Microsoft ceased distribution of retail copies of Windows Vista in October 2010 OEM distribution of Windows Vista ended in October 2011. With the exception of Windows Vista Starter, all editions support both IA-32 (32-bit) and 圆4 (64-bit) processor architectures. Windows Vista optical media use a holographic design with vibrant colors. Microsoft characterized the retail packaging for Windows Vista as 'designed to be user-friendly, a small, hard, plastic container designed to protect the software inside for life-long use' it opens sideways to reveal the Windows Vista DVD suspended in a clear plastic case. Editions sold at retail were available in both Full and Upgrade versions and later included Service Pack 1 (SP1). Microsoft also made Windows Vista available for purchase and download from Windows Marketplace it is the first version of Windows to be distributed through a digital distribution platform. On September 5, 2006, Microsoft announced the USD pricing for editions available through retail channels the operating system was later made available to retail on January 30, 2007. Windows Vista-a major release of the Microsoft Windows operating system-was available in six different product editions: Starter, Home Basic, Home Premium, Business, Enterprise, and Ultimate.
