Testing Out The New Windows

I remember it was just a few years ago, but seems like a few days ago, that the world made the jump from Microsoft’s Windows 2000 to Windows XP. Now the world is about to take another jump from Windows XP to Windows Vista. Are you ready?

If your answer is yes, then you may be the perfect candidate to test out Windows Vista, Microsoft’s next generation operating system. Microsoft made a free pre-release edition of Windows Vista Ultimate available to the public for the first time. Before you jump on this, note that this should NOT be used on your main machine at home or work. Since this is only a beta test, it may mess up some of your drivers, viewing of Flash-based websites, possibly your instant messaging and more than you want to think about right now.

However, if you have an extra computer around, you’ll have fun with Vista and see how fast it runs. Before you begin, make sure your test subject has a minimum of an 800MHz processor, 512MB of memory, DirectX 9 capable graphics processor and a 40GB hard drive (with 15GB of free space). When you register for Microsoft’s Customer Preview Program, you will receive the Beta 2 release along with Windows Vista Release Candidate 1 (RC1). The Beta 2 is 4.4GB is downloadable now, and when RC1 is ready to download later this year, Microsoft will send you a notification e-mail message.

Included as a part of Windows Vista’s new features is the integrated desktop search within the familiar, but faster Start menu. This helps you find and launch almost anything very quickly on your PC. Also, the new Document Explorer allows you to easily work with your files and the Live Icon feature lets you see what it contains without opening it. Windows Aero makes your screen visually appealing with glass-like interface elements. See thumbnail views of your taskbar items when you rest your mouse pointer on them, somewhat similar to what Mac OSX can do now. You can also use Windows Flip and Windows Flip 3D to literally flip through open windows and also see a live thumbnail of each window, rather than seeing just the boring old generic icon. As for your digital memories, Windows Photo Gallery gives you the ability to easily import photos, color correct your digital pictures and easily save or export them to a CD or DVD for sharing or for your archive.

Take a deep breath . . . if you’re adventurous enough to take the Vista leap now, find out more and download it at www.microsoft.com/windowsvista/getready. Note that the software will expire on June 7, 2007. Following that, you’ll have to purchase the full, commercially available edition of Windows Vista (and be prepared to do a clean install). Expect the price to be about $450.