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Planning Ahead: Be Prepared for Vista
By Dale Walls
Microsoft’s latest client operating system to be released in November later this year, Windows Vista, will be more demanding of system resources. When purchasing new systems throughout this year, make sure that you’re selected products have enough power to handle the upcoming load and avoid having to make additional upgrades as your business moves to Vista.
Currently Microsoft is not set to release the official minimum system requirements until this summer. For starters, Microsoft as released some guidelines to include 512 MB or more of RAM, a dedicated graphics card with DirectX 9.0 support, and finally a modern, Intel Pentium- or AMD Athlon-based PC.
It seems that even today’s usage of the current Windows XP operating system, a minimum of 512MB of memory is what is necessary to provide a comfortable experience. In the purchase of new systems look to include 1GB of memory to avoid degradation in performance when editing large files or switching between applications.
The requirement for the increased graphics support is driven by the much anticipated Aero user interface. The new interface will include functionality including transparent application windows, live taskbar thumbnails allowing you to see live application data rather than just icons, also 3D windows flip allowing 3D views of open windows, and much more. This new interface is designed to improve manageability and responsiveness of the general user experience.
In selecting of your new systems be sure to look for the stronger Intel Pentium or AMD Processors. Try to stay away from the slower performing Celeron or Duron if your budget will allow. Additionally, to get the most out of the experience with this new and improved operating system procure video cards with 128MB of graphics memory.
It doesn’t seem that the plain old CD-ROM is enough these days. Due to its size, it is reported that Windows Vista will be available on DVD ONLY. This means any plan to upgrade a system easily will need access to a DVD drive. Look for systems that have a CD-RW/DVD-ROM combo drive or better to be sure that you can easily perform the upgrade when the time comes.
With the release of the launch date, Microsoft has posted the latest list of versions of the OS. The following is Microsoft’s description of each version that can be found at the Windows Vista: The Versions web site
- Windows Vista Business
Regardless of the size of your organization, Windows Vista Business will help you lower your PC management costs, improve your security, enhance your productivity, and help you stay better connected. - Windows Vista Enterprise
Windows Vista Enterprise is designed to meet the needs of large global organizations with highly complex IT infrastructures. Windows Vista Enterprise can help you lower your IT costs while providing additional layers of protection for your sensitive data. - Windows Vista Home Premium
Whether you choose to use your PC to write e-mail and surf the Internet, for home entertainment, or to track your household expenses, Windows Vista Home Premium delivers a more complete and satisfying computing experience. - Windows Vista Ultimate
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. With Windows Vista Ultimate you don't have to compromise. - Windows Vista Home Basic
Windows Vista Home Basic is designed to deliver improved reliability, security, and usability to home PC users who just want to do the basics with their PCs.
Dale Walls is President of Corsica Technologies, a Microsoft Gold Certified Partner & Small Business providing complete IT Solutions for businesses, government, and home computing in Maryland, DC, and Virginia. Feel free to contact Dale at 443.262.9290, or by email at dale@corsicatech.com.
