User Interface

• Home Basic lacks the "glass effect" Windows Aero and Flip 3D user interfaces included with all other Vista editions. Home Premium allows live taskbar thumbnail previews for keeping easy track of multiple applications running simultaneously.
  
  

Under the Hood

• Both Basic and Premium support only a single processor with an unlimited number of cores, though Premium bumps RAM support from 8 GB to 16 GB. Premium allows the use of multiple displays, while Basic users are limited to a single display. Tablet PC and touch screen support are native to Premium but not available in Basic.
  
  

Media Capabilities

• Windows Media Center is included in Home Premium but not Home Basic, allowing for better integration with PC-based home theater setups. DVD authoring with Windows DVD Maker and high definition video editing with Movie Maker HD are more additions to Premium.