FAQ: Windows Vista

By Dina Gerdeman

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What are some of Microsoft Vista's key features?

• Vista's "media center" software lets users view pictures, videos and music on their televisions.
• Instant Search helps users locate any document, photo, e-mail, song, video, file or program on their PC quickly.
• Users can add personal "tags" to files to make them easier to find.
• Strong security protections are included. For example, Protected Mode in Windows Internet Explorer 7 in Windows Vista helps prevent silent installations of malicious code.
• The Family Safety Settings allow parents to limit the time of day and how long children can use the computer; limit the Web sites children can visit and the applications they can use; restrict PC games; and create reports that detail children’s online activities and other computer use.
• Users can blend photos and home videos with music, titles and transitions.  

Which edition of Vista should I get?

• Vista Home Basic is all you need for basic computer functions, such as e-mail, browsing the Internet and viewing photos.
• Vista Home Premium is a step up from Basic, providing added features such as the Windows Media Center, which, for example, makes it easier to burn your photo slide shows and home movies to a DVD.
• Vista Business was designed for small businesses, including features that allow for easier mobile computing and advanced system back-ups.
• Vista Enterprise was designed for large, global organizations with complex IT infrastructures.
• Ultimate is the most complete edition of Vista, offering all of the features found in Vista Home Premium, including Windows Media Center, Windows Movie Maker with high-definition support and Windows DVD Maker. In addition, it provides all the features found in Vista Business, including networking and advanced system backup features.   

Will my programs work with Windows Vista?

Most programs written for Windows XP also work in Windows Vista, but some older programs might run poorly – and in some cases, not at all. If a program written for another version of Windows does not run well, try using the Program Compatibility Wizard to change the compatibility settings for the program, or you can use the program’s Compatibility tab to change the settings manually.   

What are the minimum system requirements for Windows Vista? 

The recommended minimum hardware requirements for Windows Vista Home Basic are:

• 800-MHx 32-bit processor or 800-MHz 64-bit processor
• 512 MB of system memory
• DirectX 9-class graphics card
• 32 MB of graphics memory
• 20-GB hard disk that has 15 GB of free hard disk space
• Internal or external DVD drive
• Internet access capability
• Audio output capability

Windows Vista Home Premium, Business, Enterprise and Ultimate require:

• 1-GHz 32-bit processor or 1-GHz 64-bit processor
• 1 GB of system memory
• Windows Aero-capable graphics card
• 128 MB of graphics memory
• 40-GB hard disk that has 15 GB free hard disk space
• Internal or external DVD drive
• Internet access capability
• Audio output capability

I have three computers. Do I have to buy three copies?

If you want to run Vista on more than one PC, you will need to get additional licenses for each computer, which are slightly cheaper than the original license. To qualify for an additional license for Windows Vista, you must provide information about your current valid license.

What are some of the differences between Windows XP and Windows Vista?

There are quite a few differences between XP and Vista, including:

• The information on the Start menu is organized differently. There is a new search feature that allows the user to find any program, folder or file by typing its first few letters, and there are also new buttons for locking your computer or putting it into a low-power sleep state.
• The improved search features in Vista allow you to search from many places, including the Start menu, Control Panel and any folder.
• There are more than twice as many items in the Vista Control Panel than in the XP Control Panel, giving the user more control over settings.
• The menu bars that appear throughout XP are usually hidden in Vista. But most of the menu commands are available as either a toolbar button or a right-click option in Vista.
• The new Windows Photo Gallery in Vista makes it easier to organize, search for and tag large collections of digital photos.
• Windows Mail in Vista replaces Outlook Express and provides new features, such as better junk mail filtering.
• The new Windows Meeting Space feature in Vista lets users share documents, programs and even your Windows desktop with others online.