Product Description

Windows Vista Ultimate is the flagship edition of Windows Vista across consumer and small business desktop PCs and mobile PCs. The primary user of Windows Vista Ultimate is the individual, such as a small business owner, who has a single PC to use both at home and at work. This edition includes all of the features available in Windows Vista Home Premium and Windows Vista Enterprise. Windows Vista Ultimate is the first operating system that combines the advanced infrastructure of a business-focused operating system, the productivity of a mobility-focused operating system, and the digital entertainment features of a consumer-focused operating system. For users who want their PC to be great for working at home, on the go, and at the office, Windows Vista Ultimate is the no-compromise operating system that provides it all.

Product Details

• Amazon Sales Rank: #1198 in Software
• Brand: Microsoft
• Model: 66R-00003
• Released on: 2007-01-30
• Platforms: Windows Vista Home Premium, Windows XP, Windows 2000, Windows Vista Business, Windows Vista Home Basic
• Format: DVD-ROM
• Original language: English
• Dimensions: 8.00" h x 2.00" w x 6.00" l, 3.00 pounds

Features

• Mobility-based operating system meets all your computing needs whether you're working from home, working on the road, or searching for entertainment options
• Combines all the features of a business-focused operating system, all the efficiency features of a mobility-focused operating system, and all of the digital entertainment features of a consumer-focused operating system
• Remotely connect to business networks; Windows BitLocker Drive Encryption provides improved levels of protection against theft for your important business data whether you are at home, on the road, or in the office
• Delivers all of the entertainment features available in Windows Vista Home Premium; includes everything you need to enjoy the latest in digital photography, music, movies, analog TV, or even HDTV
• Upgrade from your current edition of Microsoft Windows XP or Windows 2000 (including Windows XP Professional, Windows XP Home, Windows XP Media Center, Windows XP Tablet PC, Windows XP Professional x64, Windows 2000)

Amazon.com
The most comprehensive edition of Windows Vista, Vista Ultimate Upgrade (DVD-ROM) is the first operating system that combines all of the advanced infrastructure features of a business-focused operating system, all of the management and efficiency features of a mobility-focused operating system, and all of the digital entertainment features of a consumer-focused operating system. For the person who wants one operating system that is great for working from home, working on the road, and for entertainment, Windows Vista Ultimate is a no-compromise operating system that lets you have it all.

Windows Sidebar gives you quick access to gadgets like picture slide shows, Windows Media Player controls, or news headlines. You pick the gadgets you want to see in Windows Sidebar. View larger.

Use Flip 3D to navigate through open windows using the scroll wheel on your mouse. View larger.

Compare Windows Vista editions.

Use Instant Search to quickly find the information you need. View larger.

Windows Vista Aero provides spectacular visual effects such as glass-like interface elements that you can see through.

The redesigned Windows Media Center in Windows Vista lets you enjoy your media throughout your home, even on your Xbox 360. View larger.

Update Eligibility
You can upgrade from your current edition of Microsoft Windows XP or Windows 2000 (including Windows XP Professional, Windows XP Home, Windows XP Media Center, Windows XP Tablet PC, Windows XP Professional x64, Windows 2000) to a corresponding or better edition of Windows Vista by purchasing and installing this upgrade copy of Windows Vista. Depending on which edition of Windows you are running and the edition of Windows Vista you would like to install, you have two options for the installation process: You can upgrade in-place, which means you can install Windows Vista and retain your applications, files, and settings as they were in your previous edition of Windows or you can do a clean install. If you are currently using Windows 2000 Professional or Windows XP Professional x64, you are eligible for an upgrade copy to a corresponding or better edition of Windows Vista, but a clean install is required. For versions of Windows earlier than Windows 2000, upgrade copies are not available. These earlier versions of Windows require you to install a full copy of Windows Vista.

Easier, Faster Access to Information
Windows Vista Ultimate features Windows Aero, a new interface that delivers higher levels of efficiency for any business user. This easy-to-use interface makes it a snap to navigate through the operating system and from application to application. Most importantly, Windows Aero helps you juggle multiple tasks at once by providing a three-dimensional, real-time, animated view of all your open applications and documents. And for those businesses that do work in other countries, Windows Vista Ultimate supports all worldwide interface languages.

Breakthrough Windows Vista Experience
Designed to help you feel confident in your ability to view, find, and organize information and to control your computing experience, all editions of Windows Vista introduce a breakthrough user experience. The visual sophistication of Windows Vista helps streamline your computing experience by refining common window elements so you can better focus on the content on the screen rather than on how to access it. The desktop experience is more informative, intuitive, and helpful. And new tools bring better clarity to the information on your computer, so you can see what your files contain without opening them, find applications and files instantly, navigate efficiently among open windows, and use wizards and dialog boxes more confidently.

