Windows Vista.  It's been looming on the horizon for some time now.  If you have bought a computer within the last few months, chances are, you see a sticker on it that says Vista Capable.  But what will Windows Vista have to offer you?  Should you upgrade?  Will all of your programs work when you do.  Several questions about Vista will be answered in this month's article.

     A Windows capable PC is a computer with at least an 800 Mhz processor, 512 MB of RAM, and a video card that is DirectX 9 capable.  Pretty much any computer that you could have bought after 2002 will work with Vista.  They do, however, recommend the following attributes:

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• 1 GHz 32-bit (x86) or 64-bit (x64) processor.
• 1 GB of system memory.
• Support for DirectX 9 graphics with a WDDM driver, 128 MB of graphics memory (minimum), Pixel Shader 2.0 and 32 bits per pixel.
• 40 GB of hard drive capacity with 15 GB free space.
• DVD-ROM Drive.
• Audio output capability.
• Internet access capability.

These specifications are available in the paperwork that would have came with your computer.  Most desktop computers that you buy now, that cost more than $500, are Vista capable.

     But why even get Windows Vista when it comes out?  There are a few reasons.  Besides the fact that Vista is more secure than XP in many ways, it looks beautiful.  The picture on the left shows what the Aero version of Vista will be.  It will include many visual updates, such as the ability to 3 dimensionally manipulate any window.  Instead of having to minimize a window, you angle it in.  You do have to have a video card that is at least within a couple of years old.

     If you do not have the extra money to put into having a 3-D desktop, the regular version of Vista has some visual enhancements as well.  This picture shows the sidebar.  You can add what is called "gadgets" to the bar.  Anything from current weather to RSS news feeds can be loaded.  Each gadget is customizable for your use for it.  The sidebar is see through as well, which makes it so you can still see an open document underneath it.

     Windows Vista will be a visually stunning operating system, as well as much more secure.  From integrated spyware protection, to updated WPA encryption support for wireless networks.  However, if you have a cheaper computer, do not expect Vista to work well or at all with your computer.

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