Review of Windows Vista 
Every few years, the benevolent software author that is Microsoft releases a shiny, new operating system to its salivating droves of eager computer users. Every time Microsoft releases a new operating system (OS), they become more and more advanced. Take, for example, the jump from Windows ME to Windows XP.
Now, five years later, we are on the verge of not only a new Windows OS, but also of an entirely new computing platform: 64 bit. Until a year or so ago, almost all computers were running on a 32 bit platform. When the 64 bit processors became available to average users, Microsoft released a 64 bit capable version of Windows XP. The new Windows, slated for release in Q1 2007, will include native 64 bit compatibility.
What does this mean for the huddled masses that still use 32 bit processors (the majority by a long shot)? Windows Vista will ship with many features that will not only make use of the power of an ultra-modern computer, but may require it.
Microsoft plans to release several versions of Windows Vista, however. The most basic version will still be 32 bit compatible, that way the majority of people will still be able to run it. Well, that might be an overstatement. You see, certain ‘pretty’ features in Vista can be disabled, such as the Aero Glass 3D user interface. Bill Gates has said that even older computers with 128-256 MB of RAM will still be able to run the basic version of Vista. Honestly, Windows XP barely runs on 128-256 MB. Keep in mind that Windows Vista is a whole generation newer and doubly as advanced.
What can the average user do to be capable of running Windows Vista at acceptable and efficient speeds? Most people will need to upgrade their computers. My suggestion for users with less that 1 GB of RAM: double your RAM. For users with less than a 256 MB graphics card: double that as well. Still, 64 bit processors remain not completely necessary. Multimedia, Graphic Design, or CAD students would be well advised to upgrade their processors, though.
Some new features in Windows Vista that have been announced are: an extremely improved Network Explorer, the ability to use flash memory drives as virtual RAM, support for hybrid hard drives which use flash media for essentials and old fashioned style memory for non-essentials, the Aero Glass 3D user interface, Internet
Explorer 7, and Windows Media Player 11.
Written by Eric Armstrong