Work From Home
Windows Vista Ultimate includes all of the features that make it easy to remotely connect to business networks. This means that when you're working from home, you'll have advanced networking capabilities, such as the ability to join a domain, support for Group Policy, and access to features such as Remote Desktop. Windows Vista Ultimate also includes Windows BitLocker Drive Encryption that provides improved levels of protection against theft for your important business data whether you are at home, on the road, or in the office.

More Entertainment Options
Windows Vista Ultimate delivers all of the entertainment features available in Windows Vista Home Premium, and includes everything you need to enjoy the latest in digital photography, music, movies, analog TV, or even HDTV. Windows Vista Ultimate also has helpful tools such as Windows Photo Gallery and Windows Movie Maker to ensure that you have everything you need to collect, manage, and edit your digital content. It also includes Windows Media Center for turning your PC into an all-in-one home entertainment center.

Versatile Operation
Windows Vista Ultimate truly lives up to its name by delivering all of the features both business and home users want and need. It is the ideal solution for both a small-business owner who wants a single PC that he or she can use at the office, on the road, and at home, and for someone who wants a home PC that will be used primarily for entertainment purposes but that can also be used for business purposes such as connecting to a corporate network.

From the Manufacturer
Get EVERYTHING that Windows has to offer. Windows Vista Ultimate is the most complete version of Windows Vista. It includes all the features available in Windows Vista Home Premium and Windows Vista Enterprise. In this version, you get the best of advanced innovation for business usage scenarios, advanced productivity for mobility-focused usage, as well as the top of the line digital entertainment features that you can enjoy at home. You will love how Windows Vista Ultimate transforms your PC to be simply amazing for your home, on the go, or at the office.

Note: This is a Windows Vista Ultimate Upgrade DVD-Rom.

Keep Your PC and Your Family Safer Online
Help keep the entire family safe online with Parental controls. Windows Vista also helps you protect your PC from the impact of viruses and spyware by alerting you when potentially dangerous software is trying to run on your computer. Windows Vista Ultimate uses Windows Defender to help protect your PC by regularly scanning your computer and offering to remove any spyware or other unwanted software that it finds.

All the Right Tools You Need to Work More Effectively
Now, Windows Vista Ultimate makes working from home or remotely more efficient because it includes all the advanced networking, security, and productivity features included in Windows Vista Business. It keeps your data more secure even on shared computers by encrypting the files of each user, provides flexible, integrated faxing and scanning capabilities that make it easier to send and receive faxes, scan documents and images, and share those resources with other people. Windows Vista Ultimate also helps boost your PC performance and makes it more responsive by caching key system information on a USB flash drive or other flash memory form factor. (This speeds performance because the flash memory can often be accessed more quickly than the hard disk). It also helps improve PC responsiveness and helps make system performance more consistent by tracking which applications are used most often and preloading them into memory for quick access.

Everything You Need to Be Fun and Creative at Home (or Even on the Go).
Sit back and enjoy your favorite television shows on your own time with Windows Media Center. Watch, pause and record your favorite TV or premium high-definition (HD) cable television content, find the program you want using the built-in television guide, listen to your favorite music and share your photos with family and friends in a slideshow set to the soundtrack of your choice--all on your PC or a TV screen. With Extender devices like the Xbox 360 connected to your home network, you can even enjoy all the digital media you have on your PC virtually anywhere in your home. With Windows Vista Ultimate, retain high-definition (HD) quality as you capture, edit, and publish movies from your HD camcorder and create professional-looking DVDs complete with transitions and chapters that you can enjoy in your home DVD player.

Features in Windows Vista Ultimate

The greatest Windows Vista experience available.

• Windows Aero--features stunning visual effects, including helpful animations, transparent glass menu bars, and live thumbnail previews of open programs.
• Windows Flip 3D--enables you to dynamically flip through your open programs in a three-dimensional, stacked view.
• Instant Search--Find anything on your PC and on the internet with search technologies integrated throughout Windows Vista.
• Windows Ultimate Extras--get new and exclusive software and services available only for Vista Ultimate customers.
• Use your PC in multiple languages--can run in a different language for each user.

