Product Details

• Amazon Sales Rank: #1224 in Software
• Brand: Microsoft
• Released on: 2007-01-30
• Platforms: Windows XP, Windows Vista
• Format: DVD-ROM
• Dimensions: 19.68" h x 19.68" w x 19.68" l, .71 pounds

Manufacturer's Description:

The most comprehensive edition of Windows Vista, Vista Ultimate is the first operating system that combines all of the advanced infrastructure features of a business-focused operating system, all of the management and efficiency features of a mobility-focused operating system, and all of the digital entertainment features of a consumer-focused operating system. For the person who wants one operating system that is great for working from home, working on the road, and for entertainment, Vista Ultimate is a no-compromise operating system that lets you have it all.

Windows Sidebar gives you quick access to gadgets like picture slide shows, Windows Media Player controls, or news headlines. You pick the gadgets you want to see in Windows Sidebar. View larger. Use Flip 3D to navigate through open windows using the scroll wheel on your mouse. View larger.

Easier, Faster Access to Information Vista Ultimate features Windows Aero, a new interface that delivers higher levels of efficiency for any business user. This easy-to-use interface makes it a snap to navigate through the operating system and from application to application. Most importantly, Windows Aero helps you juggle multiple tasks at once by providing a three-dimensional, real-time, animated view of all your open applications and documents. And for those businesses that do work in other countries, Vista Ultimate supports all worldwide interface languages. Breakthrough Windows Vista Experience Designed to help you feel confident in your ability to view, find, and organize information and to control your computing experience, all editions of Windows Vista introduce a breakthrough user experience. The visual sophistication of Windows Vista helps streamline your computing experience by refining common window elements so you can better focus on the content on the screen rather than on how to access it. The desktop experience is more informative, intuitive, and helpful. And new tools bring better clarity to the information on your computer, so you can see what your files contain without opening them, find applications and files instantly, navigate efficiently among open windows, and use wizards and dialog boxes more confidently. Work From Home Vista Ultimate includes all of the features that make it easy to remotely connect to business networks. This means that when you're working from home, you'll have advanced networking capabilities, such as the ability to join a domain, support for Group Policy, and access to features such as Remote Desktop. Vista Ultimate also includes Windows BitLocker Drive Encryption that provides improved levels of protection against theft for your important business data whether you are at home, on the road, or in the office. More Entertainment Options Vista Ultimate delivers all of the entertainment features available in Vista Home Premium, and includes everything you need to enjoy the latest in digital photography, music, movies, analogue TV, or even HDTV. Ultimate also has helpful tools such as Windows Photo Gallery and Windows Movie Maker to ensure that you have everything you need to collect, manage, and edit your digital content. It also includes Windows Media Centre for turning your PC into an all-in-one home entertainment centre. Versatile Operation Vista Ultimate truly lives up to its name by delivering all of the features both business and home users want and need. It is the ideal solution for both a small-business owner who wants a single PC that he or she can use at the office, on the road, and at home, and for someone who wants a home PC that will be used primarily for entertainment purposes but that can also be used for business purposes such as connecting to a corporate network.

Compare Windows Vista editions. Use Instant Search to quickly find the information you need. View larger. The redesigned Windows Media Centre in Windows Vista lets you enjoy your media throughout your home, even on your Xbox 360. View larger.

Customer Reviews

Mixed bag
Having got Vista Ultimate a while back i thought i would give it a few months use to settle in before writing a review.

After a very un smooth install process where it appears that the graphics card drivers were not compatible i moved away form the blue screen (which appears to have returned, of the 5 years of XP use, i almost forgot about this dreaded screen).

First impressions, where, it looks appealing enough, glass buttons, some side bar antics, animated desktop. Time to tryout the compatibility with a few apps, for the most part, desktop apps seemed to work fine, thou, most disabled any of the new Areo features. (so, i have to update all of these to keep it looking 'new'?)

then on to games, the main purpose of the PC, firstly LOTR, loads fine, looks fine, not performance problems until, *Crash* ok, i think, I'll try again, same result. it appears that EA cant validate the games serial number and kills it. Fantastic i think, right lets try something older, lets go for a DoS classic of Sid's Colonize. No. Vista no longer supports full screen DoS, its at this point i start to think does it 'king DO anything!!!

Over time, i have pretty much stopped using it, other than to go online, and stream music and the occasionally game of Mahjong (well, done M$ u got one thing right)

The side bar gadgets have not inspired, the numbness of the Areo look has set in. The pop ups are extremely annoying, and actually deter you from doing some things.

The only good thing is the integrated search, not worth the 200 upgrade, especially when consider how much support is actually lost.

In summary i fail to see its point. The integrated search could of been done in an update for XP. Even after the long awaited SP1 update most of the issues are still there. If i had an XP disk, I'd happily go back.

i reviewing this as i use it~ vary gud
well my friends i am impressed. ther haf been gud reviewes. ther haf been bad reviewes. but i can lay this old dog to rest becos it is acktually eksellent.

wen u want to c all the windows. u see them all. it collides u c

you can search the computer for files. thats vary easy. just type it in2 that bar at the top. i can c it now.

i like the gamez

also, the grafics

all in all i like visita becaose it handles my needs. i bort the ps3 and it just wasnt powerful enuff 4 me. i didn;t hav enuff power to play the games i once had a playstation that broake cos i ate the controlla wire

Not worth the upgrade.
Giving Vista 4 starts and then saying it is not worth the upgrade probably seems strange however...

I am an IT proffessional who has been a UNIX specialist for 15 years and I can honestly say this is the most secure Windows OS ever (for anyone who doesn't know, it takes a lot for a UNIX guy to say that!). That isn't to say it is invulnerable, it certainly isn't but the removal of important system functions from the user space is a major step forwards and the 'more' secure browser is much better.

As long as you have the correct resources (mine is Intel T7100 dual core with 2 GB RAM) the system flies. I use XP on my work laptop of the same spec and the Vista one is noticably faster in asll respects.

So succinctly put, the OS is great but don't bother unless you have already planned to upgrade your hardware also.