Vista prepackage (what should I do?)

OK

I found the version of a laptop I like that is reasonably priced and from a repudable dealer. The only problem is that it comes with Vista Business (or rather XP Pro with a Vista business upgrade). I would of rather gotten Vista premium. What I'm asking is "What am I missing by going with Vista Business? And can I get said missing programs through other means?

 

AFAIK, you aren't missing anything.... Rather I would imagine you would only be gaining more options / Vista features with a Vista Business compared to Vista HP..... and I would suggest you go ahead and try the Vista Business.. should be good...

And in any case, you could find alternatives for stuff you need (if you could kindly mention what they are / what you are looking for specifically?)...

 

Entertainment software maybe? I'm not really sure.

 

http://www.microsoft.com/windows/windows-vista/compare-editions/default.aspx

According to that, Vista Busi would not have a all in one media center functionality (but many people actually remove that thing as soon as they get a laptop)... but in any case, you can watch movies, do music, and stuff with the respective softwares.. and there are lots of free stuff you could get around for Windows.. I think its just that it doesn't come builtin Windows..

For example, for me, I don't use media center much right now or until now... Use VLC and Winamp and such anyways... So there..

Also, there is no DVD making functionality.. but I dont think this should be a big deal... because there are lots of free trusted software around that you can use...

But yes, it pretty much is the same b/w Vista HP and Vista Busi., and but since you are getting an upgrade with the laptop, I would say go for it.. Else, do you think you have the option of getting another laptop that you like and which comes with Vista HP?? Because from your OP, I understand this is a laptop you like... So I would think you should go for this, because as far as the OS is concerned, you could always get stuff the you need into it whenever you want... and get it to work.. Might take some effort or tweaks sometimes, but I wouldn't think its a big deal...

 

Isuppose you're right. I use VLC more than 90% of the time anyway. I guess the thing I'll miss most is the little chess game it has, lol, o well.

 

wont get MCE but you gain the ability to join a domain...thats about it

 

You'll also get longer security support - extended support (and thus security support) for all versions of _Vista other than business is dropped, like a hot potato, in 2012. _Vista business gets extended support (and thus security support) until 2017.

 

The games aren't installed by default on Business, but they're still there (including Chess Titans). Just go to "Programs and Features" in the Control Panel, then "Turn Windows features on or off" and check the games one.

Other features in Premium but not in Business are: media center, DVD maker, HD movie maker (though you still get the standard-def movie maker), parental controls. That's all I can think of.

Business does add some features that Premium doesn't have, notably Previous Versions (automatic file backup/snapshots), Remote Desktop server, and Complete PC Backup. The Aero UI is the same on either edition.