Microsoft Vista Home Basic

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CNET editors' rating

Very good
7.0
out of 10

Reviewed by: Robert Vamosi

Reviewed: 1/24/07
Release date: 1/30/07
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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.

Specs: License qty: 1 PC; License type: Complete package; Min hard drive space: 20 GB  See full specs >>

Price range: $94.00 - $147.99

Buying choices

for Microsoft Vista Home Basic from online stores:
$94.00 - $147.99
Softwaremedia.com
$94.00 | In stock: Yes
Royal Discount
$100.96 | In stock: Yes
VioSoftware Inc.
$147.99 | In stock: Yes
Amazon.com
$119.97 | In stock: Yes
NothingButSoftware.com
$139.95 | In stock: Yes

See prices from 6 stores

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CNET User opinions

for Microsoft Vista Home Basic
Average user rating from 67 users
Mediocre
4.0
out of 10
How would you rate this product?
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Sort 67 user opinions by: Rating | Date | Comments posted |
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6 out of 10
Good
"About what I expected"
Well, it's about what I expected from Microsoft. I've said it before, and I'll say it again: ... (read more)
by dfichtner, January 26, 2007
95 out of 120 users found this opinion helpful
4 out of 10
Mediocre
"Not worth it. Wait until the SP for vista comes out and make sure you have a..."
I have vista ultimate so basic is probably even less worth it. I had medium hopes for vista but... (read more)
by database.object, January 26, 2007
81 out of 86 users found this opinion helpful
3 comments posted to this opinion
3 out of 10
Poor
"Avoid this version"
Not even worth it. You miles well stick with Windows XP Home, because this version of Vista is... (read more)
by Cobra_R, January 26, 2007
45 out of 65 users found this opinion helpful
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Similar products

  • Windows Vista Home Premium
  • Windows Vista Business
  • Windows Vista Ultimate
  • Mac OS X 10.5 Leopard
  • Windows Vista SP1
 

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