Manage updates with the Download AppMicrosoft Vista Home Basic
Manufacturer: Microsoft Part number: 66G-00002
- More product information:
- Editors' review
- User reviews
- Specifications
- Manufacturer info
- Bottom Line:
- Windows Vista Home Basic is essentially warmed-over Windows XP, Windows XP SP3. If you're currently happy with Windows XP SP2, we see no compelling reason to upgrade. On the other hand, if you need a new computer right now, Windows Vista is stable enough for everyday use.
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Where to buy
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CNET editors' review
Microsoft Vista Home Basic price range: $140.00
- Reviewed by: Robert Vamosi
- Reviewed on: 01/24/2007
- Released on: 01/30/2007
The good: Windows Vista Home Basic does improve some features within Windows XP; fewer system crashes than Windows XP; and Windows Vista offers better built-in support options.
The bad: Windows Vista Home Basic does not put Search on the desktop (it's buried within applications, within the Start Menu); no Aero graphics system in Home Basic; no new software yet written exclusively for Windows Vista; optimized only for the Microsoft Windows ecosystem (for example, RSS feeds from IE7 get preferential treatment); and little reason to leave Windows XP.
The bottom line: Windows Vista Home Basic is essentially warmed-over Windows XP, Windows XP SP3. If you're currently happy with Windows XP SP2, we see no compelling reason to upgrade. On the other hand, if you need a new computer right now, Windows Vista is stable enough for everyday use.
User reviews
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What was the point?
by syguy47 on February 7, 2010
Pros: It's newer-ish and it's absolute eye candy.
Cons: Well, pretty much everything else not mentioned in the "Pros" section above.
Summary: Just avoid this OS. Go XP or Windows 7 if your system can handle it. I don't have to say anything about XP, as for 7, it's the ...
Summary: Just avoid this OS. Go XP or Windows 7 if your system can handle it. I don't have to say anything about XP, as for 7, it's the stability of XP and sleekness of Vista with a few more pros and a lot less cons! But thats for a different review.
1 out of 1 users found this user opinion helpful.
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I HATE VISTA BASIC!
by IDOHEBTUT on December 7, 2009
Pros: NOTHING!!!
Cons: EVERYTHING!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Summary: THE WORST OS EVER!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Summary: THE WORST OS EVER!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
1 out of 1 users found this user opinion helpful.
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Vista cannot walk and chew at the same time
by novamba on August 31, 2007
Pros: looks pretty
Cons: freezes consistantly, too secure
Summary: I cannot simoultaneously run 3 apps on vista without a crash. Today It froze as I tried to install an MS web cam while I logged on to MSN messenger. ...
Summary: I cannot simoultaneously run 3 apps on vista without a crash. Today It froze as I tried to install an MS web cam while I logged on to MSN messenger. If given a choice, stay with XP SP2.
1 out of 1 users found this user opinion helpful.
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The WORST operating system i have owned
by Midget010 on June 20, 2007
Pros: The Log In menu is slightly nicer
Cons: Everything is slower that XP. My advice is to stay with XP. You could just be using a program, and it will stop responding. Many programs have not yet been released on Vista aswell.
Summary: Stay with XP at ALL costs until they sort out ALL the bugs. Because there are a lot in my opinion
Summary: Stay with XP at ALL costs until they sort out ALL the bugs. Because there are a lot in my opinion
1 out of 1 users found this user opinion helpful.
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It's just a reorganized Windows XP
by mindwiggle on April 25, 2007
Pros: Automatic security (baby sitter) for those who don't have a brain.
Cons: Crashes like Humpty Dumpty and everything has been moved around.
Summary: If you think that you are just going to migrate from XP to Vista, you had better set aside a few days just to find what Microsoft renamed and moved ...
Summary: If you think that you are just going to migrate from XP to Vista, you had better set aside a few days just to find what Microsoft renamed and moved in this new version. It would seem that if something works, you don’t change it, you just improve on it. To put it in perspective, just imagine that you came home from work tomorrow, but your kids and wife were all renamed and every time you wanted to do something the lights go dim and you have to push a button for permission. All I have to say is that you had better buy a wig, because you will pull all of your hair out.
