Windows Vista

Windows Vista is an operating system by Microsoft. It was released worldwide on 2007-01-30. It succeeds Windows XP and was replaced by Windows 7. It reached RTM on 2006-11-08.

Development of the operating system spanned approximately five years, starting in early 2001. Over the course of this time period, the product was first codenamed Whistler+ (with some sources stating Idaho as a possible codename), and then Longhorn in May 2001. The first builds of the operating system known to use the Longhorn codename were compiled in May 2002.

Initially envisioned as a minor upgrade to Windows XP, Microsoft later characterized "Longhorn" as a complete overhaul of the Windows operating system. One of the largest changes slated for "Longhorn" was pervasive use of managed code.

While in its earlier stages of development, "Longhorn" suffered from many problems relating to reliability and stability. This was due not only to the premature technology on which the operating system was based, but also because of the way new features were introduced and implemented. For this reason, the development of the operating system was "reset", with a preliminary build, 3790.1232.winmain.040819-1629 being compiled on 2004-08-19. Although this build is not known to contain any code from "Longhorn", it did include the "Longhorn" End User License Agreement (EULA), a testament to the build's authenticity.

Contrary to popular belief, only very early "Longhorn" builds were directly derived from Windows XP; later builds were based on Windows Server 2003 Release Candidate code. Builds compiled after the development reset are based on Windows Server 2003 Service Pack 1.

During Beta 1 development, Microsoft named the operating system Windows Vista. The new name was chosen to improve the product's image and reputation, and to reflect the new capabilities of the operating system.

A total of two Service Packs were released for the Windows Vista operating system. Service Pack 1 was made available to MSDN subscribers on 2008-02-15, and was released to the Microsoft Download Center and Windows Update on 2008-03-18. Service Pack 2 was released to manufacturing on 2009-04-28, and released to the Microsoft Download Center and Windows Update on 2009-05-26. In addition, Microsoft released the Platform Update for Windows Vista on 2009-10-27, which was comprised of major new Windows 7 components and updated runtime libraries. The Platform Update requires Service Pack 2 prior to installation.

Editions
Windows Vista came in many editions. Unlike Windows XP, there was no special edition for Media Center and 64-bit capability. Windows Vista also did not have an embedded version.
 * Starter This edition is intended for emerging markets and low-cost PC's. As in XP, the 3-program limit was there , and only 1GB RAM was accepted. Other software restrictions applied as well. This version is hence not available in 64-bit.
 * Home Basic Found in low cost to mid-end, this version of Windows Vista does not fully have Aero(though it has DWM) , and hence does not have effects like transparency and 3D Flip. Windows Media Center is not included as well. Parental Controls is included however. However , it does not have the hardware and 3-program limit as Starter.
 * Home Premium The mid end of Windows Vista, this version includes full Aero and Windows Media Center. It also includes Premium Games(eg - Inkball).
 * Business The business oriented version of Windows Vista, it contains several features like full RDP(client/host) capability , Group Policy and domain join ability. However , Windows Media Center is not included , Parental Controls is not included , and Premium Games are disabled by default.
 * Ultimate The top consumer variant of Windows Vista, it is a merge of the features containing on Windows Vista Home Premium and Business. Bitlocker is included in this version.
 * Enterprise The top business variant of Windows Vista. It is like Ultimate, but without Windows Media center and includes enterprise-specific tools.

Note that certain features(like Aero or TV support) may require premium/different/upgraded hardware and so may not be available on all PCs's.