About Vista

Vista is Microsoft’s new Windows operating system upgrade, to be released in the Spring 2007. This new operating system will include new security, usability, and visualization/interface features.

While investigating the support implications of this new operating system, UMW has found that there are significant hardware requirements to implement all features of this system, as well as significant support implications.

The new feature in visualization/interface, called the Aero Glass interface, requires that a graphics coprocessor have a minimum of 256MB of RAM, in addition to the main system RAM. While Vista is designed to automatically degrade the interface visualization to the level of the supporting hardware, many people will want to be able to implement the Aero Glass interface because of its improved “look and feel”.

If you purchase your computer before Vista becomes available, with plans to upgrade, make sure the system is "Vista Ready" (more video RAM, dual-core processor, etc.). This is a complicated issue; we strongly urge you to consult a professional or visit Microsoft's Vista Capable PC Hardware Guidelines before purchasing.

UMW is not planning to require the Vista operating system before the Fall of 2009 and will continue to support Windows XP Professional for as long as Microsoft does. Considering the above information, you may choose to purchase a system with the hardware requirements that will support Vista.