| The wait is over for the much anticipated arrival of | | | | programs easier. Branching windows are no longer |
| Windows Vista on Nov. 30, when businesses will be | | | | used. A search engine is integrated at almost every |
| able to utilize Microsoft's latest advancement of its | | | | turn. |
| operating system. | | | | Vista introduces a graphical gem called Flip 3D, which |
| The consumer release of Vista and Microsoft's most | | | | flips through open windows in 3D. It is similar to the |
| recent Office software is slated for Jan. 30. | | | | ALT + TAB function but is much fancier. |
| Microsoft originally targeted a 2005 release of the | | | | Similar to widgets on the Mac OS X, Vista also has a |
| operating system, and then pushed the launch to | | | | Windows sidebar on the desktop, where the user |
| early 2006 before announcing in March that Vista | | | | can put gadgets that get information from the Web, |
| would again be delayed. Is it worth the wait, or is | | | | such as weather updates, news and sports scores. |
| Vista just another Microsoft creation flawed with | | | | The security features might be the most impressive |
| security issues and system crashes? | | | | aspect of Windows Vista. The operating system |
| Indications are that Vista is Microsoft's most | | | | comes packaged with Internet Explorer 7, which has |
| significant development and it deserves a try. Rest | | | | an integrated phishing filter, better ActiveX control |
| assured, millions will give it a try. A U.S. research firm | | | | and more enhanced spyware and malware filtering. |
| called IDC estimates that in the first year of its | | | | The phishing filter is very important in this day and |
| release, Vista will be installed on more than 100 million | | | | age when online scams are prevalent. Vista also |
| computers worldwide. | | | | makes it more difficult for malware to install itself |
| Windows Vista comes in two editions for home users | | | | onto your PC. Windows Firewall is much improved, |
| - Basic and Premium - and they are functionally similar | | | | and Vista will run with restricted privileges, which |
| to today's XP versions. The major differences are | | | | means that a re-entry of a password is required |
| better protection from network hackers, and the | | | | when you want to install new software. |
| look and feel of the system. | | | | Parents can also utilize Vista's security features to |
| Vista Premium offers more dynamic features. It | | | | see what Web sites their children have visited, as |
| includes the multimedia features found in the | | | | well as restrict computer use and control the Web |
| Windows Media Center Edition, and it has an | | | | sites children can visit. |
| impressive graphic user interface (GUI) called Aero. | | | | As far as compatible upgrade issues with the existing |
| The interface includes semi-transparent windows that | | | | Windows XP system, it is probably best to not |
| move about the screen. | | | | upgrade to Vista unless you are buying a new PC |
| These GUI features require at least one gigahertz | | | | next year (where it will be preinstalled). You should |
| processor, a gigabyte of internal memory and a | | | | definitely stick with XP if your PC is older than three |
| graphics adapter with at least 128 megabytes of | | | | years to avoid hemorrhaging your hardware. |
| video RAM. Intel's line of Core 2 Duo processors can | | | | Be cautious if you decide to upgrade from XP to |
| handle the Vista load more efficiently than Pentium 4 | | | | Vista in a "Vista Capable" computer. Upgrading an |
| and Celeron processors. | | | | operating system might not run smoothly, especially |
| PC makers are currently marketing many machines as | | | | when the system is brand new like Vista. New |
| "Vista Capable" which means they have the | | | | software always has the possibility of having bugs |
| computing power, storage and graphics capability to | | | | and quirks that need to be ironed out. |
| upgrade from Windows XP. | | | | Therefore, if you decide to buy a PC before the |
| If you are uncertain if the PC can handle Vista Basic | | | | home versions of Vista are released Jan. 30, strongly |
| or Premium, Microsoft has a free program that can | | | | consider using XP until you decide to purchase your |
| be downloaded that is called Upgrade Advisor at This | | | | next computer. If you decide to upgrade to Vista |
| program will indicate if a PC has enough horsepower | | | | and you do not encounter any difficulties, enjoy the |
| for the Vista. | | | | new GUI and security features Windows has to |
| Vista's other impressive new features: | | | | offer. |
| The Start menu has been redesigned to make finding | | | | |