• Windows Defender--helps safeguard your PC against spyware and security threats.
• Dynamic security protection--helps you browse the web more securely.
• Windows Backup and Restore Center--helps schedule automated backups of your important files and settings.
• Windows BitLocker Drive Encryption--helps to better protect your data against loss or theft if your mobile PC is ever lost or stolen.
• Anti-phishing technology--helps protect you from fraudulent websites that attempt to steal your personal information.
• Internet Explorer protected mode--helps prevent unwanted malicious software downloads.
• Parental Controls--manage the rules for your children's computer use including web access and games.

• Windows Media Center--Watch, pause and rewind live TV or enjoy your entire digital entertainment library on your PC or television.
• Windows DVD Maker--burn your photo slide shows and home movies to DVD.
• Extend Windows Media Center--enjoy your digital entertainment on TVs throughout your home with an Xbox 360 or other media extender.
• Games for Windows--are available on your PC or online for every age and ability
• DirectX 10 --enables Windows Vista to run the latest, most graphically advanced PC games in the market.
• Windows Games Explorer--helps you install, manage, and enjoy all of your games in one easy-to-access location.
• Three new premium games--includes Mahjong Titans, Chess Titans, and InkBall,
• Windows Movie Maker--helps you capture, edit, and publish your digital home movies in standard or high-definition format.
• Windows Media Player 11--new features are designed to help you manage your library of digital music, photos, and video and synch with a variety of portable players.

• Fast Sleep and Resume--Pause and resume your computer session in just seconds while conserving your battery life in sleep mode.
• Network and Sharing Center--helps you more easily and securely connect to wireless networks.
• Windows Mobility Center--saves time by giving you quick access to key mobile system settings.
• Remote Desktop--connect more easily with remote PCs.
• Windows Fax and Scan--helps you send, organize and share faxes and scans.
• Domain Join--it's easier than ever to confidently connect with company or school networks.
• Windows Meeting Space--helps you wirelessly connect your mobile PC to a friend's PC for sharing files--even when you're not connected to the Internet.
• Sync Center--helps keep your portable devices synchronized with your PC.
• The best version of Windows for notebook PCs with enhanced Tablet Technology.

Customer Reviews

Not Normally a Microsoft Basher
I've normally always liked Microsoft OS's. But that all changed with Vista. A little personal background: I'm an electrical engineer, did computer technical support prior to that, run a home network and build my own systems. In other words, I'm technically very astute. I have a gaming system with 2GB ram, SATA hard drives, PCI express (SLI) video card. My system more than passes the Vista compatibility test (other than removing McAfee). So I decide to order Vista. After receiving my copy, I proceed with the installation. Vista performs another compatibility test during installation and comes up with an error that the install can't proceed because the SATA/Raid host controllers are incompatible. I did everything I could think of, including contacting MS technical support (useless!). Keep in mind I've done the upgrade option given by the Vista CD and not the clean install (which wipes the system). I also have 2 backups of everything; one on a different internal drive and one on an external USB drive. I decide WTF and spring for a new motherboard with current drivers. I get XP running with my new board and all and then try the upgrade again and receive the same exact fracking error! I call support again and they say I have to choose the clean install option, which I didn't want to do because I don't want to reinstall all the software (including special engineering and math programs). Thanks for skewering me MS.