1 out of 1 users found this user opinion helpful.
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Fancy Windows XP
by hpceman on March 25, 2007
Pros: Windows gagets, Search, Network Connections
Cons: No Windows Aero, No Media Center, No 3D Flip
Summary: The Bad:
This version of Windows Vista was a big disappointment to me when I bought my new laptop. I was shocked to see that almost all of the cool ...Summary: The Bad:
This version of Windows Vista was a big disappointment to me when I bought my new laptop. I was shocked to see that almost all of the cool new features that Vista is famous for to not be there. I am very disappointed in the fact that this is just like windows XP, only a little more flashy. I have crashed Vista numerous times just running simple applications such as Yahoo Site Builder, and Microsoft Office. Vista always is looking for a way to correct the problem which in turn leads to having to wait for a long time. I also wish that this version would have Windows media center on it so that I could connect to a TV and use it. I think that would make my rating go up a couple of notches.
The Good:
I really love the new Search features as I run power points for my church and I have to find different ones fast. It not only searches the name of the file, but also the contents for what you are looking for. I also really like the new way to connect to a wireless network. It is much simpler to type in a network key as you are able to see the key as you type. Also you only have to type it in once which makes it a hole lot easier when you get into the 128bit encryption.1 out of 1 users found this user opinion helpful.
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A great product
by sntholiday on February 5, 2007
Pros: Excellent stability
Cons: None so far
Summary: I was in need of a new PC for basic home computing needs, no gaming, and bought this OS already preinstalled the day Vista went on sale. I find it ...
Summary: I was in need of a new PC for basic home computing needs, no gaming, and bought this OS already preinstalled the day Vista went on sale. I find it to be a definite improvement over XP, especially in terms of security. The overall look and feel of the OS is excellent, and it is very stable. So far all the software on used on XP works fine with Vista. I also find the new Windows Mail to be a big improvement over Outlook. It gives me no reason to use Thunderbird.
I would ask people that have not used this software not to write opinions on it. There are too many people giving Vista an unfair review based on no experience with the product.1 out of 1 users found this user opinion helpful.
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cool, but unnecessary for most PC users.
by ebethw85 on January 30, 2007
Pros: updated interface
Cons: most of the new programs (eg: IE7) are already offered on Windows XP.
1 out of 1 users found this user opinion helpful.
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About what I expected
by dfichtner on January 26, 2007
Pros: Looks better
Cons: Read the article
Summary: Well, it's about what I expected from Microsoft. I've said it before, and I'll say it again: Vista is "Windows ME" all over again. Wait a while ...
Summary: Well, it's about what I expected from Microsoft. I've said it before, and I'll say it again: Vista is "Windows ME" all over again. Wait a while for the real ground breaker. "ME" was an operating system that was, in many respects, worse than the previous Windows 98SE. It was plagued with bugs, and my father hated it. I waited for XP to do an upgrade, and I was glad I did.
I also got and OEM version of XP for $100 when I did. I'll be waiting around for a similar deal in the future. Prices are, for now, absolutely outrageous given the few benefits of having Vista over XP.
I'm a little miffed because, when I bought my laptop, I missed the "free Vista upgrade" deal from HP by three days! Oh well.
So CNET, how about DRM? Does Vista do any funky things like report songs/movies you're watching? Or block more content from playing?Updated
I read the Media Player bundled (and not removable, I hear) with Vista will not let you play illegally-downloaded music?Updated
I found my answers, and I am now unhappy with Vista. I will avoid buying it:
http://www.cs.auckland.ac.nz/~pgut001/pubs/vista_cost.html
Read that link above for a detailed look at the copy protection Vista employs.1 out of 1 users found this user opinion helpful.
