With Windows Vista coming out January 30, 2007, I find it necessary to recap some important facts about Vista.  The overwhelming question is, "Do I need to upgrade?"  Without the proper direction, the average customer will buy Vista thinking that they need it to continue running Windows.  This can cause a few issues as well as lead the customer to buying something that they may not be able to even use. 

     Any new computer that you buy or have bought within the last few months probably has this logo on it.  This indicates that you can install Windows Vista on the computer because it meets the minimum requirements for Vista to operate.  Generally speaking, however, you do not want to install Windows Vista on a computer that only cost you about $500.  Chances are that computer would be fast enough to operate, but still lack any good performance.  Vista would actually run slower than XP did.

     Another option that you have to take into consideration is whether or not you need to buy the Home Basic, Home Premium, Business Basic, Business Premium, or Ultimate Edition of Windows Vista.  Home and Business Basic have their normal functions as XP Home and XP Pro respectively.  The premium editions include Windows Aero shown above.  It includes 3-dimensional enhancements that make Windows look much more sleek and powerful.  You do need an upgraded video card to be able to display this, however.

     All versions of Windows Vista will have a new sidebar.  You can add what are called widgets to it, for different functions.  You can add an RSS news feed, an analog clock, and other miscellaneous objects.  You also have the ability to turn the sidebar off if you wish.

     Along with these enhancements, Windows Vista will also be more secure than Windows XP.  It will give you the option to use the new WPA2 encryption for your router, which is much more secure.  It will also include Internet Explorer 7 and Windows Media Player 11, both of which are more secure and more powerful than their predecessors.  The price tag for Windows Vista is a little bit more than XP was.  Home Basic will be around $100 while the Premium version will be $160.  If you currently have a computer with Windows Media Center, than you will probably want the Premium version, which includes the new Media Center program.

     So just remember to take into account how old your computer is, as well as what the hardware specs of your computer are.  If you need help figuring out whether or not you need Windows Vista, you can always call the friendly people at RentOurGeeks.com for any information.  We can help you decide over the phone what you need and why.

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