Microsoft's new operating system Windows Vista was released this week. It's the biggest interface improvement since they released Windows 95. You will eventually be moving to VISTA so here's a few things you need to know:

VISTA FEATURES

Windows Aero: New 3D graphical user interface that is fast and slick. The interface, named Aero Glass, is something you definitely want to have. It’s completely new and displays everything in 3D. This is hard to describe, but suffice it to say it’s cool.  To use it however, you will need a good computer with a high speed graphics card and with at least 128M of video memory. (more on that later)

New Search: You won’t have to remember where you put a file; only remember something about the file, like a keyword or a date of a picture in order to find it. You will be able to add keywords to the file attributes to make a search even easier.

New Security: The new security system named User Account Control (UAC) can be scaled up or down depending on the needs of the user.

New Networking: This is a total redesign and is reported to handle downloads 15% faster with simple English error messages.

Windows Meeting Place: For businesses with multiple offices, Vista allows online conferences, sharing of the desktop during presentation as well as easy file sharing.

Features for Business: There are many features specifically for business such as built in faxing and scanning.

VISTA “READY” OR VISTA “CAPABLE”

When you buy a new computer, make sure it is VISTA Premium Ready. This certification means that your hardware is capable of taking full advantage of Vista’s features. Less capable computers will be tagged as Vista Capable. Only VISTA Premium Ready computers will be able to run the new interface Aero.

You can run a test on your own computer to see if it is Vista Ready or Vista Capable. Microsoft has provided a tool called Windows Vista Upgrade Advisor which is available on Microsoft’s web site: http://www.microsoft.com/uk/windowsvista/getready/upgradeadvisor/default.mspx

To download the tool takes probably all of 15 minutes. Under two minutes for the advisor and about 10 minutes for .net Framework (will ask if you want to install as part of the process of downloading the tool) which is also necessary to run the tool.

Once Windows Vista Upgrade Advisor has completed it’s analysis (approximately 15 minutes), a comprehensive task list is generated which includes recommendations on what version of Vista to operate based on the configuration of your current computer. 

FIVE VERSIONS OF VISTA – WHICH IS RIGHT FOR YOU

Microsoft has developed five versions of Vista. Businesses, except the very smallest, should look at the Vista Business and Enterprise versions. Analogous to Windows XP Pro, Windows Vista Business contains all the core business-networking features including Remote Desktop and Tablet PC support that you will need.

Vista Home Basic – for basic home needs such as email and Internet access. It does not support the Aero interface. Do not get Vista Home Basic.

Vista Home Premium – High end home use aimed at homes with advanced computer needs. Everything you need for high end digital entertainment including editing your own HD movies. Additionally, it includes mobile technology for use on Tablet PCs and UMPCs for people on the go.

Vista Business – Analogous to Windows XP Pro – this is the one to get for your appraisal business. It also includes Tablet technology,

Vista Enterprise – this is a superset of the Business version and is available only to Software Assurance customers – people or corporations who have purchased a software maintenance agreement from Microsoft. It does include a virtual machine program to run older versions of Windows. So if you have 16 bit apps that can’t get updated, this may be the way to go.

Vista Ultimate – this is the system for the person who wants one operating system that is great for working at home, working on the road and for entertainment. It is ideal for a small business owner who wants a single PC that they can use at the office, on the road and at home. It combines everything in Home Premium and Business for the “ultimate” solution.

VISTA 32 Bit vs. 64 Bit

There are five versions of Vista to choose from and you have a choice of getting them in the 32-bit flavor or the 64-bit flavor. Do not get the 64 bit version. There are simply not enough 64-bit drivers or software out there to really take advantage of the performance gains that 64-bit software provides. For the next year or so, stick to the 32-bit versions of Vista. Contact your software vendor before switching to Vista to ensure the main software and all the ancillary tools work properly. 

WHAT ABOUT 16 Bit APPS?

What about your old 16 bit applications? All Vista 32-bit editions have an emulator that should allow your 16-bit apps to work in Vista. There may be some compatibility issues, so check with your software vendor. Vista 64 bit will not run any 16-bit applications.

MINIMUM REQUIREMENTS

So what does it take to run Windows Vista? The minimum hardware requirements necessary to take advantage of Vista and its new 3D interface are itemized below. A fast computer is essential for sure, but high speed graphics is the key to getting the most out Windows Vista. Make sure your computer is rated Vista Premium Ready.

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

RECOMMENDATIONS

Our recommendation for the appraisal office, whether it is a single-user home office, large multi-user office or something in between, is Windows VISTA Business with the 32-bit compatibility. The Business edition is the entry-level offering for corporations. You can probably get by with the Vista Home Premium Edition – just make sure won’t need some of those “business” features.

Also, when you are ready to upgrade, we recommend running the Windows Vista Upgrade Advisor. This program will tell you what software currently on your computer will have problems with Vista.

WHEN SHOULD YOU UPGRADE TO VISTA?

Unless you have a new, high end computer already, we recommend that you upgrade when you buy a new computer. This will reduce hassles and minimize the compatibility issues, but don’t wait too long. The productivity enhancements in Vista are too good to pass up.