After much searching, and looking through Microsoft documents I have determined a good breakdown of the major features that can be turned on or off based on the version you purchase.
There are five different versions of Vista that you are likely to encounter in the field (There are more but chances are you won't see them, or they are just missing Windows Media Player 11):
Windows Home Vista Basic
Windows Home Vista Premium
Windows Vista Business
Windows Vista Enterprise
Windows Ultimate
Basic, Premium, Business, Enterprise, and Ultimate include:
-Microsoft SafeDocs (An advanced backup utility)
-Upgradeable from Windows XP
-SNMP Support
-ICS (Internet Connection Sharing)
Premium, and Ultimate include:
-Media Center (TV Recording, and Viewing)
-Games
-DVD Authoring
Premium, Business, Enterprise, and Ultimate include:
-Scheduled Backups
-Network Backups
-Aero glass (Cool visual effects)
-Tablet PC Functionality
-Encrypted File System
Business, Enterprise, and Ultimate include:
-Shadow Copy (Allows backup of files that are in use)
-Remote Desktop
-Web Server
-Fax Client
-Offline Folders
-Ability to Join a domain
Enterprise Only:
-Unix Subsystem
-Secure Startup (Full volume encryption)
-Single Session Virtual PC (I believe this is to ease backward compatibility)
-Multi-Language User Interface
So it looks like we will still get administrative headaches when one of the owners, or one of your customer's saves money by purchasing the Home edition of Vista. Oops can't join a domain.
Can't tell you how many times someone I know purchased machines with XP Home edition pre-installed only to end up having to buy XP Pro later.
Time to start getting ready to support Vista. It will be out in the public's hands on November 30th.
Posted By: Steve Wiseman on Thursday, November 02, 2006
Check out our utilities for windows