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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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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Not worth it. Wait until the SP for vista comes out and make sure you have a powerhouse of a machine
by database.object on January 26, 2007
Pros: Not many. Eye candy if your hardware can handle it
Cons: Unstable Beta drivers for a lot of hardware, IE7 is just unusable, "feels" slower than XP. Tries to "fix" itself too much for its own good.
Summary: I have vista ultimate so basic is probably even less worth it. I had medium hopes for vista but even with low expectations, after using it for about 2 weeks ...
Summary: I have vista ultimate so basic is probably even less worth it. I had medium hopes for vista but even with low expectations, after using it for about 2 weeks now I am still disappointed. My machine is a P4 3.2Ghz, 1GB RAM and Radeon X800 128. One of the most basic things, the start menu is just terrible. When you click on "Programs" in XP, it pops up in an instant. In vista there is a very noticeable and annoying delay. When playing counterstrike the OS blue screens (yes, blue screens) on me and of course restarts. Sure, this is probably due to the beta ATI drivers but come on, why a complete OS crash?? Same thing when testing the webcam from my pinnacle video capture card (to be fair, also non-vista drivers). Vista has a "self-fixing" feature which tries to determine when a program has stopped responding and then tries to "find a solution" for this problem and, of course, never finds a solution for it and just kills the program. Most annoying is that it pops up an alert telling you it is trying to find a solution and my windows sidebar constantly has this problem and thus I constantly get popups. I'm not even gonna talk about IE. Just use firefox. I'm gonna stay on vista since slowly better drivers are coming out and I'm still hopeful it will improve. I understand that a lot of the problems are due to vendor drivers and MS is not fully responsible for that but the native vista features also just don't perform acceptably.
If you are buying a new computer, of course, get vista. All the hardware will likely work fine. If you are just looking to upgrade XP, hold off until you see a lot of good user reviews. You are not missing anything from vista.18 out of 19 users found this user opinion helpful.
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Avoid this version
by Cobra_R on January 26, 2007
Pros: DirectX 10
Cons: stripped of just about everything that attracts Vista in the first place.
Summary: Not even worth it. You miles well stick with Windows XP Home, because this version of Vista is stripped of just about everything that attracts Vista in the first place. ...
Summary: Not even worth it. You miles well stick with Windows XP Home, because this version of Vista is stripped of just about everything that attracts Vista in the first place.
Vista Premium Edition is the best all the way around for the avg pc user.10 out of 14 users found this user opinion helpful.
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Better than XP, But difficult to install
by supersandro on February 9, 2007
Pros: Amazing interface, Secure, Sidebar and Gadgets, Windows media player 11, Windows Photo Gallery, new games and great search tools.
Cons: Very Difficult to install, not all drivers are supported, Poor and expensive customer service.
Summary: I would have given Home Basic a 8/10 if it wasn't so difficult to install. First it had given me several error messages. Then when I did a ...
Summary: I would have given Home Basic a 8/10 if it wasn't so difficult to install. First it had given me several error messages. Then when I did a clean install with the upgrade disk (because thats one of the options) it would not activate. Microsoft did little to help me activate it. But I finally figured out the problem (I put the computer in safe mode and installed it. Hey it worked!). You have to update your audio driver when you are finished. But other than that, this OS looks AMAZING! The interface is sleek yet easy to use. The new interface makes it easier to use and search items. The search bar on your start menu is also handy. The Windows Media Player 11 works much better on Vista than on XP. The new Photo Gallery is also a handy tool. The games look great and are actually some-what more fun to play, but generally look better. The security is also good in Vista but can be a little annoying, but it is necessary and helpful. Overall its better than XP, but I just wish the Installation went smoother!
5 out of 6 users found this user opinion helpful.
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Window Vista or Windows Dictatorship
by spacepirate1 on January 29, 2007
Pros: It's New(er)
Cons: Few reasons to upgrade, big brother control mechanisms
Summary: I won't get into the pros and cons of this new operating system in terms of the usual critique, because it's all been covered here. What I want ...
Summary: I won't get into the pros and cons of this new operating system in terms of the usual critique, because it's all been covered here. What I want all of you to be aware about are the technologies that Microsoft has implemented in order to control what you can or can not view or listen too. If you are not familiar with DRM, them please read about it. Microsoft has also implemented AACS within Vista, and this is also something you really need to inform yourselves about. I suggest you start on this website:
http://www.grc.com/SecurityNow.htm#76
Listen to episodes 73, 74 and 75. You might be shocked at what you will hear. If you're not that tech-savvy you'll probably have to listen to these shows a couple of times.5 out of 6 users found this user opinion helpful.
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Little ado about nothing
by JEH on January 30, 2007
Pros: Pretty pictures
Cons: $200 cosmetic job
Summary: I have long been a Windows fan ... but even an ardent fan knows when he is being scammed. There is NO reason the leave XP ... ever, as far as *I* ...
Summary: I have long been a Windows fan ... but even an ardent fan knows when he is being scammed. There is NO reason the leave XP ... ever, as far as *I* see. No more than there was a reason to leave Office 2000 - which still has FAR more features than I would ever use!
4 out of 5 users found this user opinion helpful.
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how to make ur vista run faster.
by immoonin on January 5, 2008
Pros: Appealing and Smart
Cons: Slow for games, huge applications
Summary: The vista is all about the visual appeals..... The best new thing is the gadgets...it’s just like a shortcut to virtually anything.
I am working on a 1 ...Summary: The vista is all about the visual appeals..... The best new thing is the gadgets...it’s just like a shortcut to virtually anything.
I am working on a 1 GB/ 256 MB ATI mobility card/7200 RPM HDD laptop and the vista works well even with a large number of applications. The problem comes when you start a game...
