Microsoft Vista Home Basic

Learn
Shop
Use
NYTimes Review

CNET video and photos

CNET editors' review

CNET editors' rating

Very good
7.0
out of 10

Reviewed by: Robert Vamosi

Reviewed: 1/24/07
Release date: 1/30/07
Editorial policies

Read CNET editors' review

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: $62.92 - $159.99

Buying choices

for Microsoft Vista Home Basic from online stores:
$62.92 - $159.99
Softwaremedia.com
$94.00 | In stock: Yes
Royal Discount
$93.95 | In stock: Yes
VioSoftware Inc.
$62.92 | In stock: Yes
NothingButSoftware.com
$139.95 | In stock: Yes
Amazon.com
$145.00 | In stock: Yes

See prices from 7 stores

Want it now?

To check availability from stores in your area, enter your zip code:

Advertisement

Most Popular Windows

  1. Windows Vista Ultimate
  2. Windows Vista Home Premium
  3. Microsoft Vista Home Basic
  4. Windows Vista Business
  5. Microsoft Windows XP - Home Edition
OUR ADVERTISERS

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?
Write your own review

Sort 67 user opinions by: Rating | Date | Comments posted |
Most helpful
Prev | 1-10 | 11-20 | 21-30 | 31-40 | Next
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
Prev | 1-10 | 11-20 | 21-30 | 31-40 | Next
Sort 67 user opinions by: Rating | Date | Comments posted |
Most helpful
How would you rate this product?   Write your own review

Where to buy Microsoft Vista Home Basic

  • Store
  • CNET Certified
  • In stock
  • Shipping
  • Price

See Microsoft Vista Home Basic prices from 7 stores.

Similar products

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

Before you buy
Editors' top software
Find all software reviews
More on software
Software forums
Webware
Downloads
Security Center
advertisement
Click Here

©2007 CNET Networks, Inc. All rights reserved. CNET, CNET.com and the CNET logo are registered trademarks of CNET Networks, Inc. Used by permission.