Windows Vista On The Horizon
  by:  Steven Bettis

Microsoft plans to launch a new Windows operating system later this year.  The newest version of Windows has been named Vista and promises to offer features that will boggle users’ minds and improve on the security that was lacking in previous versions of Windows.

Vista will include flashy new graphics, a redesigned user interface, and advanced search features. Other changes include improved touch-screen support and a Windows sidebar that can display all kinds of information like upcoming appointments, “just-in” e-mail messages, and a clock. Microsoft also promises better defenses against phishing attacks, spyware, and other malicious code with its new operating system.

Although the exact hardware specifications haven’t been released yet, we do know that Microsoft has recommended PC manufactures to build “Vista-Ready” systems with a modern Intel Pentium or AMD Athlon-based processor, a dedicated graphics card featuring DirectX 9.0 support, and 512 MB or more of RAM.  The average consumer should keep these specs in mind when purchasing a new system to avoid costly hardware upgrades in the future.

For home users, Microsoft claims “Windows Vista will deliver better personal productivity and digital entertainment on your PC through its improved reliability, security, and performance. Windows Vista helps you to accomplish tasks faster, with a rich new interface and new ways to organize and find the information stored on your PC.  When it comes to having fun, you can enjoy more entertainment with live and recorded TV on your PC. Windows Vista also gives you the ability to access all of your photos, music, movies, and recorded shows on other PCs throughout your home, and even through your Xbox 360.”

As for businesses, Microsoft claims “Windows Vista is designed for businesses of all sizes and across all industries. Focused on helping you achieve cost and operational efficiencies in desktop image deployment, management, and security, Windows Vista will make a difference in any business setting. Windows Vista also helps PC users to be more effective in their work by offering improved connectivity with advanced integration across technologies, networks, and systems, as well as providing them with quick access to better organized information.”

The question of whether upgrades are necessary will need to be answered by each person’s individual needs.  Most businesses have been warned by their IT staff to wait until 2008 to make the switch.  This delay will give Microsoft enough time to fix the flaws and holes in security that usually plague new operating systems.  Hardware manufactures will need to build drivers to make their products compatible with Vista.  This may take some time – especially with older products.  Cost is also a factor because this new version of Windows is rumored to cost anywhere from $99 to $249 per license.  Although the new features sound intriguing, I will to wait to see the final product before making the decision to upgrade or not – until then, XP will work just fine for me.