Vista, has gone on sale to business customers only. Vista is late. Instead of three years, it has taken Microsoft five years and 10,000 workers to get Windows Vista ready for the big time. The Windows operating system that was originally slated to be released in August 2006. Many PC makers are now selling "Vista-ready" computers. Vista is the first operating system to take full advantage of hybrid storage technology, which is designed to combine the benefits of flash and disk drive technology in PCs and handhelds. Hybrid technology is essentially the marriage of flash and rotating memory in a storage device. Flash memory/HDD hybrid technology can extend the capabilities of today's notebook computers. Adding non-volatile memory to the hard drive brings a host of mobility benefits that increases the value users want in notebook PCs- longer battery life, faster response, greater system durability. For those of you preparing to upgrade later this year, make sure to check out the Vista Upgrade Adviser microsoft.com
Windows Vista Upgrade Advisor FAQ
Q. What is the Windows Vista Upgrade Advisor?
A. Windows Vista Upgrade Advisor is a downloadable web application that helps Windows XP users identify which edition of Windows Vista meets their needs, whether their PCs are ready for an upgrade to Windows Vista, and which features of Windows Vista will be able to run on their PCs. The end result is a report that explains which edition of Windows Vista to buy and provides suggestions about what, if any, hardware updates may be necessary to install and run the appropriate edition and features of Windows Vista. Running Windows Vista Upgrade Advisor is a great first step for anyone considering whether to install Windows Vista on a PC they already own.
Q. Why is the Windows Vista Upgrade Advisor only available for Windows XP users?
A. The Windows Vista Upgrade Advisor depends on technology that only runs on computers with editions of Windows XP or Windows Vista installed. If you own a PC running Windows 2000, Windows 98, Windows ME, or Windows 95, you will need to carefully compare its system capabilities to the information available on our Get Ready site. In general, PCs purchased within the last two years have a better chance of being able to run Windows Vista as is or with affordable improvements to the system hardware.
Q. What is required to run Windows Vista?
A. If you purchased a PC in the last two years, chances are good that you can run Windows Vista. To install and run the core functionality of Windows Vista, you need:
* An 800 MHz processor
* 512 MB of RAM
* A 20 GB hard drive with 15 GB of free space
Advanced features, like the new user experience Windows Aero, require advanced or additional hardware.
Q. What should I consider when purchasing a new PC today to ensure that it can run Windows Vista?
A. If you are buying a new PC before Windows Vista is available, look for the computers designated as Windows Vista Capable or Windows Vista Premium Ready. Learn more about Windows Vista Capable and Premium Ready PCs.
Q. Is the Upgrade Advisor available in languages other than English?
A. Not yet. At this time the Upgrade Advisor is only available in English. We anticipate having the Upgrade Advisor available in all the languages Windows Vista is scheduled to ship.
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