Windows Vista

Windows Vista is an operating system developed by Microsoft. The business version was released at the end of 2006, while the consumer version shipped on January 30, 2007.

The Vista operating system includes an updated look from Windows XP, called the "Aero" interface. The desktop, windows, icons, and toolbars have a smoother 3D look, similar to the Mac OS X interface. These graphics are generated using the new Windows Presentation Foundation (WPF) graphics subsystem included with Windows Vista. Other improvements include faster-indexed file searching (which can locate text within files), built-in web services called the Windows Communication Foundation (WCF), support for the new XML Paper Specification (XPS) document format, and numerous security improvements.

Overall, Vista is a significant upgrade to the Windows operating system. The interface feels more modern, file navigation has been improved, and system security has been designed to be stronger than Windows XP.

If you plan to purchase Windows Vista for your system, you can choose one of five options:

• Business - designed for small business users and streamlined for work-oriented tasks
• Enterprise - meant for large, global organizations with complex IT infrastructures
• Home Basic - the most basic version of Vista designed for the average home user
• Home Premium - a more robust home version that includes extra security and multimedia features
• Ultimate - includes all the features from the Home Premium and Business versions of Vista

The absolute minimum system requirements for Vista are:

• 800 MHz processor
• 512 MB of RAM
• 20 GB hard drive with at least 15 GB of available space
• Super VGA graphics support
• CD-ROM drive

However, Microsoft recommends the following system requirements:

• 1 GHz 32-bit (x86) or 64-bit (x64) processor
• 1 GB of RAM
• 40 GB hard drive with at least 15 GB of available space
• DirectX 9 graphics support with a WDDM Driver
• 128 MB (minimum) of video RAM
• Pixel Shader 2.0 in hardware
• 32 bits per pixel
• DVD-ROM drive
• Audio Output
• Internet access

Because many of Vista's new features require the recommended system requirements, it may be best to upgrade your operating system only if your computer meets or exceeds the recommended specifications. Otherwise, waiting to buy a new machine with Windows Vista preinstalled is probably the best choice.