Vista Home Basic Features:
• Windows Photo Gallery
• Parental Controls
• Windows Defender
• Instant Search
• $259 full version
• $129 upgrade version
  Note: These features are available now on Windows XP.

Vista Home Premium Features
All Basic features plus…
• Windows Aero with Flip 3D
• Movie Maker HD
• DVD maker & Media Center
• Windows Slide Show
• Scheduled Backup & Tablet PC
• $299 full version
• $199 upgrade version
  Note: Most of these features are available on Windows XP now, except Aero (3D).

Vista - Wait & Buy Later
• XP will be supported for three more years.
• I am happy with my applications and do not need anything new.
• DirectX 10 video cards are too expensive now.
• I don’t need to learn anything else!
• Coming soon: Applications that require Vista & you will want it.
• Vista is more secure.
• More user friendly features.
• Bill Gates needs the money!

You may want to upgrade your computer and install Vista after Jan 30, 2007 so… How do you find out what could need upgrading?
• You could run “ATI’s Are You Vista Ready” program ATI’s program can be found at… http://ati.amd.com/technology/windowsvista/AreYouVistaReady.html
  It leaves nothing on you computer, however, you should use the “Best” solution if you want to run all the features in Vista. There may be a Java program needed. If you need it they will download it for you.
• You could also run “Windows Vista Upgrade Advisor” program Windows Vista Upgrade Advisor is at.. http://www.microsoft.com/windowsvista/getready/upgradeadvisor/default.mspx
  This program requires about 30 MB of networking programs that they will download for you. If you are on dial, you may wish to not install this. MS advises you to run this program a few times in the future as they will be able to provide more help as they uncover more programs and devices that need attention. Windows Vista Upgrade Advisor shows you what your system needs to run Vista. It looks at your RAM, Video card, programs, scanner, printer, modem etc. It is a more complete test.

What is DirectX?
• It is the software for Vista Aero graphics. The same software used for 3D computer games.
• Vista needs a video card that runs DirectX 9.0 Experts say it better run DirectX 10 as well. DirectX 10 video cards are coming soon but…

Available now is a DirectX 10 video card
• NVIDIA GeForce 8800GTX $838
• 450 watt power supply $126.
• 2X PCI express slots
• New motherboard $380
• 1 GB Ram, 50MB driver
• This is for a serious gamer only. They pay big money for their hobby. Not to be considered for the average home user.

DirectX 10 Video cards.
• Less expensive video cards for Direct X10 will be out soon. Then the experts will tell us what we really need. These new cards will make Vista run faster, as they will take some of the load from the computer.
• If you buy a DirectX 9.0 video card now, you will run in compatibility mode which will take considerable system resources = slower system.
• Suggestion: Wait

If you buy a new Vista capable computer with a Vista upgrade coupon & upgrade after Jan 30, 2007 please find out exactly what the coupon entitles you to. Is it Vista Home Premium? If not, you will have to pay to upgrade to Home Premium, where most experts say you will be happy. If you buy new now, with a coupon, you may run slow due to a DirectX 9.0 video card. Wait until DirectX 10 video cards come out in January.
• Upgrade versions give more trouble as they convert XP along with any problems to Vista. Wait until millions of others do it first. Upgrade versions will be fixed and then you can decide.
• Full version is much better as it gives a clean start.
• Suggestion: Wait

The Safest Choices are…
• Do nothing now
• Wait until after Jan 2007
• Then upgrade with Vista and the correct video card or….
• Buy a new computer with Vista installed and the correct video card.
• Most of us will eventually go to Vista, the Home or Home Premium version. The word on the street is to go for the Home Premium version.

A desktop computer is easier to upgrade than a notebook. You may be able to install more RAM and hard drive on you notebook but the video upgrade could be a problem. Notebooks usually have their video card as part of their motherboard and so you may have to buy a new notebook to get the Areo 3D features of Vista.

We will continue to watch, investigate Vista and keep the members advised.