Windows Vista is essentially warmed-over Windows XP. 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. Read full review
Microsoft Windows Vista News
-
Three application launcher alternatives for Windows January 6, 2012 4:22 PM PST
A little change to your computer's interface can make it seem like a completely different machine. If you're getting tired of the standard Windows experience, why not try installing an application launcher? Read more
-
XP still top OS, but Windows 7 hot on its trail January 3, 2012 6:27 AM PST
With a 46 percent market share, Windows XP still dominates the OS landscape, but Windows 7 keeps inching up, according to new data from NetApplications. Read more
-
'Sandy Bridge' driver update boosts Windows game performance September 20, 2011 6:17 PM PDT
Intel's graphics driver update accelerates game performance on Windows systems with Sandy Bridge processors and Intel's HD graphics. Read more
-
Windows XP market share dips below 50 percent August 2, 2011 5:19 AM PDT
The aging OS may finally be losing its overwhelming grip on the market, according to new stats from Net Applications. Read more
-
Boot Camp 4 requires Windows 7 or later August 1, 2011 1:37 PM PDT
Apple's latest Boot Camp 4 that ships with Lion requires Windows 7, but there are some methods for retaining older Windows XP and Vista partitions on systems running Lion. Read more
-
What to do when a Windows PC won't start July 1, 2011 3:11 PM PDT
Just because your system doesn't power up or load Windows as expected doesn't mean the machine is ready for the recycle bin. The chances are good the failure to launch can be solved relatively simply. Read more
-
Microsoft declares a victory against autorun malware June 17, 2011 7:55 AM PDT
With new safeguards in place, Microsoft saw 1.3 million fewer infections over three months from autorun, which automatically executes commands when an external device is plugged in. Read more
- See all Windows Vista news
Latest video reviews
Microsoft Windows Vista reviews from CNET Editors
Windows Vista Ultimate The bottom line: Windows Vista is essentially warmed-over Windows XP. 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. | ||
Windows Vista Business The bottom line: Windows Vista Business is essentially warmed-over Windows XP. 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. | ||
Windows Vista Home Premium The bottom line: Windows Vista Home Premium is essentially warmed-over Windows XP Home Edition. 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 Home Premium is stable enough for everyday use. | ||
 | Microsoft Windows Vista Business - upgrade package | |
Windows Vista editors' system reviews
Cisco Linksys E4200 v2 Maximum Performance Dual-Band N900 router | ||
D-Link Amplifi Whole Home Router 1000 DIR-645 The bottom line: The unique-looking and compact D-Link Amplifi Whole Home Router 1000 (DIR-645) makes a very good investment for homes that need a fast wired network and good Wi-Fi signal coverage. | ||
Linksys E2500 Advanced Dual-Band N Router The bottom line: Though far from perfect, the Linksys E2500's ease of use, nice design, and reasonable price make it a very good router for a small home or apartment. | ||
Microsoft Windows Vista Downloads
-
Windows Vista Ultimate 
Upgrade to Windows Vista Ultimate.
Added on January 29, 2007Editors' rating
0 stars653240
total downloads
993
last week -
Windows Media Player Get fast and flexible digital-media playback with access to smart organization features and online stores.
Added on October 31, 2006Editors' rating
4 stars14478275
total downloads
25650
last week -
Windows Live Messenger Connect and share instantly on the worlds most popular IM network.
Added on September 3, 2009Editors' rating
4 stars23726146
total downloads
17156
last week -
Windows 7 (Professional) Install the next Windows OS after Microsoft Vista.
Added on October 22, 2009Editors' rating
4h stars2060547
total downloads
12430
last week
Microsoft Windows Vista Forums
-
Latest discussions
- System won't boot up; black screen
I recently left my computer running on battery and had to leave; when I returned it was off so the ...Read more
- Need help...partial startup toolbar
I have a Acer Aspire 1410 11.6 hd led lcd 3 gb with no recovery disc..operating system Vista. ...Read more
- BOOTMGR NOT FOUND
Recently I got a piece of malware on my computer that blocked my computer's ability to access the internet. ...Read more
- Runtime error
How do you repair a runtime error? Read more
-
Most popular discussions
- Adobe update causing error
Another example of developers shoving firmware and software updates down our throats and not caring how they effect our system. ...Read more
- Need help...partial startup toolbar
I have a Acer Aspire 1410 11.6 hd led lcd 3 gb with no recovery disc..operating system Vista. ...Read more
- Vista/Word Perfect Office X5 compability
I can't seem to get my WordPerfect Home & Student Office X5 to work on Vista. Could the problem ...Read more
- System won't boot up; black screen
I recently left my computer running on battery and had to leave; when I returned it was off so the ...Read more
