BlueWolf's Howl

« Who Do You Trust? | Bluewolf's Howl | Dropping Packets? »

October 09, 2006

The Vista of Vista

As you probably already know, Microsoft is putting out a new OS. This one is called Vista. [Guess they got sick of the numbers game.]

http://www.microsoft.com/windowsvista/
Windows Vista Release Candidate 1 (RC1) is available through the customer preview program.

But kids, don't try this at home! More likely than not, people are going to have to upgrade their hardware. Oh, I'm sure a lot of people will get Vista and try to shove it on their current computer. But it's going to go kaput (that's a technical term - use it wisely) and then they're going to go crying to the nearest geek. [I've got the release date marked and will be taking a looooong vacation, errrrrrhhh, I mean working 20 hr days on a project in the Netherlands.]

Here are the official Windows Vista Capable requirements:

A Windows Vista Capable PC includes at least:
A modern processor (at least 800MHz).
512 MB of system memory.
A graphics processor that is DirectX 9 capable.

Note that this is the minimum. I'm sure your cousin's friend's sister's boyfriend can jerry-rig it so that it loads. But then you're going to actually try to use it and you'll see it drag. When you call me up to see if there's anything I can do about that... well, like I said - I'm working 20 hour days in the Netherlands right now.

Most home users have about 256 MB of RAM. It worked fine for the Windows Me that you probably were running (upgrading to that from Win 98). But now you have to 'up your box' to move up. Truth be told, you might as well get a new one. Yes... if you want Vista, break down and buy one already loaded on a new PC. They've come down in price greatly over the past few years. Don't try to upgrade the computer you have. It's really not worth it (unless you know what you're doing).

Here's what will happen. You load Vista on your current computer. It doesn't work (or works like dog meat). So you upgrade your RAM. Whooops. The computer won't take it because the *motherboard* will only handle a certain amount. Or if you're lucky enough to have a current motherboard, it'll take the RAM and then need a bigger processor. Oh...the ones they have don't fit your motherboard. At this point you finally yank out the last three hairs on your head as you babble your way into the assylum. Once there, you shuffle into the tv room and see a computer -- it has Win 98 on it. You're happy again...

When I finally do decide to load Vista, it'll be on the box I haven't built yet. It will have the latest motherboard, more than enough RAM, the fastest processor available and the best bumpin graphics card on the market. Of course, I will buy all the parts at the same time, build it myself, and it will still cost me double or triple what you'll be paying for your computer. But then again, I'm a geek and that's my ride...

Take a look at the requirements for a Windows Vista Premium Ready Computer:

A Windows Vista Premium Ready PC includes at least:
1 GHz 32-bit (x86) or 64-bit (x64) processor.
1 GB of system memory.
Support for DirectX 9 graphics with a WDDM driver, 128 MB of graphics memory (minimum), Pixel Shader 2.0 and 32 bits per pixel.
40 GB of hard drive capacity with 15 GB free space.
DVD-ROM Drive.
Audio output capability.
Internet access capability.

Now you know why I'm waiting for the computer I haven't built yet to load Vista. And yes, I know everyone doesn't have spare cash laying around in the cookie jar to toss at a new PC. What I'm saying is - unless you do, don't try to jump on the Vista bandwagon. Yes, it's probably pretty. Yes, it has a bunch of features you either want or need. But, don't try it until you're ready for it.

Of course - I'm downloading the RC1 ISO file as I'm writing this. I hear Santa's bringing me to Microcenter for Christmas.

Posted by BlueWolf on October 9, 2006 09:29 PM