 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
Microsoft Windows Vista
Welcome to the Tactical Panda guide to Microsoft's Computer Operating System, Windows Vista, soon to be replaced by an even newer system, Windows 7. Most new computers, both desktops and notebooks (the real name for laptops), now operate with Windows Vista. You will have to search hard for an XP computer, and if you find one it won't be 'brand new', maybe several months old. That said, there are still some out there, but obviously manufacturers and retailers are pushing Vista hard and will point you in their direction. Nothing wrong with that, but be careful you read the 'spec' on the computer before you part with your cash.
What's Available
Vista comes in several guises, the most popular is Windows Vista Home Premium, in my opinion the most useful for everyday use. Vista Home Basic isn't worth the time of day and I would avoid it if I was you. In a few months you will be wishing you had bought Home Premium!
If you are buying a PC from the 'economical' range, the chances are that Vista Home Basic is installed. Check! Mid to high range PC will have Home Premium installed already and is certainly worth the extra few pounds.
 |
 |
 |
 |
There is a third edition for the home user called Vista Ultimate (which I have). Vista Business has a lot of features that the home user simply won't require. For more details of what version does what, see the list below.
Home User Editions:
- Windows Vista Home Basic
- Windows Vista Home Premium
- Windows Vista Ultimate
Business Editions:
- Windows Vista Business
- Windows Vista Enterprise (for large global organisations)
The operating system offers a brand new user interface with some very graphical enhancements known as Windows Aero. The overall visuals are quite stunning but to use the maximum features available, you are going to need a powerful graphics card. The Windows desktop has had an overhaul too. It's more intuitive, helpful and has some extra on-screen gadgets.
Other features of Windows Vista:
- Advanced Search Feature and File Organisation
- Family Safety Settings
- Gaming Access Controls
- Improved Performance
- Intergrated Windows Media Centre
- Live Application Thumbnails
- New Networking Features
- Photo Gallery
- Sidebar & Gadgets
- Speech Recognition
- Tabbed Internet Browsing in Internet Explorer 7
- Updated Games
- Windows Calendar
- Windows Meeting Space
- Windows ReadyBoost (Use a pen drive as extra memory)
- And, much more
If you are thinking about upgrading to Windows Vista in the future, the first thing you will need to do is read the specifications below. If you are unsure if your PC meets those requirements, then you can download the Windows Vista Upgrade Advisor from the Microsoft website by clicking here.
Specifications for a Windows Vista PC:
Minimum Specification:
- A modern processor (at least 800MHz). 512 MB of system memory.
- A graphics processor that is DirectX 9 capable.
Recommended Specification
- 1 GHz 32-bit (x86) or 64-bit (x64) processor
- 1 GB of system memory
- A graphics processor that runs Windows Aero.
- 128 MB of graphics memory
- 40 GB of hard drive capacity with 15 GB free space.
- DVD-ROM Drive
- Audio output capability
- Internet access capability
What's on offer...
As mentioned above, Microsoft Windows Vista has been designed to cater for the individual requirements of all computer users. There are 4 main editions that will be released to the general consumer and small businesses, these are as follows.
 Vista Home Basic |
|
 Vista Home Premium |
|
 Vista Business |
|
 Vista Ultimate |
|
Vista Hardware Compatibility
Drivers & HardwareNot sure if your computer hardware is compatible with Vista? For more details on how to get your printer, scanner or other piece of hardware to work with Windows Vista, (and more about Vista) please click the link below.
| More about Windows Vista >>> |