How Does Microsoft Vista Work

System Requirements

Windows Vista is the latest release in a series of operating systems created by the Microsoft Corporation. Vista is widely used on desktop computers at both homes and businesses. It is the successor to Windows XP in the Microsoft Windows line of products.

The recommended system requirements for running Winsows Vista are a 1 GHz processor, 1 GB of RAM, a 40-GB hard drive, a DirectX 9.0 compatible graphics card and a DVD-ROM drive.

Controversy

Windows Vista has come under a great deal of controversy and criticism since its release in 2006. A main point of contention is that the minimum system requirements for Vista to run smoothly are so high that they make upgrading to the OS on existing computers next to impossible for many users. Those that could upgrade found a wide variety of Vista's features disabled due to the lack of system requirements. This made the Vista experience an irritating one, and for many the upgrade resulted in less productivity features than they had with Windows XP. The only way to guarantee being able to run Vista smoothly as well as utilize all of its advertised features, outside of upgrading a computer's hardware solely for this purpose, is to purchase a new computer with Vista pre-loaded.

Editions

Windows Vista shipped in six different editions when it hit the market in 2006. Windows Vista Starter is available in only specific markets, such as Mexico and Brazil, where computer piracy is rampant and is marketed as a cheap legal alternative. Windows Vista Home Basic is an edition for users who do not require advanced media support for use in their homes. Windows Vista Home Premium includes a number of features not in the Home Basic package, like HDTV support and DVD authoring. Windows Vista Business is used in the business market, while Windows Enterprise is used in the enterprise market. Finally, Windows Vista Ultimate contains every feature from every edition, including some extras not included anywhere else.