Vista Home Premium Alternatives

Okay, so I'm getting a Laptop with Home Premium already in.
I do have a Vista Ultimate CD, but, I really dont have the time to reformat and hunt down ****load of drivers, so I'm going to be keeping Home Premium.

What I would like to know is what am I missing from not using Ultimate?
From a little research it seems like these are the only features found in vista ultimate and not in home preimium.

1) Windows Complete PC Backup and Restore
Don't really need it. I use a backup service to store all my web/computer files.

2) Windows Fax and Scan
Wait, does this mean, I cannot scan anything to my computer? I don't fax, but I do scan some photos for safe keeping in my computer.

3) Remote Desktop Connection
Usefull tool, I used this a lot. But, I can also just use LogMeIn, or some other remote desktop program as an alternative.

4) Windows BitLocker Drive Encryption
Umm, ya, I have no need to encrypt any of my files.

Am I missing anything?

 

All the drivers are going to be on the computer, tucked away in a folder somewhere. All you need to do is burn them to a DVD and reinstall.

 

Still, if the only difference is what I posted above, then, vista preimum should be fine for me.

 

The ability to connect to a domain-but that's not really important for home use.

You can use the software included with your scanner to scan so don't sweat losing Windows Fax and Scan.

 

home premium will be fine for you........

but it's not that hard to format, install ultimate........

 

Just install your version of Ultimate, the drivers will still be the same and will come on a disc with your laptop.

 

1) Windows Complete PC Backup and Restore
Don't really need it. I use a backup service to store all my web/computer files.

Acronis True Image. $25-26 @ NewEgg right now.

2) Windows Fax and Scan
Wait, does this mean, I cannot scan anything to my computer? I don't fax, but I do scan some photos for safe keeping in my computer.

Your scanner will have a scanner program included. The Windows utility is for fax only.

3) Remote Desktop Connection
Usefull tool, I used this a lot. But, I can also just use LogMeIn, or some other remote desktop program as an alternative.

If you want to connect to other computers, then you are fine. If you want to connect to YOUR computer from elsewhere, then you should upgrade to Ultimate.

4) Windows BitLocker Drive Encryption
Umm, ya, I have no need to encrypt any of my files.

Truecrypt.

 

Is Acronis compatible with 64-bit Vista?

 

YEP

NO doubt about it, use it all the time......

 

Ultimate also allows you to access Previous Versions, which is a really nice feature (an stupid of MS to only put it in Ultimate)

 

It's also in Business edition.

But yeah I think they should've put it in Home Premium too.

 

Eh, regular backups via Acronis are good enough.

 

If you have a copy of Ultimate already, there's no point in spending $20 on Acronis, given that you should do a clean install of your system anyways.

 

It's the difference between using a VCR to record TV shows and using a DVR to do it. You can say they are the same thing, but they really are not. The barrier to entry for something must be low for people to use it, and Previous Versions has no barrier at all (once you have Business/Ultimate).

One should always keep backups as well, but they are not a replacement for Previous Versions.

 

I was having the understanding that Vista Home Premium won't come with remote desktop. But to my surprise after installing Vista Home Premium from Dell DVD, I have remote desktop on my notebook and I have used it. Works fine. Btw no hacks at all I wonder how this is possible ?

 

You can connect to OTHER computers.
but, you cant setup remote desktop on YOUR computer and have others connect to you.

 

It's also on the Home OEM DVD as well.

 

you all forgot the most important addition. with ultimate you can get MS Texas Hold em. so its totally worth it.