Windows Vista

Microsoft and PC manufactures began the Vista Express Upgrade program. The Vista Express Upgrade Program allows customers who purchase a new computer between October 26, 2006 and March 15, 2007, to get an upgrade version of Windows Vista for free (minus shipping and handling costs). So if you’ve been waiting to make that new computer purchase until Vista is released, the wait is over. Purchase now and you’ll be guaranteed a copy of Vista for your new system when the final version is released.

But what if you don’t want to buy a new computer? Does your existing system have what it takes to run Vista, and run Vista as it was meant to? Don’t think that just because you might have purchased a top-of-the-line system at one time that you’ll be able to purchase Vista Ultimate Edition and have everything work correctly.

The hardware requirements for Vista are higher than any other version of Windows to date. And there seems to be a lot of confusion on the market today with the terms “Vista Capable” and “Vista Premium Ready” being plastered all over computers at every retail store. What exactly do these two terms mean?

Vista Capable PCs Vista Capable basically gives the minimum requirements that your computer system needs in order to “boot” Vista and run the operating system at it’s most minimal level. Vista Capable will allow you to install the version of Vista dubbed Vista Home Basic, which features most of the core components of Vista except for the new interface, dubbed Aero. Aero offers an entirely new visual experience for computer users, using the power of your computer’s video card. Vista Capable PCs will not be able to experience all of the benefits of the Aero interface.

Vista Premium Ready PCs Vista Premium Ready PCs have that missing component, a beefy video card, that allows the Aero interfact to shine through and give you the full experience of Windows Vista. You’ll get 3D windows with translucent frames, live previews of windows in the taskbar located at the bottom of your screen, and the new Flip windows functionality that makes it easier to find the window you want to work in.

If you’re looking to upgrade to Vista, I’d recommend you look into the Home Premium version. You’ll get the full Aero experience, along with the rest of the enhancements available in Vista. Better security, an easy to use interface, and improved stability make Vista a worthy upgrade. If you want to go Home Premium, here’s what you’re computer will need.

• 1 GHz processor
• 1 GB of system memory
• Support for DirectX 9 graphics, 128 of graphics memory
• 40 GB of hard drive space with 15 GB free space
• DVD-ROM Drive
• Audio output
• Internet access

*These specifications pulled from Microsoft’s web site

Check out your PC today and see if you’re ready for Vista. If not, you can feel secure that when you purchase a PC between now and March 15, 2007, you’ll be able to upgrade for the cost of shipping a DVD to your home.

Michael Paul is the host/producer of the TechCast Weekly podcast, a weekly podcast dedicated to offering computer help and computer tutorials to everyday people. If you’re the type of person that wants to know how to use your computer and don’t want to listen to a lot of geek speak to get good advice, the TechCast Weekly is the show for you. Even if you don’t know what a podcast is, you can find out on the TechCast Weekly site and learn how you can get great audio content absolutely free and chock full of helpful hints to help you use and understand your computer more effectively. The TechCast Weekly offers common sense answers to your computer questions, plus tutorials on popular software titles, with a Premium service offering video tutorials showcasing different software titles, allowing you to follow along and implement your new knowledge right away. Visit www.techcastweekly.com to listen to the latest shows and great computer help and advice.

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