Microsoft blunder reveals Vista plans

**MIG-31** · Feb 22, 2006, 07:35 AM

Microsoft, the world's largest software maker, prematurely posted information about its much-anticipated Windows Vista operating system on one of its websites, according to the company.

Microsoft disclosed information about a plan to release eight different editions of the new operating system on a company help page that was under development. The company has not made any official statements about the different versions of Windows Vista it plans to offer.

The company has since taken down the website and declined to confirm the information and said it will offer more details about the Vista launch, targeted for the second half of 2006, in the coming weeks.
________________
Read More/Source: SMH.CO.AU

Thanks to pigdog for the submission.

OmegaRED · Feb 22, 2006, 08:01 AM

I want details on this:

"The website also listed a high-end product named Windows Vista Ultimate that targets gamers and heavy multimedia users"

**temeteus82** · Feb 22, 2006, 08:08 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by OmegaRED

I want details on this:

"The website also listed a high-end product named Windows Vista Ultimate that targets gamers and heavy multimedia users"

you are not the only one

The only downside is it's price ... I think it's around 500€

OmegaRED · Feb 22, 2006, 08:45 AM

I bet they are gonna throw in Halo2 with Vista Ultimate.

Tipstaff · Feb 22, 2006, 09:33 AM

For more info check out the old article I posted to the forums HERE. The 3rd last paragraph goes into more detail about Vista Ultimate.

If this post is any indication, it would seem that Microsoft hasn't deviated from their original plans too much with one exception: what's the 8th OS version?

Edit: Never mind. Just found it. The 8th version will be called Vista N Edition which is for the European market. Paul Thurrott posted an article which has an almost complete breakdown of what each version has and does HERE.

The_Neon_Cowboy · Feb 22, 2006, 11:17 AM

8 versions? any one else goig "What the hell?"

BWX · Feb 22, 2006, 11:22 AM

Copy protection edition.. Oh wait, that's in all of them.

Al_Vampyre · Feb 22, 2006, 01:36 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by BWX

Copy protection edition.. Oh wait, that's in all of them.

Yep! But we all know there will be 16 versions by the time you've included unofficial versions of each one!!

I just wish gaming was 100% possible on something other than Windows....

Vikingod · Feb 22, 2006, 02:04 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by The_Neon_Cowboy

8 versions? any one else goig "What the hell?"

Absolutely, its all fluff. I'll be getting the most bare bones version available.

The other thing is this, there seems to be lots of "mistakes" recently revealing info about the OS. Pretty tricky way to create buzz about a product I think. Funny thing is, it's actually working. The marketing director should get a promotion and a raise.

Tipstaff · Feb 23, 2006, 04:24 AM

I wonder if they will still be doing the "1 disc for all versions" scheme? I remember the article where they mentioned that there will only be 1 actual disc, and it will include all the different version on that 1 disc. Depending on the product you buy the CDkey will open only that specific product. If you want to "upgrade" to a different one you can simply buy the required key, and unlock it using that same disc. So, you could essentially buy the cheapest version, and then later on buy the key for Vista Ultimate without needing to actually buy a new copy of the OS disc. I know it'd make things easier for them since they would only need 1 master disc for everything, or even just 2 master discs: 1 for the Home side, and 1 for the Business side.

Speaking of which, has anyone read the article Paul Thurrott did that I linked to which details the specs? Interesting piece of info in there is that all Home versions of the OS only supports 1 physical processor.. even the Home Premium. If you want support for 2 processors you need to buy the Business products, or Vista Ultimate. Not really a big deal, but I have to wonder how the Home versions are going to deal, or more specifically, how they will see dual core processors. Will they see them as 2 physical processors?

There is also one other interesting bit in that article, and again to do with the Home version. All Home versions, including Starter, has the "Windows Activation Services" listed as a supported feature. However, the Business versions, including Ultimate, does not. Interesting stuff, and good news for the business/corporate side. Buy Vista Business, and you don't have to worry about activation.

