Microsoft is getting ready to convince us all that we need to upgrade to Windows Vista, the latest version of operating system in the popular Windows Operating System family. The product has been delayed and will apparently not be available in time for Christmas pre-loaded on new systems (at least as of this writing). So, what is the big deal? Why do I want or need a newer and higher-priced version of Windows? It’s all a matter of the versions and what they can do for you.

31 Flavors? Not Quite!
With apologies to Baskin-Robbins, the new Windows Vista will be available in 31 flavors…uh, well, not quite. Microsoft has settled on five versions of the new operating system, with one that will fit the way you do computing, no matter who you are.

For home users, there are two versions of Windows Vista, Home Basic and Home Premium. First, there is Windows Vista Home Basic, offering improved reliability, security, and usability to home PC users who just want to do the basics with their PCs. This version of Windows Vista is the base level, ground floor, the one that all of the other versions of Windows Vista build from in their feature sets. This version appears to be scaled back to strictly the basics. It does allow better security and monitoring of IM, game usage, internet surfing, etc. for parents.

Be advised that  Windows Vista Home Premium is for the home user, and not for business. Be careful as the product rolls out if you buy PCs from the “big box” resellers or discount clubs, as this version of the operating system is NOT for business users. It works great for home users who want to write e-mail and surf the Internet, for home entertainment, or to track household expenses. This version contains much of the functionality of the previous (XP) Tablet PC edition.

Windows Vista Business is next. Microsoft says this version is perfect for business, regardless of the size of your organization. It is touted as offering improved security, helping enhance productivity and allowing users to stay connected and provide lower PC management costs.

Windows Vista Enterprise is designed to meet the needs of large global organizations with highly- complex IT infrastructures. This version seems to be targeted at business clients whose enterprise is global. This version provides additional layers of protection for sensitive data.

Windows Vista Ultimate marries all of the features of the high-end home version with the business version. Microsoft says if “you want all of the best business features, all of the best mobility features, and all of the best home entertainment features that Windows Vista has to offer, Windows Vista Ultimate is the solution for you.”

I Need To Buy a New PC Now!
If you are looking for a new PC today, you can choose a Windows Vista Capable or Premium Ready PC. When you buy a new PC that carries the Windows Vista Capable or Premium Ready PC designation, you’ll be able to upgrade to one of the editions of Windows Vista while taking advantage of all the features offered by Windows XP today. What is a Windows Vista Capable PC? It is a new PC that carries the Windows Vista Capable PC logo and can run Windows Vista. As of this writing, Microsoft says that all editions of Windows Vista will deliver core experiences like organizing innovations, security and reliability. All Windows Vista Capable PCs will run these core experiences at a minimum. Some features available in the premium editions of Windows Vista—like the new Windows Aero user experience—may require advanced or additional hardware.

What are the Specifications for Windows Vista Capable?
In order to be a Windows Vista Capable PC, your new PC must include at a minimum:
-A modern processor (at least 800MHz1).
-512 MB of system memory.
-A graphics processor that is DirectX 9 capable.

Realistically, this is the minimum system to load the software and you will not be able to do much else other than launch the O/S and perform basic computing tasks, based on what we have seen with the pre-release versions of the operating system.

Windows Vista Premium Ready PCs
To get a usable, and comparable to, Windows XP experience from Windows Vista, including the Windows Aero user experience, you need a Windows Vista Capable PC that is designated as “Premium Ready,” or a PC that meets or exceeds the Premium Ready requirements outlined below. Features available in specific premium editions of Windows Vista, such as the ability to watch and record live TV, may require additional hardware beyond that listed below. This is based on what we have seen with pre-release versions of the operating system.

What are the Specifications for Windows Vista Premium Ready PCs?
A Windows Vista Premium Ready PC includes at least:
-1 GHz 32-bit (x86) or 64-bit (x64) processor1.
-1 GB of system memory.
-Support for DirectX 9 graphics with a WDDM driver, 128 MB of graphics memory (minimum)2, Pixel Shader 2.0 and 32 bits per pixel.
-40 GB of hard drive capacity with 15 GB free space.
-DVD-ROM Drive3.
-Audio output capability.
-Internet access capability.

What About The PC I Have Now?
There is also a test you can run on existing hardware, to see if you are close to working with Windows Vista when it is released (target early 2007). You can run this tool from the following URL- http://www.windowsmarketplace.com/Content.aspx?ctId=366.
The link at the bottom of the page will determine if your computer is capable of running Windows Vista. This is accomplished by installing a small ActiveX control will be installed in your browser. Microsoft says that no personal information will be collected. After installing the ActiveX control, the analysis begins, as shown in the image on the right. As you can see below, the results of that test are pretty straightforward. After running the test on a test system, the results reveal that my video card is not acceptable. All in all, though, upgrading a video card is a small price to pay to keep a system through an operating system upgrade

What About 64-bit Processors?
We did not discuss 64-bit processors in this article. The reason for that is simple. Very few applications make use of that technology at the desktop and most applications that are available do not allow you to run their application on 64-bit hardware, as they consider it an unsupported environment. I know, if you are going to have to buy new hardware, you are thinking about 64-bit as an option. The way things are going, software developers will not adopt that technology until they are forced to, and if you do, you will be on the “bleeding edge” should you have problems that require application support.

How can I get more information on this subject?
If you are looking for more information on Windows Vista and updates that Microsoft may post between the writing of this article and the public release of Windows Vista, you can visit http://www.microsoft.com/WindowsVista . As always, when you are looking to upgrade, make sure your applications will run on the new operating system and hardware. After all, we all know what happens when we assume! If you have questions or comments about this article, contact me.


All product names / logos, company names / logos are copyrights of their respective holders.  John Boline is an MCSE, CNE, USE and a member of the Network Professional Association. The content herein is often based on late-breaking events. Much of the material is based on information from sources that are believed to be reliable. Hagerman & Company, Inc. disclaims all warranties as to the ultimate accuracy or completeness of the information. Hagerman & Company, Inc. and its employees shall have no liability for errors, omissions or inadequacies in the information contained within this article or for any interpretations thereof. The recommendations, positions and best practice policies outlined herein represent Hagerman & Company, Inc. initial analysis and therefore are subject to change as further information which may have bearing on these positions is made available. The reader assumes sole responsibility for the selection of these materials to achieve its intended results. The opinions expressed herein are subject to change without notice. Entire contents © 2006 Hagerman & Company, Inc. All rights reserved. Reproduction of this publication in any form without prior written permission is forbidden