Windows Vista has officially launched for consumers. The launch comes several years after Windows XP and after much testing -- 50 families spent two years living with Windows Vista. There were also 5 million beta testers. Microsoft CEO Steve Ballmer predicts most people won't switch to Vista until they buy a new PC.
Though consumers can download Vista over the Web for the first time, Microsoft CEO Steve Ballmer told one audience that, as in the past, most consumers will switch to Vista only when they buy new computers.
More than five years in the making, Vista was released for businesses Nov. 30, but the unveiling for consumers only came Tuesday. The software retails for $100 to $400, depending on the version and whether the user is upgrading from Windows XP.
Vista comes as changing dynamics of computing - notably the rise of open-source software and Web-based services that replicate what traditionally could be done only on a desktop computer - are threatening Microsoft's dominance in the industry.
But Gates contended that the operating system has a higher profile than ever before, as the PC has morphed from a souped-up typewriter to a networked entertainment center, personal media library and gateway to the Internet.
The reason for that is that Vista needs a PC that is more powerful than many people may currently own.
The specs for the basic version of Vista include at least a modern processor (800MHz), 512 MB of system memory and a DirectX 9 capable graphics processor. The premium version of Windows Vista requires an even more advanced computer including 1 Gigabyte of system memory. The best advice is to go with the premium because the basic version lacks the media features included in Windows Vista Premium.
Those upgrading will be required to have an earlier Microsoft OS, such as Windows XP,
already installed already on the computer.
Fortunately, there are abundant resources to help you with Windows Vista. The Windows Vista books are already here. And below is a collection of links to resources where you can find more
information about Windows Vista.
Windows Vista has officially launched for consumers. The launch comes several years after Windows XP and after much testing -- 50 families spent 