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Advice about upgrading
by Jennifoo on February 1, 2007
Pros: Just read my comments
Cons: Just read my comments
Summary: Just a general comment about upgrading to anything major. Bottom line: don't be hasty to do it. Companies in general and drug and computer corporations in particular, are pretty ...
Summary: Just a general comment about upgrading to anything major. Bottom line: don't be hasty to do it. Companies in general and drug and computer corporations in particular, are pretty much only in it for the money. They want to push the product/s out of the door and into people's hot little hands to get their cash instead of investing the time time to test products to make sure it works correctly and has no long-term ill effects.
My rule of thumb is to wait a WHILE--
say 6-8mos-- on something as major as a new operating system so they can work any major bugs out before I'd invest in something like that.
PLEASE NOTE: If you take the plunge and DO get Vista (or any other upgrade to a program), be sure to scan your system with good spyware/adware and virus programs. Knowing good 'ole Microsoft, they'll put a lot of unneeded and harmful s**t on your computer. When I upgraded to IE7 not long ago, some junk came up in scans I did on my system. Thanks a freakin' BUNCH, Microsoft! If there wasn't such a pathetic shortage of software for it, I'd go back to using a Mac.
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As far as drugs are concerned (off topic, I know), I'd wait a YEAR before trying anything new on the market. Case/s in point: everyone raved about drugs like Phen-phen (diet pill), Paxil (anti-depressant) and Ortho-Evra (birth control patch) until people started having horrible problems from heart attacks, liver failure and death before they took this s**t off the market! Why? Drug co's didn't want to wait a few years after the drugs were approved to see how it would affect people long term. They threw it on the market as soon as it was deemed "marketable" or "safe" to get people's money. And then they have the gall to price them so high that those who can't afford health insurance can't get them so they can stay well. DISGUSTING!! >:P
Thanks for reading my rants!
~JLF2 out of 4 users found this user opinion helpful.
Specifications
- Manufacturer: Microsoft
- Part number: 66G-00002
- Description: Windows Vista Home Basic is the edition of Windows for basic home computing needs. If you only want to use your PC for tasks like browsing the Internet, using e-mail, or viewing photos, then Windows Vista Home Basic may be the right edition for you. While it won't provide as many benefits as Windows Vista Home Premium, it will help you use your PC more easily and more safely than you could with Windows XP. The first thing you'll notice about Windows Vista Home Basic is how easy it is to find the programs and files you're looking for. The instant desktop search feature looks across all of your documents, e-mails, photos, and other files, organizing the results in the way that you want to view them. When coupled with the built-in web search of Windows Internet Explorer 7 in Windows Vista, you'll spend less time looking for the things that you need and more time on the activities that you care about. With automatic defenses against malicious software and fraudulent websites, Windows Vista Home Basic enables you and your family to use your computer with greater confidence. Plus, parents can use built-in controls to help ensure their children's computer use is protected and appropriate. Windows Vista Home Basic makes it easier than ever to set up your new PC, with features that easily transfer all of your data and settings from your old PC to your new one. What's more, you can have peace of mind for years to come with technology that keeps your system running quickly and reliably over time. Simply put, Windows Vista Home Basic provides you with just the essentials you need for home computing.
General
- Packaged Quantity 1
- Operating System Microsoft Windows Vista Home Basic
- Language(s) English
- License pricing Standard
- Localization English
Operating System
- License Type Complete package
- License Qty 1 PC
- License Pricing Standard
- Media DVD-ROM
- Package Type Retail
System Requirements
- Min Processor Type Intel x86 - 1 GHz
- Min RAM Size 512 MB
- Min Hard Drive Space 20 GB
- Peripheral / Interface Devices 32 MB video memory,
Sound card,
DirectX 9.0 compatible graphics card,
DVD-ROM,
Internet connection
Manufacturer info
- Manufacturer profile
- Browse Microsoft products on Shopper.com
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- Manufacturer:Microsoft
- Address:
One Microsoft Way, Redmond, WA 98052 - Phone: 1-425-882-8080
- Fax: 1-425-706-7329
