes with CNET experts. Read more
Windows Vista's half-cocked firewall
The new Windows Firewall in Windows Vista allows outbound connections by default. How is that providing two-way firewall protection? Read more
That $200 Windows XP Service Pack called Vista
Most of the touted security enhancements in Windows Vista don't appear in the Home Premium and Basic versions, and what's there could have fit into a free Windows XP Service Pack instead. Read more
Security Bites Podcast: Windows Vista
Microsoft is finally unleashing Windows Vista for consumers. One of the software giant's messages is that the operating system upgrade boosts PC security. But is it enough to warrant buying a new Windows version? Listen to the podcast
CNET Labs tests the first Vista systems
While most vendors were still putting the finishing touches on their refreshes and introductions, HP and Toshiba were the first two manufacturers to get us working units for review. HP served up a Pavilion tablet and a totally unique all-in-one desktop, while Toshiba's first Vista laptop is a beautifully crafted convertible tablet. See how they performed.
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