Vista
If you bought a PC in the last 2 years and didn't minimize, you are most likely ready for Vista.
Why is Windows making Vista? Because they can, ensuring the next generation of cash flow.
Users will want Vista because it's cool - stunning graphics that give a 3D look and feel. Vista is about graphics. Visually, it's to XP what Windows 95 was to Win 3.1. You'll buy it, unless you go Linux.
In terms of technology, the new graphical interface will, of course, require a step up in system requirements. Additionally, other Vista gadgetts - like the ability to watch and record live TV - will require specific hardware.
MS says...
Vista capable:
A modern processor (at least 800MHz).
512 MB of system memory.
A graphics processor that is DirectX 9 capable
Vista Premium Ready:
1 GHz 32-bit (x86) or 64-bit (x64) processor.
1 GB of system memory.
A graphics processor that runs Windows Aero.
128 MB of graphics memory.
40 GB of hard drive capacity with 15 GB free space.
DVD-ROM Drive.
Audio output capability.
Internet access capability.
Windows Aero requires:
DirectX 9 class graphics processor that:
1. Supports a WDDM Driver.
2. Supports Pixel Shader 2.0 in hardware.
3. Supports 32 bits per pixel.
Adequate graphics memory.
1. 64 MB of graphics memory to support a single monitor less than 1,310,720 pixels
2. 128 MB of graphics memory to support a single monitor at resolutions from 1,310,720 to 2,304,000 pixels
3. 256 MB of graphics memory to support a single monitor at resolutions higher than 2,304,000 pixels
Regards
