Windows Vista: Difference between revisions

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==External links==
==External links==
* [http://winjade.net/board/index.php?showtopic=4167 Windows Vista build list] ''WinJade'' list including "Longhorn", Vista, and Vista SP1 build tags.
* [http://www.thecollectionbook.info/builds/windows/version/65 The Collection Book] with tips on installing leaked and released Windows Vista builds.
* [http://www.thecollectionbook.info/builds/windows/version/65 The Collection Book] with tips on installing leaked and released Windows Vista builds.
* [http://uxunleaked.blogspot.com Si vis pacem, para bellum] - Grabberslasher's blog post that describes builds 3790, 5001 and 5098
* [http://uxunleaked.blogspot.com Si vis pacem, para bellum] - Grabberslasher's blog post that describes builds 3790, 5001 and 5098

Revision as of 07:39, 13 March 2015

Windows Vista
Windows Vista Logo.png
Microsoft Windows Vista
Codename
Preliminary name
Longhorn
Kernel version NT 6.0
CPU architecture x86, x64
Release date 30 January 2007
Support end 11 April 2017
Preceded by Windows XP / Longhorn
Succeeded by Windows 7

Windows Vista is an operating system developed by Microsoft, released worldwide on January 30, 2007. Prior to its official announcement on July 22, 2005, it was known by its codename, Windows "Longhorn".

Development of the operating system spanned approximately five years, starting in early 2001. Over the course of this time period, the product was first codenamed Whistler+ (with some sources stating Idaho as a possible codename), and then Longhorn in May 2001. The first builds of the operating system known to use the Longhorn codename were compiled in May, 2002.

Initially envisioned as a minor upgrade to Windows XP, Microsoft later characterized "Longhorn" as a complete overhaul of the Windows operating system. One of the largest changes slated for "Longhorn" was pervasive use of managed code.

While in its earlier stages of development, "Longhorn" suffered from many problems relating to reliability and stability. This was due not only to the premature technology on which the operating system was based, but also because of the way new features were introduced and implemented. For this reason, the development of the operating system was "reset", with a preliminary build, 3790.1232.winmain.040819-1629 being compiled on August 19, 2004. Although this build is not known to contain any code from "Longhorn", it did include the "Longhorn" End User License Agreement (EULA), a testament to the build's authenticity.

Contrary to popular belief, only very early "Longhorn" builds were directly derived from Windows XP; later builds were based on Windows Server 2003 Release Candidate code. Builds compiled after the development reset are based on Windows Server 2003 Service Pack 1.

During Beta 1 development, Microsoft named the operating system Windows Vista. The new name was chosen to improve the product's image and reputation, and to reflect the new capabilities of the operating system.

A total of two Service Packs were released for the Windows Vista operating system. Service Pack 1 was made available to MSDN subscribers on Febuary 15, 2008, and was released to the Microsoft Download Center and Windows Update on March 18, 2008. Service Pack 2 was released to manufacturing on April 28, 2009, and released to the Microsoft Download Center and Windows Update on May 26, 2009. In addition, Microsoft released the Platform Update for Windows Vista on October 27, 2009, which was comprised of major new Windows 7 components and updated runtime libraries. The Platform Update requires Service Pack 2 prior to installation.

Editions

Windows Vista came in many editions. Unlike Windows:XP , there was no special edition for Media Center and 64-bit capability. Windows Vista also did not have an embedded version.

  • Starter This edition is intended for emerging markets and low-cost PC's. As in XP , the 3-program limit was there , and only 1GB RAM was accepted. Other software restrictions applied as well. This version is hence not available in 64-bit.
  • Home Basic Found in low cost to mid-end , this version of Windows Vista does not fully have Aero(though it has DWM) , and hence does not have effects like transparency and 3D Flip. Windows Media Center is not included as well. Parental Controls is included however. However , it does not have the hardware and 3-program limit as Starter.
  • Home Premium The mid end of Windows Vista , this version includes full Aero and Windows Media Center. It also includes Premium Games(eg - Inkball).
  • Business The business oriented version of Windows Vista , it contains several features like full RDP(client/host) capability , Group Policy and domain join ability. However , Windows Media Center is not included , Parental Controls is not included , and Premium Games are disabled by default.
  • Ultimate The top consumer variant of Windows Vista , it is a merge of the features containing on Windows Vista Home Premium and Business. Bitlocker is included in this version.
  • Enterprise The top business variant of Windows Vista. It is like Ultimate , but without Windows Media center and includes enterprise-specific tools.

Note that certain features(like Aero or TV support) may require premium/different/upgraded hardware and so may not be available on all PCs.

Builds

  • No information available
  • Existence doubtful
  • Information or pictures available
  • Leaked or released

Omega-13

Beta 1

Pre-Beta 2 (Beta 2 Fork)

Community Tech Preview 2 (Beta 2 Fork)

Beta 2 (Beta 2 Fork)

Beta 2

NOTE: Some of the earliest builds listed may not actually be Beta 2 builds (although still obviously within the Beta 2 fork), so their exact status is still to confirm.

Beta 2

Pre-RC 1

Pre-Release Candidate 1

Release Candidate 1

Pre-Release Candidate 2

Release Candidate 2

Pre-RTM

RTM

Post-RTM

Service Pack 1

Service Pack 2

See Also

External links