In the past, Windows was available only on packaged discs or pre-loaded computer.

    A relatively low number of computer users are expected to get Vista by downloading it from the Internet. But the mere availability indicates Microsoft is looking into new distribution methods for the extremely profitable franchise at the core of its business.

    The download program was announced Wednesday. It will also include the Office 2007 line of software when both are released for consumers Jan. 30. Initially, the huge downloads will be available in North America only.

    Most consumers will get Vista already installed on new PCs bought after Jan. 30. The download process is targeted at people who are running the prior operating system, Windows XP, and want to get Vista without having to buy a new PC.

    However, Vista imposes hardware requirements that not all Windows XP machines can meet.

    For those who do buy Vista the normal way, Microsoft is launching a new program that makes it easier to upgrade from one edition of the operating system to another.

    For consumers, Vista will come in four versions, Home Basic, which retails for 199 U.S. dollars, Home Premium (239 dollars) Business (299 dollars) and Ultimate (399 dollars). Though consumers will pick one version when they buy a computer, higher versions will be embedded on the machine's hard drive or packaged on discs that come with it.

    Anyone who wants can bump up from Home Basic to Home Premium for another 79 dollars, Home Basic to Ultimate (199 dollars), Home Premium to Ultimate (159 dollars), or Business to Ultimate (139 dollars) by clicking a new "Windows Anytime Upgrade" function, pay for the upgrade online and then receive a coded license "key" that will unlock the more expensive edition.

    Microsoft also plans a promotion that will let buyers of Vista Ultimate get 50 dollar copies of Home Premium for two other PCs.

    Bill Mannion, director of consumer marketing for Windows, called these three steps part of an overall effort "to give more flexibility to end users."

    Matt Rosoff, an analyst with Directions on Microsoft, said the company likely was hoping to increase the incentives for consumers to buy costlier versions of Vista. Much of the marketing surrounding Vista will highlight features available only in higher-end versions, such as the new three-dimensional user interface and encryption functions.

    (Agencies)