Which version of vista?

[Margoos]

searched around for an answer for this but cant seem to find one so -

im getting my new pc in a few weeks and i want to get vindows vista, im wanting to use it for online play with my xbox live gamertag on gears and im not sure which version supports this, im not really clued up on vista as it will be new to me but i dont want to go buying a version that wont allow me to do this

also what is an OEM version? ive seen a few on ebay that seem resonably priced but will i get the cd with it incase i ever have to reformat and do a clean install?

many thanks in advance

Mark

[Fei Fong Wong]

OEM stands for Original Equipment Manufacturers. It's what computer manufactures such as Dell and Sony get from Microsoft to load on to new PC's. They're typically cheaper than retail copies because of the licence type. Technically you're not, under licence, allowed to use an OEM copy but that won't stop it working for you. You'll get a disc and a product key all the same (unless its pirated -- be careful on eBay).

As for which version of Vista, most new pre-built PC's for personal users will come with Home Basic or Home Premium. Obviously the Premium is the version to go for but its more expensive. You won't want the Business versions so avoid those. The Ultimate version includes everything but is most expensive and in all likelihood you won't need anything more than what's included in the Home Premium anyway.

Complicated I know, but Microsoft loves its versions. Can't see an Apple strategy of one version, one price anytime soon.

[briareos_kerensky]

I think every version except Home Basic will support such feature, however I might be wrong, maybe all versions will - but just stay clear of Home Basic, XP would be a better choice. I'd go with Vista Ultimate 64 with a nice 4gb+ system just to be sure.

OEM software is meant to be sold with a full PC. Some stretch the rule and sell it with basic hardware (motherboards and CPUs), but they are meant to be linked to a particular system and not installed on any other system, even if the previous system has been lost/destroyed/burned/whatever; you will get the DVD and the license certificate, but no box or instructions .

[Hohum]

OEM copies also cannot be transferred to another PC at a later date once activated on an existing one.

[GluedOnBeard]

OEM is fine if you build the pc and only intend to use it on that system like most have said.

However be wary of 64 bit if you try to use any drivers are are not signed then do not expect to be using them, You can still get a nice 3gb system with 32 bit (which unless you are doing anything major is all you will need). I have come across three cases of small unsupported programs that if I had Vista 64 would not have been able to install, also drivers for older components are not that well supported yet.

If you know that you will be using well supported programs and as its a new PC you will probably have no driver issues you could go with 64 bit, but if you have the cash you could get ultimate over premium to have both the 32 bit and 64 bit versions then if you do need the 32 bit down the line you just need to do a a new install.

The best thing to do is google windows vista 32 bit vs 64 bit.

[EvilBoris]

searched around for an answer for this but cant seem to find one so -

im getting my new pc in a few weeks and i want to get vindows vista, im wanting to use it for online play with my xbox live gamertag on gears and im not sure which version supports this, im not really clued up on vista as it will be new to me but i dont want to go buying a version that wont allow me to do this

also what is an OEM version? ive seen a few on ebay that seem resonably priced but will i get the cd with it incase i ever have to reformat and do a clean install?

many thanks in advance

Mark

I'm pretty sure all versions will let you use your gamertag, it is a part of the game not a part of vista

[Margoos]

thanks for the replies guys i think ill just get the home premium then, will only be running the odd game on it any how, will be using it for recording mostly.

any ideas of where to get a copy of this from? im not too struck on the idea of getting it of ebay if there is alot of pirate versions knocking about and alot of i have looked at have been upgrades but they only mention it in the description at the very bottom.

muchly appreciated for all the help guys

[EvilBoris]

ebuyer.com or dabs.com are good bets