On a computer that runs Windows Vista or Windows Server 2008, you uninstall some software updates. However, after the operation finishes, some of the software assembly files may reflect the updated version instead of the original version of the files.

For example, on a Windows Vista-based computer, assume that you have the 2007 Microsoft Office system installed. If you install and then uninstall 2007 Office system Service Pack 2 (SP2), some assembly files in the global assembly cache (%SystemRoot%\Assembly\GAC) remain from the 2007 Office system SP2 version.

Microsoft is nearly ready to unleash Vista to the mainstream world. They’ve created a number of releases to try and cover as many price points as possible (justified by various levels of functionality). There are nine available (more if you count upgrades), but most of us will only have access to four (five if you’re willing to spend a little extra for an autograph). Which one do you choose? Here’s how they break down: Keep reading →