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Raw Bytes Computer News KPBX FM 91.1 Radio National Public Radio Network Frank Delaney Producer Broadcast on Wednesday Morning 7:35 AM During Morning Edition Support Public Radio ! The Theater Of the Mind |
In computer news this week 1/30/2007 |
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Windows Vista
choices - no longer chocolate and vanilla With the introduction of Microsoft’s new Vista operating system, we find new choices that we haven’t had to face before. The last versions of windows – XP – presented us with 2 choices – Windows Home or Windows professional – the basic difference being that if you used your computer at business you probably would want to buy the business version of the operating system. But with Vista comes a new confusing range of choices At the lowest level is Home basic – described as “Windows Vista Home Basic is ideal for homes with basic computing needs like e-mail, browsing the Internet, and viewing photos. Easy to set up and maintain, it enables you to quickly find what you're looking for on your PC and the Internet, while providing a more secure environment to help protect you from an unpredictable world.” $ 199 Then comes Home
Premium
described as “Windows Vista Home Premium is the preferred edition for home desktop and mobile PCs. It provides a breakthrough design that brings your world into sharper focus while delivering the productivity, entertainment, and security you need from your PC at home or on the go.” $ 239 and worth the additional price UG 159 Then there’s Vista
Business
“Windows Vista Business is the first edition of Windows designed specifically to meet the needs of small businesses. You'll spend less time on technology support-related issues—so you can spend more time making your business successful. Windows Vista Business is the definitive choice for your business today and tomorrow.” $ 299 UG 199 Followed by Vista
Enterprise
“Designed to significantly lower IT costs and risks, Windows Vista
Enterprise meets the needs of large, global organizations with complex IT
infrastructures.” Oddly enough I
can’t find either this or a price on it anywhere during this Vista
launch frenzy. And finally for the ultimate computer geeks or just those folks who
want it all, there’s Windows Vista
Ultimate $ 399 UG 259
“Windows Vista Ultimate is the choice for those who want to have it all. Easily shift between the worlds of productivity and play with the most complete edition of Windows Vista. Ultimate provides the power, security, and mobility features needed for work, and all the entertainment features that you want for fun.” So if you’re buying a new computer, you’re going to have to choose between one of these new versions of Windows Vista. And these operating system prices are the highest they’ve ever been – because Microsoft supposedly spent up to 9 billion dollars in product development and they need to restock their cash coffers. I always imagine a Microsoft Scrooge McDuck swimming in money in a bank vault. However if you’re not buying a new computer, you can just continue with your plans to watch the super bowl and buy the beer you want and the munchies and snacks without taking a big hit in your wallet because you don’t have to buy a new operating system, because you probably don’t need to upgrade to Vista if everything is working fine for you with your own personal computer. And more good news – Microsoft announced they’ll be supporting Windows XP through the year 2009, so you may not be on the leading edge of technology, but you’re sure not going to fall off or get cut by it either, and a penny saved is a penny earned. For Raw Bytes This is Frank Delaney (C) 2007 MTA Micro
Technology Associates http://www.mtamicro.com/kpbx.html PO Box 31522 Spokane, Wa 99223-1522 (509)624-7230 |
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