im getting home premium as part of the upgrade scheme and i think it will do most people fine.
taken from thevistaforums.com
If you are having trouble choosing which Vista Edition to buy, whether it is as an upgrade or a retail purchase, this guide is for you.
Windows Starter 2007
In order to offer a legal alternative to unauthorized copie, Microsoft released Windows Starter 2007 to emerging markets such as India, Russia, Mexico, Brazil, Thailand and Indonesia. It is not available in USA/Canada/Europe.
Pricing Currently Unknown
XP Counterpart: Windows XP Starter Edition
For beginner PC users with a very low end PC
Themes Included: Windows Classic, Windows Vista Basic
Very limited: no Aero, does not work with incoming network connections, only allow 3 applications to run simultaneously, no DVD Authoring or Gaming Controller Support
32-bit version only, up to 256 MB of physical memory
Windows Vista Home Basic
This version is the basis for the next three major product editions. It contains the core elements of Windows Vista.
Retail: $199.00, Upgrade: $99.95 (USD)
XP Counterpart: Windows XP Home Edition
For budget users, general consumers
Themes Included: Windows Classic, Windows Vista Basic, Windows Vista Standard
Features: Windows Firewall, Windows Security Center, secure wireless networking, parental controls, anti-spam/anti-virus/anti-spyware functionality, network map, Windows Search, Movie Maker, Photo Library, Windows Media Player, Windows Mail with RSS support and finally P2P Messenger
32-bit and 64-bit version available, up to 8 GB of physical memory
Windows Vista Home Premium
This version is the direct upgrade to Vista Home Basic and is what the average PC user will be using.
Retail: $239.00, Upgrade: $159.00 (USD)
XP Counterpart: Windows XP Media Center Edition
For home entertainment and geared towards the home user or the mobile user
Themes Included: Windows Classic, Windows Vista Basic, Windows Vista Standard, Windows Aero
Features: Everything in Vista Home Basic as well as Media Center and Media Center Extender functionality (including Cable Card support), DVD video authoring and HDTV support, DVD ripping support, mobility (Mobility Center) and presentation features, auxiliary display support, P2P ad-hoc meeting capabilities, Wi-Fi auto-config and roaming, unified parental controls that work over multiple PCs, backup to network functionality, Internet File Sharing, Offline Folders, PC-to-PC sync, Sync Manager, support for Quattro Home Server, extra games, file system encryption, photo management application and finally Tablet PC functionality
32-bit and 64-bit version available, up to 16 GB of physical memory
Windows Vista Business
This version is an alternative upgrade to Vista Home Basic that is the edition that people will tend to use at work.
Retail: $299.00, Upgrade: $199.95 (USD)
XP Counterpart: Windows XP Professional
For businesses of all sizes, from the cubicle worker to the IT manager
Themes Included: Windows Classic, Windows Vista Basic, Windows Vista Standard, Windows Aero
Features: Everything in Vista Home Basic as well as domain join and management functionality, compatibility with non-Microsoft networking protocols (Netware, SNMP, etc.), Remote Desktop, Microsoft Windows Web Server, Encrypted File System (EFS), IIS web server, fax support, offline files, dual (physical) processor support, Remote Desktop, ad-hoc P2P collaboration capabilities and finally Tablet PC functionality
32-bit and 64-bit version available, up to 128 GB of physical memory
Windows Vista Enterprise
This version is a step-up from Vista Business. It is offered exclusively through Software Assurance.
Part of Software Assurance Enterprise Licensing
XP Counterpart: None
For business decision makers, IT managers and decision makers
Themes Included: Windows Classic, Windows Vista Basic, Windows Vista Standard, Windows Aero
Features: Everything in Vista Business as well as Virtual PC, the multi-language user interface (MUI) and the Secure Startup/full volume encryption security technologies ("Cornerstone")
32-bit and 64-bit version available, up to 128 GB of physical memory
Windows Vista Ultimate
This version is the top of the line version of Windows Vista.
Retail: $399.00, Upgrade: $259.00 (USD)
XP Counterpart: None
For gamers, multimedia professionals and PC Enthusiasts
Themes Included: Windows Classic, Windows Vista Basic, Windows Vista Standard, Windows Aero
Features: Everything in Vista Home Premium and Vista Business as well as Windows Ultimate Extras (exclusive access to music, movies, services and preferred customer care) and finally additional customer service options
32-bit and 64-bit version available, up to 128 GB of physical memory
N Editions
In order to meet the requirements set by the European Union, Microsoft released Vista Home N and Vista Business N.
XP Counterpart: Windows XP Edition N
For Europeans that do not want Windows Media Player
Themes Included: Windows Classic, Windows Vista Basic, Windows Vista Standard, Windows Aero
Identical to Vista Home Basic and Vista Business respectively, except that they are stripped of Windows Media Player 11
Still Can't Decide?