Planning for Microsoft Vista

For a few weeks during June 2006, Microsoft released Windows Vista Beta 2 as a free download to the masses for a sneak preview, prompting many people to think about gearing up to run the next generation of the Windows operating system.

The more adventurous among you will have downloaded and installed Windows Vista already, while the more cautious – or simply unlucky – will wonder how well the new operating system will run on current PCs – if at all.

With a redesigned user interface, different driver models for many classes of hardware and significant changes in the way programs are executed, there are many reasons why a current PC may not transition seamlessly to Windows Vista.

However, in the interests of extending a current PC’s useful life, we’d suggest it’s a topic worth investigating.

Microsoft has posted plenty of information online, perhaps too much to take in, as it’s certainly a lot to wade through. Thankfully, there are some simple tools available (also still mostly in beta) that help you examine your PC and peripherals, and help you to decide whether it’s possible to upgrade your current system, or whether you should just buy a new one.

In many ways, buying a new PC that’s ready for Vista is simple. By looking out for the Vista Capable logos appearing on most PCs you can be confident that the new OS will run.

If you simply must buy a new PC, then this is surely the way to go, although the logo doesn’t tell the whole story.

Peripherals vendors also have the option of certifying their products under Microsoft’s ‘Designed for Windows’ logo programmes, so you should be able to find out before you lay down your cash whether your new purchase will work properly with Vista.

But what of your existing hardware? Will you have to throw away and replace perfectly functional hardware due to a lack of drivers?

What about the new digital media copy-protection systems? Will your system b e able to display high-definition content and play premium copy-protected audio? This simple guide will help.

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