Windows Vista is the latest release of Microsoft Windows, a line of graphical operating systems used on personal computers,
including home and business desktops. Prior to its announcement on July 22, 2005, Vista was known by its codename Longhorn.[1]
On November 8, 2006, Windows Vista development was completed and released to manufacturing. Over the next two months it was
released to MSDN subscribers, computer hardware and software manufacturers and volume license customers. On January 30, 2007
it will be released worldwide to the general public. These release dates come more than five years after the release of its
predecessor, Windows XP, making it the longest time span between two releases of Windows.
According to Microsoft,[2] Windows Vista contains hundreds of new features; some of the most significant include an updated
graphical user interface and visual style dubbed Windows Aero, improved searching features, new multimedia creation tools
such as Windows DVD Maker, and completely redesigned networking, audio, print, and display sub-systems. Vista also aims to
increase the level of communication between machines on a home network using peer-to-peer technology, making it easier to
share files and digital media between computers and devices. For developers, Vista introduces version 3.0 of the .NET Framework,
which aims to make it significantly easier for developers to write high-quality applications than with the traditional Windows
API.
Microsoft's primary stated objective with Vista, however, has been to improve the state of security in the Windows operating
system.[3] One of the most common criticisms of Windows XP and its predecessors has been their commonly exploited security
vulnerabilities and overall susceptibility to malware, viruses and buffer overflows. In light of this, then Microsoft chairman
Bill Gates announced in early 2002 a company-wide 'Trustworthy Computing initiative' which aims to incorporate security work
into every aspect of software development at the company. Microsoft claimed that it prioritized improving the security of
Windows XP and Windows Server 2003 above finishing Windows Vista, significantly delaying its completion.[4]
During the course of its development, Vista has been the target of a number of negative assessments by various groups.
Criticism of Windows Vista has included protracted development time, more restrictive licensing terms, the inclusion of a
number of new Digital Rights Management technologies aimed at restricting the copying of protected digital media, and the
usability of new features such as User Account Control.
A Windows Vista Capable PC includes at least:
* A modern processor (at least 800MHz¹).
* 512 MB of system memory.
* A graphics processor that is DirectX 9 capable.
Windows Vista Premium Ready PCs
Some Windows Vista Capable PCs have been designated Premium Ready. These PCs will provide an even better Windows Vista
experience, including the Windows Aero user experience. Features available in specific premium editions of Windows Vista,
such as the ability to watch and record live TV, may require additional hardware.
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.
Read all of the Windows Vista Capable footnotes.
Can the Windows Vista experience vary on different PCs?
Yes. Windows Vista is the first Windows operating system with a user experience that adapts to take advantage of the capabilities
of the hardware on which it is installed.
All Windows Vista Capable PCs will be able to run at least the core experiences of Windows Vista.
All Windows Vista Premium Ready PCs can deliver even better Windows Vista experiences, including the new Windows Aero
user experience.
Does buying a Windows Vista Capable PC mean that I will receive a free upgrade to Windows Vista?
No. A PC that is Windows Vista Capable or Premium Ready means that the PC is ready for an upgrade from Windows XP. You
would still need to purchase the edition of Windows Vista that you want to install on your Windows Vista Capable or Premium
Ready PC.
Some product features are only available in certain editions of Windows Vista and may require advanced or additional hardware.
