Microsoft starts Vista hard sell

Microsoft has launched its latest version of Windows, called Vista, with
more than 100m computers predicted to be using it worldwide within 12
months.
Microsoft founder Bill Gates called the launch a "big day" that would
bring a new digital workstyle and lifestyle.

The new operating system (OS) boasts an improved interface and security
tools.

But not all PCs will be able to run Vista - Microsoft recommends
machines have at least 512Mb of RAM, a 800Mhz processor and 15Gb of hard
disk space.

Microsoft has pledged to continue support for XP users until 2011.

The company launched Vista for business users two months ago. Now Vista
has been released to consumers, who can buy four home versions.

There is also a stripped down version of the OS, Vista Starter, which is
aimed at customers in developing countries. It will be available in 70
languages and will run on slower and older PCs.

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I beta tested Vista and, yes, it pushes a few of my buttons

Gordon MacDonald, Hawkinge


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Microsoft chairman Bill Gates, speaking at the global launch of Vista at
the British Library in London, said: "We have worked hard to build a
new software platform.

"We are so excited to see what people are going to do with it."

But Microsoft could face a backlash from consumers over its pricing
plans - with the cost of Vista versions in the US roughly half the price
of equivalent versions in the UK.

Prices for the OS in the UK range from about £100 for an upgrade version
of the Basic package to £249 for a copy of the upgrade to the Ultimate
version of Vista.

In the US prices start from $100 (£52) for an upgrade of Vista Home
basic to $249 (£127) for the equivalent Ultimate version.

WHAT IS AN OPERATING SYSTEM?
It is the program which manages the hardware and software resources on a
computer.
It also forms a platform on top of which other programs can run.

David Mitchell, the software practice leader at analysts Ovum, said: "In
the consumer space there has not been any new release of a Windows
operating system for five years.

"Vista has taken a long time to develop so there is quite a lot of
pent-up consumer demand for it."

Ovum predicts that 15% of XP machines will be running Vista by the end
of 2007.

"Part of the appetite is 'something new for something new's sake'," said
Mr Mitchell.

VISTA PC SPECIFICATIONS
VISTA CAPABLE
800MHz processor
512Mb memory
DirectX9 capable graphics processor
PREMIUM READY
1Ghz processor
1Gb memory
128Mb graphics memory
40Gb hard drive
DVD-ROM
Internet access


How to install Vista

"There is almost a fashionable element to it. You could argue that XP
isn't broken, so why do some people want something new."

Mr Mitchell predicted that the new graphical interface, the improved
desktop search tools and a promise of more robust security would appeal
to many users.

But he predicted some consumers could be confused by the minimum
specifications for PCs to run Vista and by the different versions on
sale.

Users can visit the Microsoft website to check if their hardware will
run Vista and some new machines are being labelled Vista Capable or
Premier Vista Ready, for those PCs with higher specifications.

VISTA HOME VERSIONS

Home Basic - improved search and security but no Aero interface
(pictured)
Home Premium - As above but with Aero, Media Center options, back-up
tools, DVD burning software
Vista Ultimate - All home and business features, plus a series of
downloadable Ultimate Extras
Your reviews of Vista and rivals


Vista's security features

"There's been an attempt to demystify what the minimum specifications
are," said Mr Mitchell.

"Undoubtedly some people - as in any industry - won't read the
instructions."

Microsoft's previous operating system, Windows XP, was criticised for
having too many security holes and needing constant patching.

Hundreds of fixes were introduced to the machine, including two sizeable
improvements called Service Packs.

The firm has pledged that Vista is more robust, but will come under fire
if Vista proves to be the popular target of malicious hackers
exploiting flaws, said Mr Mitchell.

"It's crucial for corporate reputation and revenue that Vista proves
more secure and stable than XP," he said.


Features like Media Center are available in the Premium and Ultimate
versions

The new operating system has been criticised for the way it handles
digital content, such as paid for movies and downloads.

Vista is able to downgrade the quality of video and audio if the content
owners - such as a movie studio or download service - want the PC on
which the media is being played to have specific connectors, such as a
HDMI port to connect to a monitor.

Derek Wall, a spokesman for the Green Party in the UK, said: "So-called
digital rights management (DRM) technology in Vista gives Microsoft the
ability to lock you out of your computer.

Microsoft has defended its use of DRM saying it is only acting on the
requests of content rights holders.

On Tuesday, Microsoft also releases its new version of Office to
consumers.

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