Windows Vista will bring you a new “stylish” graphical interface, as long as you’re not using pirated software.
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| Source: CNET |
With the new operating system, Microsoft will offer a variety of interesting and visually appealing graphical tricks, from transparent windows and 3D flipping to animated icons.
However, before displaying this somewhat flashy “glamorous” aspect (known as Aero), Vista will run a validation program to ensure that the software version you are using is genuine.
“Those who do not install the correct version of genuine Windows Vista will not be able to enjoy the Aero experience“, a Microsoft representative stated.
“The Control Barrier”
This move is Microsoft’s latest strategy in its campaign against software piracy and the illegal copying of its software/operating system products. In the fall of 2004, Microsoft began testing the Windows Genuine Advantage program, a software that acts as a customs barrier to verify which versions of Windows are legitimate and which are counterfeit.
Initially just an optional program, Windows Genuine Advantage has now become a mandatory procedure for many forms of downloading Windows XP.
Microsoft views the fight against piracy as the ultimate key to boosting Windows revenue, the operating system used on over 90% of personal computers.
However, it is not just users of pirated software who will have their high-end graphical features of Vista locked. Aero will not be available to those who only purchase Windows Vista Basic, the cheapest version released by Microsoft. Ironically, even if you install the highest version, you may not be able to enjoy Aero graphics if your computer lacks sufficient memory, processing power, or if the graphics card does not support the new Vista.
Microsoft has not yet announced the suitable hardware configurations for Vista—the operating system expected to be released in January next year. However, the company has introduced some guidelines for Aero this week.
What Do You Need?
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3D flipping between open windows. Source: Archer |
To run Aero, the system must meet specific and stringent requirements, including a minimum memory bandwidth of 1800 MB/second. The guidelines indicate that Vista will integrate a tool to “measure” these parameters, but Microsoft has not specified how existing systems can meet Vista’s standards.
The system will require a graphics chip with dedicated drivers for Vista. The minimum graphics memory requirement is not too stringent, as it depends on the screen size. For instance, a computer with a single screen of 1280 x 1024 pixels or lower will need 64MB of graphics memory. For larger screens, the memory requirement increases to 256MB, not including additional memory in case of using a secondary monitor.
Microsoft states that the requirements in these guidelines are not final, and that user guidance for current PC users will be “available soon”.
There are also some online measurement tools like SiSoftware Sandra, which provide information about the memory bandwidth of the system. However, the performance measurement tool specifically for Vista is still under development by Microsoft.
For their part, buyers and even retailers are struggling to understand these specifications. Analyst Michael Cherry noted that he does not even know the memory bandwidth of his current computer. “Where do I even start measuring this piece of junk?“, Cherry lamented.
According to Cherry, Microsoft needs to “translate” these highly technical requirements into a more understandable language and concepts for the average user. “Don’t let it be that only electronic engineers understand what you’re talking about“.
Thien Yi
