Instead of having to go through the Microsoft website, from link to link, to find the features of the premium editions of Microsoft Vista, I will lay them all out in a, simple to read, format. You will also need to be able to compare the versions to see which one is best for you. I will help you by giving you all the versions, then I will go into the features that are only included in the premium versions. Then I will discuss all the features that are not included in the business version but not the home premium version because you might want them as well, which would force you to go for the Ultimate package. Since there are a lot of different features, this article has been broken up into two parts.

Firstly, there are 4 different versions of Vista; Home Basic, Home Premium, Business, and, Ultimate. Each one of these are different prices since they have a variety of different features.They way they are above are in order from least features/priced, to most expensive. They are not ordered in terms of most features. For example, home premium actually has more features than the business edition but the business addition has more valuable features. Either that or Microsoft knows that all business will pay more for the software because they need to stay competitive and they don't want to be caught with the girly home addition. That's a whole other marketing aspect for a later day.

The following are the features included in the home premium addition:

1. Firewall and Windows defender

This is included in all of the versions. Basically, they just revamped the system to help you protect your computer against viruses. Windows defender is in place to help you prevent unwanted downloads of software or programs that contain viruses and spyware. The firewall is now more simple to use with help if you would like to change your security settings.

2. Instant Search

Instant search is the new name for the search program included in the system to assist you when you need to find something on your computer. This is on all version of vista as well. You find it in your start up menu now. It is the first item you see on the list so you can find it more easily than before. It uses a system in which it lists what your looking for by level of activity.

3. "Areo Desktop Experience"

If you don't plan on using the new Vista for a business, this is what you're really looking for right? This is what everyone is talking about, the cool new graphics, the 3 dimensional icons and so forth. Sadly, this is not found in the basic addition thus the reasoning behind a purchase of the premium edition. Here comes the marketing again. Sorry, I'll get back to the description.

what you get is a desktop with glass-like menu bars and a new "3D-flip feature". The 3D-flip feature is new version of the "alt-tab" method of flipping through different windows. This is a great improvement to the old version that showed an icon that was unidentifiable. In addition, you are also able to turn all your windows into a cool 3D view so you can see everything you are working on all at once.

4. Laptop Features

In all the premium versions (home premium, business, ultimate) you have a special laptop control center if you will. This allows you to easily change settings for your laptop at will. No longer will you have to last click on the little battery icon in the corner to fix the batter drain, while having to go to "my computer" to fix some other problem. There are also other features but they are for business purposes such as, presentations, and network presentations.

One really great new feature that the laptop improvements have added is the "hotstart" button (this is also a feature for the desktop.) You can now start up any program without having to start your computer. If it's hibernating, off, or whatever, it will turn on and directly start playing your music. It can also use other programs like an email program or DVD.

5. Windows Meeting Space

Another amazing new feature only found on the premium versions. This one allows you to meet with other computers in one place like a chat room. The different is that it is more like 9 other people being with you on your computer instead of just chat. You can hang out, talk, pass notes, programs, and other great things all in this space.

One of the best parts of this feature is that you do not need a network connection to collaborate with other people. It works with an ad hoc network that allows you to connect as long as you have a network card in your laptop.

6. Windows Media Center

This feature is only in the premium addition and the Ultimate edition. Basically, what you get is the same media center for the XP but more visually pleasing, easier to install and operate, and better storage and search features. It is better than all other versions of the media center. It also includes features that allow you to better view DVD's and photos with new wide-screen resolution.

In addition, new features have been put in place to help you place the content on your computer on your living-room's TV. If you want to watch a slide-show of photos, you are able to do so with stunning effects. Movies projected on your TV are also of better quality.

This is just the half of it. Look to the next article where I will release the rest of the features included with the home premium version as well as the features that are not included.