... Microsoft will differentiate between versions by color-coding the DVDs.
Light Green will be Home Basic
Dark Green will be Home Premium
Blue will be Vista Business
Platinum will be Vista Ultimate
Microsoft's intention is to help customers differentiate between which Version
of Windows Vista they're running. When a customer wants to upgrade his system, he will simply insert the original, color-coded DVD and purchase an upgrade license—no download needed. Does that mean that upgrading the operating system will not require a connection or communication to Microsoft? Absolutely not. Due to the obvious risk of piracy by shipping every version on one DVD, Microsoft will certainly require some type of "activation", even if there is a brief grace period.