Since I have to flat line the system I decide to install a stripped Raid configuration with 2 Seagate drives. I still have the IDE drive in the system with my backups. The drive configuration is finished so I insert my Vista upgrade CD and try to begin installing (I figured it would work like XP before; since this is an upgrade CD it would ask me to insert my previous full version CD into the drive). I get the message that this copy of Vista can only be installed from within a running version of XP. So now I have to reinstall XP first (since installing the raid wiped the previous install of XP). I whip out my old 1.44 floppy and the disk for installing the sata/raid drivers for the new motherboard (this is required for installing XP on a clean system as it doesn't come with those drivers). I finally get to the point of selecting the drive to install XP on. It lists my IDE backup drive and my stripped 800GB raid drive. I create a partition of the full space on the raid. Now I carefully and methodically select the 800GB drive as the install drive and press enter to install. Next is a screen informing me the 800GB drive needs to first be formatted and I press whatever key it was to proceed. HORROR of HORRORS! The next screen informs me the XP install is formatting my backup IDE drive (the one with all my file backups). There isn't an option to cancel and even then knowing I'm too late, I shut the system down and physically disconnect the backup drive (which in retrospect I should have done anyway). I've just been skewered by MS again! But all is okay, I stopped the format and can probably recover the data with some special recovery software and I have my USB external backup drive. Finally after much struggling, shedding of blood and a multitude of expletive outbursts that would make a sailor blush, Vista is installed on my system. I plug in my external USB backup drive and go to My Computer, but no drive is listed. I check device manage and Computer Management and the drive is listed but I can't access it. I unplug the USB drive and plug it into my XP laptop and the drive and data are fine. I plug and drive back into Vista and nothing! I call MS support again. After some fooling around and telling the tech that all my Backup data is on this drive he informs me I just need to assign the drive a drive letter in computer management. I'm leery, but he's consulted with others and is certain this is the way to proceed. So okay I do it and low and behold the drive is now list in my computer. I click on it and get the message that the drive must be formatted. FRACK! Now I don't know if you were keeping count, but that is now 2 separate copies of external backups that have fallen victim of the Vista upgrade. How many of you out there have 2 separate Backups?! Not many I'm sure. After 2 hours I get off the phone and still can't access the drive in Vista or XP now. Resignedly I begin the search for data extraction and recovery software, which I find and buy. The software installs and runs fine on Vista, but when it extracts the data from the initial internal backup drive all the files are of zero bytes. Okay, not good! I remove the drive and put it into another computer with XP and install the software on that system. The software again runs fine and successfully recovers all my data. Woot! Saved! After a week and a half of fiddling with Vista, installing software and drivers, only the typical software (office, IE, media player and a few others) work on the system but there are many instabilities. None of my engineering software works, there are network access issues and a plethora of other issues. The most important thing is that I do not trust Vista with my data. Today (2007/02/10) as I write this, I have formatted my system and am happily reinstalling XP.

With all that said, the moral is DO NOT UPGRADE TO VISTA on a working XP system, especially if you have any non-standard software (engineering, databases, etc). If you are brave (or foolish enough to do so), be sure to backup all your data on multiple drives and disconnect them from the system while you do the upgrade. If you are lucky, one of the copies may survive the journey you've embarked upon.

I HATE Vista, I'd give it Zero Stars if I could
It's not because it's so slow that I hate it, it's because Microsoft has decided that I'm too stupid to know what I'm doing so they've decided to protect me from myself and won't allow me to even look at what's on my hard drive. Every mouse click now takes 3 or 4 clicks for the same thing. It's so confusing to look at my documents folders, I can't figure out what is where. I can't view web pages on my own site because they aren't in the security frame of safe. All my USB WiFi devices don't work on Vista and the only ones available are extremely expensive. My cousin bought a Vista installed laptop and with customer support couldn't get it connected to his WiFi router at home because of security issues, so he took it back and got one that has XP Media Center on it for less. I was given a full, licensed copy of Vista Ultimate and I will not install it on any of my computers. If MS stops supporting XP and I have only Vista available in a PC, I'll buy an Apple.

A Very Disappointing and Defective Windows Upgrade
I've been using Windows Vista Ultimate for several months now, and I must say that I am extremely disappointed. I'm normally a big early adopter of technology, but Vista is just not ready for primetime, folks. Yes, it's basically Windows XP warmed over with a somewhat prettier interface (that is a me-too rip off of the Mac OS).

Beyond that, though, it actually has several bugs that make one wonder how this thing was ever shipped as production ready. Some of the bugs that I have noticed so far (and confirmed to be problems others are having):

* After going to sleep and waking up again, my computer loses its Internet connection (both wired and wireless). I have to manually run an "ipconfig /renew" command or otherwise refresh the adapters to be up again.

* Basic file copy and deletion operations take forever as the fancy, new file operation dialog says it's "calculating." This is almost unforgivable for an operating system to flub up such basic tasks.

* Vista haphazardly classifies certain folders as various multimedia views (pictures, music, etc.)--even when they are just regular files. Gee, I always wanted to know what the "album" and "rating" of a DLL or EXE file is. Despite attempts to correct the situation, Vista eventually loses the settings and reverts back to its signature craziness.

* The new security pop ups (UAC) often come up more than once for the same basic task, even something as simple as renaming a file. They are totally intrusive.

* Interface elements, such as networking, that were simple in Windows XP have been obfuscated with dumbed down and nonsensical interfaces that make it difficult to accomplish certain tasks.

* After installing and running many programs, I have received a dialog of Vista asking me if things "ran properly." As if I knew. I think things ran properly, but the fact that the dialog box comes up makes me question it. So which is it?

* File lists in folders now re-sort on the fly. Rename a file, and it will disappear right afterward if the file list is large enough.

And the list goes on and on. With the development time that went into this product, I'm quite disappointed. At this point, I sort of wish I switched to the Mac OS instead of buying a new laptop with Vista on it. If you get Vista, wait until the first service pack comes out.