Microsoft verifies Vista versions

Microsoft has revealed the flavours of Vista it will be launching later this year, confirming many of the details which were inadvertently leaked last week.

As expected, there will be more than six versions of the new operating system: one for developing markets, two business systems, three for the home and some EU-specific packages that have Media Player removed. Most of the options will be available in 32-bit and 64-bit versions.

"Windows Vista is going to be a significant release for all Windows customers, including enterprises, small and medium-sized businesses as well as consumers," said Al Gillen, research director for system software at analyst firm IDC.

"Microsoft's strategy to address different customer segments with versions of Windows Vista optimised for their needs should be well received by these diverse user segments."

The developing market version, called Windows Vista Starter, will be limited to 32-bit processors and provides a very basic operating system suitable for office and internet functions.

Business users have a choice between Vista Business and Vista Enterprise. Both versions come with the new Windows Aero interface, which has improved graphics and desktop search capabilities. Support for Tablet PCs is built in and there will be no separate Tablet PC edition of Vista.

Vista Enterprise has similar features but with a number of security enhancements and better application compatibility. Microsoft is also claiming that Unix applications will be able to run on the operating system.

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