Microsoft’s scheme using the Vista Capable label, which seems to have misinformed some customers into believing the PC they purchased would run Vista, brings up the issue why there is even a Vista Basic. Was the purpose of Vista Basic without Aero and Flip, an effort to deceive, or was it really needed for those who owned systems that would not support the advanced features?

On their web site Microsoft describes Vista Basic as:

Windows Vista Home Basic is the edition of Windows for basic home computing needs. If you only want to use your PC for tasks like browsing the Internet, using e-mail, or viewing photos, then Windows Vista Home Basic may be the right edition for you. While it won’t provide as many benefits as Windows Vista Home Premium, it will help you use your PC more easily and more safely than you could with Windows XP.

The first thing you’ll notice about Windows Vista Home Basic is how easy it is to find the programs and files you’re looking for. The instant desktop search feature looks across all of your documents, e-mails, photos, and other files, organizing the results in the way that you want to view them. When coupled with the built-in web search of Windows Internet Explorer 7 in Windows Vista, you’ll spend less time looking for the things that you need and more time on the activities that you care about.

With automatic defenses against malicious software and fraudulent websites, Windows Vista Home Basic enables you and your family to use your computer with greater confidence. Plus, parents can use built-in controls to help ensure their children’s computer use is protected and appropriate.

Windows Vista Home Basic makes it easier than ever to set up your new PC, with features that easily transfer all of your data and settings from your old PC to your new one. What’s more, you can have peace of mind for years to come with technology that keeps your system running quickly and reliably over time.

Though the advertising suggests that Vista Basic is more secure and offers many benefits compared to Windows XP, are these enough to support the idea that people should update from Windows XP to Vista Basic? Or was the real purpose of Vista Basic an effort by Microsoft to support their contention that a PC was in fact Capable to run Vista, even if it was a stripped down operating system?

What’s your take?

Comments welcome.

Microsoft Vista Basic site is here.