Choosing a Windows Vista Version

Computers that run Windows nowadays come equipped with Windows Vista. Since Windows Vista comes in five versions, with most versions available in both 32 Bit and 64 Bit variations, its important that the correct one is selected.

As far as whether to choose the 32 Bit or 64 Bit Edition, we recommend the 32-bit edition for its far superior compatibility in general, but specifically with the products published and distributed by CompuSports (over the 64 Bit edition, but not over Windows XP unfortunately).

As far as whether to choose Vista Home Premium, Vista Ultimate or Vista Business, in most cases Vista Home Premium is the best choice. We do not recommend upgrading the operating system on a computer that already has Windows XP to any version of Windows Vista.

For a full discussion of the details behind these recommendations, read Critical Windows Vista Purchase Considerations in the Coaches Advisor Journal.

Click here for an overview of the Versions of Windows Vista

Click here for detailed specifics about the features included and not included in each one

Summer Releases take a "bite" out of high prices for Easy-Scout upgraders

From their very first “season” 25 years ago this Sept, Easy-Scout products have been built to be affordable and usable over a long period of time.    And, “back in those days”, this was not unusual,  as it would be many years until software publishers would begin to append “year labels” to their product names as a way to promote new versions of products each year, or each couple of years. 

Our approach with Easy-Scout, while it was possible, has been to develop major new releases only when technology required it, which for many years meant that products could be expected to last 5,8 and in some cases as long as ten years.

This, compared with the leading software publishers of the day – think Microsoft’s Windows 95, Windows 98, Windows 2000 or Office 95, 97, 2000, 2002, 2003, 2007 or  Symantec’s Norton Antivirus 2000, 2001, 20002, 2003, etc. Surely, the larger software publishers found a way to make this planned obsolescence work for quite some time, and, while many still do, there are storm clouds on the horizon. Get ready to be bombarded with annual subscription plans as the only way to acquire software – the next great thing the software industry has to offer.

We’re bucking that trend in the industry, much like we’re bucking the trend of many of Easy-Scout’s competitors by staying true to its heritage of making game planning, and now video editing software affordable over a number of years to high schools (and increasingly colleges) of all sizes.

We start with a base price that offers a comparable price/value proposition, and in some cases considerable savings over similar products in a category that is still “maturing”, so to speak. A case in point is video editing – still in many ways the “wild west” with more disinformation and feature wars than a mature marketplace where the products are fully understood, and where more importantly, are used as frequently as they are purchased.

This happens to be an upgrade year for Easy-Scout products – the first since 2003 for Easy-Scout XP – the “scouting” edition of Easy-Scout. It is also the first upgrade (as opposed to free update) for Easy-Scout XP Professional, our video editing version of Easy-Scout, since its release two years ago.  The upgrade programs are as unique as the price/performance profile of the Easy-Scout products themselves, and are certain to be welcome news for personal and school budgets that are squeezed by escalating gas and food prices.

We’ll begin rolling out of a variety of attractive options to Easy-Scout users over the final weeks of June, including a 25th Anniversary Edition of Easy-Scout XP Professional for those who want “a little video with their scouting” this season.  We’ll be communicating through this blog, as well as email. Those who can’t wait can visit the www.compuSports.com Scouting or Video editing product section to learn about the products and ensure they are first on the list.