Since there are many things on desktop which is updating itself regularly, so the cpu usage fluctuates, which make ur system slow.
Following things can improve the speed of ur machine.
1. Use original XP theme in vista..... the speed will increase drastically.
2. Use minimum visual setting in folder options....remove all smooth edges, shadows etc.... the machine will work fast.
3. Don’t use too many gadgets at a time.....
4. while playing game, close the side bar
5. Check ur startup (run msconfig), remove unwanted programs like itune update, java update, adobe reader startup, ms office start file some osa.exe ...., real player, QuickTime etc.
6. use ur updated drivers (for vista), do not rely on vista drivers or old xp drivers. It may work fine, but have some compatibility issues.
7. Remove screensaver, desktop themes etc, even the wallpaper.
8. try to keep at least 10-20% of ur drive space empty all the time (for all drives). If u have less space in any drive, it will significantly impact the speed.
9. use less number of usb plug n play device.
10. increase ur page file size.
11. Do not use windows firewall, use some original software.
12. use temperature control/fan speed control software.
These small steps will definitely improve ur system performance while using Vista or any OS.3 out of 3 users found this user opinion helpful.
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Apple Mac OS X Rip-off
by pastagreyhound on January 28, 2007
Pros: It's very pretty!
Cons: It's XP with a different skin and "gadgets"
Summary: I have been using the beta version of Vista since August of 2006. I currently own three pc's and an iMac. The best way to sum up Vista is ...
Summary: I have been using the beta version of Vista since August of 2006. I currently own three pc's and an iMac. The best way to sum up Vista is this: go to a store that sells Apple computers (like an Apple store!) and play with OS X. That's basically what Vista is--a knock-off of Mac OSX. Yes, Vista is easy on the eyes, but otherwise, Microsoft simply stole elements from OSX and changed the names--like Widgets to Gadgets. They took the Apple "spotlight" and made a search function at the bottom left hand corner, in the start menu.
And let's face it--this is Microsoft, there will be plenty of bugs to work out and lots of vulnerability and security problems the first few months.
Save your money and switch to a Mac--that's what I did and there isn't a day goes by that I don't regret it!5 out of 9 users found this user opinion helpful.
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Not too bad, if you have the hardware to support it.
by marklynnwilliams on November 26, 2008
Pros: It functions; security is much improved over XP; updates are making it much better than when it came out last year.
Cons: Still a memory pig on stilts, sluggish and cumbersome, needs lots of resources to run this beast of an operating system.
Summary: I have been using Vista Home Edition for the last 6 months or so, since I got a new Dell Vostro 1000 laptop with 1G of RAM and a AMD ...
Summary: I have been using Vista Home Edition for the last 6 months or so, since I got a new Dell Vostro 1000 laptop with 1G of RAM and a AMD Sempron single core processor. NOT very good specs to try to use Vista on, I'm afraid. It ran much better when I upgraded the RAM to 2G(the max I could put on this machine), and uninstalled most of Dell's bloatware, thereby freeing up almost all of the system resources to run Vista. Now, Vista actually runs pretty well. The feature I like the most is the Windows Mobility Center, which makes it very easy to Sync with a Windows Mobile Device, and also it is easy to share an internet connection with a 3G Phone running Windows Mobile. Also, the GUI is a vast upgrade over XP: the icons are very pretty, and it doesn't take much in the form of computer skill to run most applications. The Cons? Well, there are many. My biggest complaint is that it doesn't come with a built-in office program, such as Office 2007. Microsoft charges you anywhere from $200-$1,000 for this, depending on what you need it for. Of course, you can download and install OpenOffice, which is a very nice set of Office programs, for free, but you can't use it to Sync to a Windows Mobile device, which renders the Mobility Center useless unless you have Microsoft Office or an equilant Microsoft Office program. Also, for all of this talk of improved security, Microsoft still doesn't include an Anti-Virus program as part of it's operating system; hence, you still have to go out and buy Norton or some other security suite to protect your data. Shame on you Microsoft. Oh, and one other thing: Microsoft includes the ENTIRE Vista operating system on your computer(Ultimate, Business, Home Premium, and Basic), so Vista is taking up many times more space on your hard drive than is necessary. Why can't they simply install what you need to run Vista Basic, and leave the rest off of your computer?
2 out of 2 users found this user opinion helpful.
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Useless OS
by davidlee099-224787686282990068 on August 13, 2008
Pros: Can't think of a single thing
Cons: This OS was preloaded into my Acer laptop, and it was the slowest OS in the whole world. The laptop had only 512 MB of RAM installed. There is no Aero, no Flip 3D, none of the fun stuff. Even with the SP, it was still too slow.
Summary: I'm telling you, folks, bet a little more money and buy Home Premium, because Home Basic is not the kind of operating system for web surfing, work, or anything ...
Summary: I'm telling you, folks, bet a little more money and buy Home Premium, because Home Basic is not the kind of operating system for web surfing, work, or anything fun.
2 out of 2 users found this user opinion helpful.
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terrible operating system
by paigely on January 9, 2008
Pros: what pros?
Cons: it doesn't comply with numerous popular programs, doesn't have drivers for printers, locks up, causes intermitent internet, takes forever for a file transfer - minimal in former versions
Summary: I cannot comprehend how CNET could possibly give this OS such a high review other than being in the pocket of microsoft. I can't even downgrade back to XP ...
Summary: I cannot comprehend how CNET could possibly give this OS such a high review other than being in the pocket of microsoft. I can't even downgrade back to XP without massive effort. Dell no longer offers VISTA on their new computers because of the high number of client complaints.
2 out of 2 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
