   Which version of Windows Vista should i buy ?
  Hi,i want to buy Windows Vista, but i don't know which version to choose.I want to be able to use Visual c++ 2005 to develop OpenGL/DirectX applications.Someone said me IIS is necessary to install visual studio, and IIS don't seems to be available in the Vista Home Edition.What are the main/"hidden"/"unknown" limitation between Family edition and Professionnal edition ?Is it true that, with the OEM edition, i can only change one part of my hardware after the 1st installation. If i change my graphic card, and if my hard disk crashes 3 days later, do i have to buy a new Windows Vista ?Thanks.   
  IIS is only needed for local development of ASP.NET websites.As for activation, I don't believe that was ever really true anyway.I'd go with atleast Vista Business.   ;Quote:Original post by MaegaIIS is only needed for local development of ASP.NET websites.Not even that. When you debug an ASP.NET application, it provides its own webserver to test with as far as I'm aware.I'd avoid the Home Basic edition (no Aero!) and go with either Business (which I use) or Home Premium (or, if you can't decide between the two, Ultimate). This chart lists features available and missing by version.Of course, with Anytime Upgrade it shouldn't be a problem if you pick one version then feel you're missing out on one of the features and wish to upgrade.   ;  I had the same questions about 1 1/2 months back when I built my new machine... I ended up going with Windows Home Premium because not only would it allow development, but I did need the IIS pieces available for some side-work. Between that and I do like Aero and I do use Windows Media Center every so often were the breaking points where I decided to go with Home Premium vs. Basic. Also - the price difference was only about $20 for the OEM versions (now, $94 vs. $111 at NewEgg) - I figured why not...Also, on the topic of OEM - I had the same sort of concerns at first, but since I've installed it, I've swapped out three different firewire PCI cards and 2 different sets of RAM without any activation problems. From what I've read too, the only thing that the OEM version ties you to is to your specific motherboard's serial number. Hence, if the scenario happens as you point out below, and it will not let you re-activate automatically, you should be able to call Microsoft and activate via phone (not quite as easy, but you should not have to buy a new OEM copy).;  I had a motherboard failure and I just had to give Microsoft a call to reactivate my license. It was pretty quick and painless.   ;the only thing that the OEM version ties you to is to your specific motherboard's serial numberBut is it true for all countries in the world ? (I leave in France). Specially if the price are not the same between different countries.the price difference was only about $20 for the OEM versionsIn France:Vista Home Premium: 339 eurosVista Home Premium OEM : 109 eurosVista Professionnel    : 425 eurosVista Professionnel OEM: 149 eurosWhere can i have official informations about OEM. The Microsoft website is a jungle.;Quote:Original post by texel3dthe only thing that the OEM version ties you to is to your specific motherboard's serial numberBut is it true for all countries in the world ? (I leave in France). Specially if the price are not the same between different countries.Should be - I can't see why it wouldn't, then again, it is Microsoft.. I'd look on Microsoft's European site... no idea where (or where to start) though...Quote:the price difference was only about $20 for the OEM versionsIn France:Vista Home Premium: 339 eurosVista Home Premium OEM : 109 eurosVista Professionnel    : 425 eurosVista Professionnel OEM: 149 eurosSorry - I don't think I was very clear... I mean there was about a $20 difference between the Home Basic OEM and the Home Premium OEM versions.