• Better built-in security and Parental controls
• Faster, more sophisticated search of your computer
• Sidebars & Gadgets to customize your system
• Load programs faster with SuperFetch & ReadyBoost
• Better Backup Utilities for files & settings
• Better Self-Help

Descriptions of these features can be found at Microsoft's Web Site.

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Very few users will "need" to upgrade to Windows Vista and in fact, the safe bet is to wait for a few million other users to work through the bugs. By the end of 2007, you may start to see programs that require Vista. If you need help evaluating your situation, a Data Doctors Vista migration specialist can assist you at any of our locations.

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The Least Complicated Way:
Buy a new computer pre-loaded with Vista

The Least Complicated Way for Existing Systems:
Load it onto your existing computer from scratch.

The Most Likely Way to Experience Issues:
The most likely chance of encountering problems is to install it over the top of an existing Windows operating system, especially if the system is currently experiencing problems. If you decide to upgrade an existing Windows system, be sure to remove any spyware, adware, viruses, worms and Trojans before attempting the upgrade. If you are not sure of the health of your computer, bring it to any Data Doctors location for a Free Checkup, while you wait!

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Microsoft has posted minimum hardware requirements for what it's calling a Windows Vista "Capable" PC, which means a PC that can run the basics of the new operating system:

• A processor running at 800MHz or higher
• 512 MB of system memory (RAM)
• A graphics processor that is DirectX 9 capable

In order to run all of the new features of Windows Vista, the minimum requirements are somewhat higher. Microsoft's specifications for a Windows Vista "Premium Ready" PC, which will be capable of taking advantage of all of the new graphics features include:

• 1 GHz 32-bit (x86) or 64-bit (x64) or higher processor
• 1 GB of system memory (RAM)
• 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
• Internet access

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Bring your computer in to any Data Doctors location for a FREE Vista Readiness Test, while you wait! The test will review your hardware, existing programs and peripherals for any potential problems before you decide to install Vista and give you are report on your computer.

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