Feb 22, 2006, 07:35 AM	#1
MIG-31 HardwareHeaven News Mod Join Date: Dec 2002 Location: Nottingham,UK Posts: 56,860 Rep Power: 471 System Specs	Microsoft blunder reveals Vista plans Microsoft, the world's largest software maker, prematurely posted information about its much-anticipated Windows Vista operating system on one of its websites, according to the company. Microsoft disclosed information about a plan to release eight different editions of the new operating system on a company help page that was under development. The company has not made any official statements about the different versions of Windows Vista it plans to offer. The company has since taken down the website and declined to confirm the information and said it will offer more details about the Vista launch, targeted for the second half of 2006, in the coming weeks. ________________ Read More/Source: SMH.CO.AU Thanks to pigdog for the submission. __________________ Please Post Your News Submissions Here

Feb 22, 2006, 08:01 AM	#2
OmegaRED Relapsed Gamer Join Date: Oct 2002 Location: Ottawa , Canada Posts: 5,688 Rep Power: 173 System Specs	I want details on this: "The website also listed a high-end product named Windows Vista Ultimate that targets gamers and heavy multimedia users" __________________ E Penis Specs: <------------- See System Specs

Feb 22, 2006, 08:45 AM	#4
OmegaRED Relapsed Gamer Join Date: Oct 2002 Location: Ottawa , Canada Posts: 5,688 Rep Power: 173 System Specs	I bet they are gonna throw in Halo2 with Vista Ultimate. __________________ E Penis Specs: <------------- See System Specs

Feb 22, 2006, 09:33 AM	#5
Tipstaff HardwareHeaven Extreme Member Join Date: Jul 2002 Location: Real capital of Canada: Torauna Posts: 6,773 Rep Power: 191 System Specs	For more info check out the old article I posted to the forums HERE. The 3rd last paragraph goes into more detail about Vista Ultimate. If this post is any indication, it would seem that Microsoft hasn't deviated from their original plans too much with one exception: what's the 8th OS version? Edit: Never mind. Just found it. The 8th version will be called Vista N Edition which is for the European market. Paul Thurrott posted an article which has an almost complete breakdown of what each version has and does HERE. __________________ Portal: The Flash Version _________________________________ Brain: So, you sacked the cocky khaki Kicky Sack sock plucker? Mr. Sackett: The second cocky khaki Kicky Sack sock plucker I've sacked since the sixth sitting sheet slitter got sick.

Feb 22, 2006, 11:17 AM	#6
The_Neon_Cowboy HardwareHeaven Extreme Member Join Date: Dec 2002 Location: U.S.A. Posts: 16,009 Rep Power: 92 System Specs	8 versions? any one else goig "What the hell?" __________________

Feb 22, 2006, 11:22 AM	#7
BWX unplugged Join Date: Nov 2002 Location: USNY Posts: 19,669 Rep Power: 110 System Specs	Copy protection edition.. Oh wait, that's in all of them. __________________

Feb 23, 2006, 04:24 AM	#10
Tipstaff HardwareHeaven Extreme Member Join Date: Jul 2002 Location: Real capital of Canada: Torauna Posts: 6,773 Rep Power: 191 System Specs	I wonder if they will still be doing the "1 disc for all versions" scheme? I remember the article where they mentioned that there will only be 1 actual disc, and it will include all the different version on that 1 disc. Depending on the product you buy the CDkey will open only that specific product. If you want to "upgrade" to a different one you can simply buy the required key, and unlock it using that same disc. So, you could essentially buy the cheapest version, and then later on buy the key for Vista Ultimate without needing to actually buy a new copy of the OS disc. I know it'd make things easier for them since they would only need 1 master disc for everything, or even just 2 master discs: 1 for the Home side, and 1 for the Business side. Speaking of which, has anyone read the article Paul Thurrott did that I linked to which details the specs? Interesting piece of info in there is that all Home versions of the OS only supports 1 physical processor.. even the Home Premium. If you want support for 2 processors you need to buy the Business products, or Vista Ultimate. Not really a big deal, but I have to wonder how the Home versions are going to deal, or more specifically, how they will see dual core processors. Will they see them as 2 physical processors? There is also one other interesting bit in that article, and again to do with the Home version. All Home versions, including Starter, has the "Windows Activation Services" listed as a supported feature. However, the Business versions, including Ultimate, does not. Interesting stuff, and good news for the business/corporate side. Buy Vista Business, and you don't have to worry about activation. __________________ Portal: The Flash Version _________________________________ Brain: So, you sacked the cocky khaki Kicky Sack sock plucker? Mr. Sackett: The second cocky khaki Kicky Sack sock plucker I've sacked since the sixth sitting sheet slitter got sick. Last edited by Tipstaff; Feb 23, 2006 at 04:36 AM.