The new Microsoft Vista Operating System (OS) has been shipping with new computers for a while now. Whether you move to the new OS or stay at your current Windows OS should be determined by the tools and functionality you need in your daily work. If you are just using email, web browsing, and MS Office for your daily tasks and using Windows XP, you don't need to move to Vista. (Vista requires more memory and video capability so you'll need more RAM in both video and CPU, which is your computer's processing power.) Basic functionality with XP and Vista are comparable, unless you deal with higher graphics or other media content e.g. photo, video, or graphics design.

For those using specific UH Administrative applications, there are still advisories in effect where some applications might not function properly with this new OS. Please review our updated web page for a list of applications tested with Vista. Most applications work with Vista with the exception of administrative applications that use Oracle Discoverer for reports e.g. the Financial Datamart and some portions of the Unit Budgeting (UBUD). These programs will not work with Windows Vista, so you must use Windows XP.

Some new features:
Microsoft wanted to improve the OS to handle higher end graphics, higher end software programs, and to improve security. This comes at a price of now needing more RAM in both the CPU and video. The visual style is eye-catching – the “Aero” style where you can “see through” to the back of overlaying windows. (Of course, if upgrading an older computer and if your hardware doesn't support the higher end graphics, you won't be able to see some of these enhancements.) Gaming and photo/video enthusiasts would visually see the most improvements in running Vista.

Security was another major factor in this OS. Efforts to tighten security involve the user account control to manage access better, a program (Windows Defender) to protect against malware and spyware, IE 7 web browser enhancements to minimize security threats, and an enhanced data protection system to allow volume data encryption. More information about security in Vista may be found at: http://technet.microsoft.com/en-us/windowsvista/aa905073

As more vendors upgrade their software to take advantage of Vista's higher end graphics and other software enhancements there will be more demand for the OS.

At this time, for older computers with XP, there is no pressing need to upgrade. Full functionality with XP, will depend on your applications, some of which still might not be Vista compatible. If contemplating a Vista upgrade to your current system you should also check on your most commonly used computer programs to see if they are Vista compatible.

For those with new computers using Vista, familiarize yourself with the new tools:

1. For basics, go to the Start button, click on Help and Support. There's a Windows Basics with help on different topics. Review topics depending on your comfort level - from Desktop Overview with naming conventions to Desktop Tips and Tricks
2. For other on-line Windows help:
   http://windowshelp.microsoft.com/Windows/en-US/default.mspx
3. For IT professionals, please refer to:
   http://technet.microsoft.com/en-us/windowsvista/default.aspx
   This site has detailed information and Vista step-by-step guides to cover a variety of subjects.

Upgrade Paths - Which Vista should you install - Business, Ultimate, or Enterprise?

UH/ITS is supporting Vista Business, Vista Ultimate and Vista Enterprise. We do not license or support Vista Home or Vista Home Premium. (Please note this advisory is only for UH or departmental computers.) We sell site licenses for upgrading UH computers; or if necessary, to downgrade to XP also. We do not sell full versions of the Windows OS licenses (for computers with no OS) or licenses for personal home computers. Please check with the UH Bookstore for these products.

We also support Windows Software Assurance (SA). There is an additional cost of $16.50 for this type of license and it provides access to any newer versions of the licensed software from the date of purchase until our Microsoft contract ends on Nov. 30, 2008. If you purchase a new computer with any Windows OS, you have 90 days from the computer purchase date to purchase the SA Licenses from our Site Licensing department. When would you want to do this? If you purchased a computer with Vista Business and wanted to get a higher version e.g. Vista Enterprise or Ultimate, you could purchase a SA Only license and use either Vista Business, Enterprise, or Ultimate. If you purchased a computer with Vista Home, you would need to purchase the Vista Business Upgrade License with SA to be able to upgrade to either Vista Business, Enterprise or Ultimate.

For more information and features of each version, please review:
http://www.microsoft.com/windows/products/windowsvista/editions/default.mspx?wt_svl=10000VH_OS_Vista1&mg_id=10000VHb1

Items to consider before switching to new Vista

1. Does Vista come with your new computer or are you considering installing an upgrade?
1. If you are only using basic functionality: web browsing, office documents (word processor, spreadsheet, slide presentation), and email; you would not need to upgrade to Vista at this time.
2. If purchasing a new computer, most would come with Vista. Check the above information as to which Vista version you would need.
2. Check if your applications or software run on Vista.
3. Check if your applications or software require a newer version which in turn, might involve a cost.