CNET Editors' rating explained for Windows Vista Home Premium

On August 26, CNET launched a substantial redesign of its Web sites. As part of the changes, we've altered the rating system to include numerals (1 through 10 with decimals) and a five-star system, with half stars. Nothing changed regarding how we test products or calculate their ratings. (Read more about this process below.) You can send feedback by clicking on the link at the top of this page.

Reviewed by:
Robert Vamosi
Reviewed on:
01/24/07
Updated on:
01/24/07
Released on:
01/30/07
Click here to see CNET editors' review for Windows Vista Home Premium
Design:
7.0
Features:
7.0
Performance:
8.0
Service and support:
7.0
Overall score:
7.4

Editors' rating: software
CNET editors evaluate every product according to a standard set of review criteria. To see our rating criteria and weightings, click the category you're interested in here.

What the numbers mean

9.6 to 10.0 = 5 stars (Spectacular):
This exceedingly rare score is reserved for a product that is as perfect as it could be.

9.0 to 9.5 = 4.5 stars (Outstanding):
A product that receives a rating in this range scores high on all of its rating criteria. It succeeds at meeting all of its intended users' needs and has no meaningful drawbacks.

8.0 to 8.9 = 4 stars (Excellent):
A product that receives a rating in this range is superior in so many ways that its relatively few drawbacks are not very important.

7.0 to 7.9 = 3.5 stars (Very good):
While the strengths of a product scoring in this range certainly outweigh its weaknesses, it has some minor faults that certain users should be aware of.

6.0 to 6.9 = 3 stars (Good):
This range represents a product that is above average. Its strengths slightly outweigh its weaknesses, making it good for most uses but not a standout.

5.0 to 5.9 = 2.5 stars (Average):
A product that scores in this range is functional but unremarkable.

4.0 to 4.9 = 2 stars (Mediocre):
Products in this range are below average. They fall in the middle of the pack for most features, but suffer from a few additional major flaws.

3.0 to 3.9 = 1.5 stars (Poor):
You probably should not consider a product in this range or lower. There may be one or two specialized circumstances, however, that could justify the purchase of this product for a very low price for a specific demand.

2.0 to 2.9 = 1 star (Terrible):
A product that receives a rating in this range scores low on all of its rating criteria. It does not satisfy any of its intended users' needs and has no meaningful strengths.

1.0 to 1.9 = 1/2 star (Abysmal):
A product in this range should never have been produced. This product has no redeeming qualities and worse, may actually harm you or your productivity.

0 - 0.9 = 0 stars

User reviews

Submit your review

Log in or create an account to submit your review for:

Windows Vista Home Premium

1. Rate this product:
(Mouse over the stars to rate this product and click to set your rating.)
2. One-line summary:(Summarize your review in one line. 10 characters minimum; required.)
0 of 55 characters
3. Pros:(Tell us what you like about this product. 10 characters minimum; required.)
0 of 250 characters
4. Cons:(Tell us what you don't like about this product. 10 characters minimum; required.)
0 of 250 characters
Bottom-line summary:(Explain to us in detail why you like or dislike the product, focusing your comments on the product's features and functionality, and your experience using the product. This field is optional.)
0 of 5000 characters

The posting of advertisements, profanity, or personal attacks are prohibited.
Click here to review our site terms of use.

Submit

Where to buy

Windows Vista Home Premium: $115.97 - $239.95
storepricein stock?rating
Softwaremedia.com
$189.97 Yes 5.0 star rating
B&H Photo-Video
$239.95 Yes 5.0 star rating
Royal Discount
$115.97 Yes 5.0 star rating
VioSoftware Inc.
$149.84 Yes 5.0 star rating
BuyBargainDeals.com
$210.00 No Not yet rated

see prices from 7 stores

Similar products

Where to buy Windows Vista Home Premium

$115.97 - $239.95
See all stores

Special sponsor stores

advertisement Special Sponsor Offer
Click Here
advertisement
advertisement

Reviews from around the Web

  • tech.co.uk

    Editors' rating: 80

    Summary: The right price for Vista, with the best of entertainment. Not for truly serious users though

    Read full review

  • pocket-lint.co.uk

    Editors' rating: 80

    Summary: It may not be cool to like Microsoft but this version of the new OS is simple stunning: easy to use, impressive and (so far) safe to use, which makes upgrading to it a far more enjoyable thought

    Read full review

powered by alaTest

Before you buy
Editors' top software
Find all software reviews
sponsored
advertisement
Click Here