Microsoft has announced that it will be offering six core versions of it's upcoming Windows Vista Operating system. It will be targetted on how people use their computers and not based on hardware specifications. Out of the 6 versions, 3 will be targetted at consumers, 2 at business users and one stripped down version for emerging markets. Unlike the current Windows XP, there will no versions designed specifically for advanced 64-bit computing, multimedia computers or Tablet PCs. "We're delivering the exact same number of offerings as in Windows XP, but the big difference is that each of those offerings are targeted differently with a different set of features," said Barry Goffe, director of Microsoft's Windows client product marketing.

Windows Vista which is due out in the second half of this year will have more security, simplified search and a cleaner interface.
Windows Vista Home Basic - Basic version without Multimedia capabilities.
Windows Vista Home Premium - All the functionalies of Home Basic along with multimedia features like DVD burning, HDTV viewing and recording. It incorporates Tablet PC technology with handwriting recognition.
Windows Vista Business - Similar to Windows XP Professional and aimed at Small and Medium businesses.
Windows Vista Enterprise - Aimed at large organizations and enterprises with advanced encryption features.
Windows Vista Ultimate - Has all the advanced Multimedia features along with business oriented features.
All the versions for consumers and businesses are available for both 32-bit or 64-bit computer systems.
Microsoft will also offer a version of Vista Home Basic and Vista Business without a Windows Media Player in Europe to comply with European Union antitrust rulings.
Windows Vista screenshots
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