Vista available as a download

Windows Vista, Microsoft's forthcoming operating system, will be available to download from the internet, the company has said.

Vista, which is due to launch on 30 January, will be the first Windows operating system that has been distributed to customers in this way.

This would seem to fit in with analyst company Gartner's prediction last year that operating systems beyind Vista would be deployed in a different way, with the basic components available to download on the internet and individuals able to pick and choose upgrades to suit their own needs.

As well as being available as a download in the Windows Marketplace, Vista will also be on the shelves of online and bricks-and-mortar stores.

“With the consumer launch of Windows Vista so close, we’re excited to announce three new ways to make the purchase and upgrade experience easier than ever,” said Brad Brooks of Microsoft.

However, Windows Vista Family Discount, which will allow customers to buy further copies of Vista at heavily discounted prices, will not be available in the UK.

Customers will also be able to upgrade their version of Windows Vista on the internet once they have purchased it. There will be four editions of Vista - Business, Home Basic, Home Premium and Ultimate - and if customers decide they want to change the version they have they will be able to use the Windows Anytime Upgrade service.

“These new programs give our customers more flexibility and choice to ensure they get the edition that’s right for them,” said Brooks.

Vista Business will cost £290, while the Home Basic, Home Premium and Ultimate editions will cost £180, £220 and £370 respectively. Prices for downloads have not yet been announced.

http://www.windowsmarketplace.com/
http://www.microsoft.com/windowsvista/

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