Ready for Windows Vista?

Windows Vista is the current operating system presented from Microsoft. It was released on January 30 to the public with a heavy focus on customers downloading it from the company's web site as opposed to heading to a retail store to obtain it. More than five years had passed since Windows XP was released, and for the last several years, Vista was being developed under the codename Longhorn. Beginning in November of 2006, beta testing was fully underway and users began providing valuable feedback on new features and usability for Microsoft to prepare for its public release.

Vista is slated to improve overall computer security and this has been a priority since day one of development. For the most part, developers have often criticized Microsoft for taking light of security features instead of focusing on making their operating system secure.

While the release was delayed numerous times, by the end of 2006, most computers were Windows Vista-ready and now come pre-loaded with it. The full operating system as well as upgrades are available at Microsoft's web site as well as stores across the country.

Vista contains thousands of upgrades as well as new features. The user interface, visual style, networking and display systems have all been upgraded from the familiar style of Windows XP. The operating system makes many changes to its networking system to allow for greater range and features when creating a home or office network; wireless communication, in particular, is one of the primary features net workers are looking to build upon and Vista seeks to create a friendly platform for that type of structure.

Windows Vista has a new DVD maker to compete with programs such as Nero as well as redesigned features in audio and print publishing. Peer-to-peer connections to share multimedia are improved through the networking process, and this increase has allowed users to share music, pictures and videos quicker than ever before.

The operating system offers two types of interfaces as well as Vista Premium. Vista can run in a basic or classic mode depending on what users feel more comfortable using.

In general, a Vista capable computer needs certain specifications to run properly. Most computers now come with Vista pre-loaded but for older computers, upgrading to Vista may or may not be possible. In general, the following specifications should be part of your system before purchasing the upgrade.

- Processor: 800 MHz

- RAM: 512 MB

- Graphics Card: DirectX 9

- Graphics Memory: Not applicable

- HDD Capacity: Minimum of 20 GB

- HDD Space: 15 GB

- Drives: DVD-ROM

However, for Vista Premium, Microsoft suggests the following specifications:

- Processor: 1.0 GHz+

- RAM: 1 GB+

- Graphics Card: DirectX 9 along with Pixel Shader v.2.0 and additional driver support

- Graphics Memory: 128 MB - 512 MB depending on resolution

- HDD Capacity: Minimum of 40 GB

- HDD Space: 15 GB

- Drives: DVD-RW

If you computer meets the minimum qualifications, you will be able to upgrade with ease; if you do not meet the requirements, a new desktop or notebook will come Vista ready.