On the Horizon: A Vista Upgrade

On the Horizon: A Vista Upgrade
By J. D. BIERSDORFER
Q. How can I find out if my current computer hardware (including my scanner and printer) will be compatible with the coming Windows Vista system? Will this be as simple as merely downloading new drivers?

A. Windows Vista, Microsoft’s new version of its PC operating system, is expected to arrive in January and will include many new features and improved security. Five different editions are planned, each designed for a particular type of use in home or business computing situations.

But with new operating systems come potential hardware and software conflicts, because device drivers and programs written for one version of Windows (like Windows XP) may not work on another version of the operating system. (Device drivers are bits of software that tell the operating system how to work with the computer’s hardware.)

One way to start preparing for any eventual Vista upgrades is to make a list of all the hardware and software you use with your current Windows system and then check each manufacturer’s Web site for information about Vista compatibility. Hewlett-Packard, for example, has a page of information for Vista support and drivers on its Web site; go to http://www.hp.com and search for “Vista” to find it.

The IeXBeta site (www.iexbeta.com) has a running list of software tested to work with the current test version of Windows (a shortcut is at tinyurl.com/f5arg) and there’s a link to a list of hardware that’s been tested as well at the top of the page.

If you are holding off on any hardware purchases until after your Vista upgrade, Microsoft recently announced that about 250 hardware and software products for sale this holiday season will be labeled “Works with Windows Vista” or “Certified for Windows Vista.” Products with the “Works” label will work fine with Vista, but “certified” products (including some graphics cards), will be able to take better advantage of certain Vista features.

If you are planning on installing Windows Vista on your current computer, you can check to see if your hardware can handle Vista’s system requirements at http://www.windowsvista.com/getready.
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