Newegg.com - Windows Vista FAQs, Microsoft Vista Frequently Asked Questions

Questions on Vista? Find your answers here:

1. What is Windows Vista? view answer
2. How will Windows Vista benefit me? view answer
3. Is Windows Vista more secure than Windows XP? view answer
4. What versions of Windows Vista will be available? view answer
5. Can I upgrade to Windows Vista from Windows XP for less? view answer
6. Can I get the Windows Vista Beta? view answer
7. Is there a Server version of Windows Vista? view answer
8. Is Windows Vista 32-bit or 64-bit? view answer
9. Will Windows Vista work on my computer? view answer
10. Will Windows Vista work with my current programs? view answer
11. When will Windows Vista be released? view answer
12. What is the Express Upgrade to Windows Vista Offer? view answer
13. Which PCs are eligible for the Express Upgrade to Windows Vista? view answer
14. Until when may I redeem the upgrade? view answer
15. Why is the upgrade to Windows Vista valuable to me? view answer
16. Why shouldn’t I just wait to buy a PC when Windows Vista is released? view answer
17. Why should I be interested in Windows Vista? view answer
18. How do I know which PCs are eligible for the offer? view answer
19. How can I get the best Windows Vista experience? view answer
20. Which version of Windows Vista will I receive? view answer
21. I want to purchase Windows XP for home use. Which version should I purchase if I want the best value when I upgrade? view answer
22. I want to purchase Windows XP for business use. Will I have to pay a fee when I upgrade to Windows Vista? view answer
23. When do I have to purchase the PC with Windows XP to qualify for the Express Upgrade to Windows Vista offer? view answer
24. In what languages will the Express Upgrade to Windows Vista be available? view answer
25. Can I redeem a different Windows Vista language upgrade version from what I originally purchased? view answer
26. What is the Microsoft Office Preinstalled Technology Guarantee offer? view answer
27. What are the system requirements for 2007 Office? view answer
28. When can I take advantage of the Office Technology Guarantee offer? view answer
29. Why should I be interested in Microsoft 2007 Office? view answer
30. Will the upgrade from Office 2003 to 2007 Office cost me anything? view answer
31. Which version of 2007 Office will I receive when I upgrade? view answer
32. How do I redeem my 2007 Office Upgrade? view answer
33. By when must I redeem my 2007 Office upgrade redemption form? view answer
34. What languages will the 2007 Office Technology Guarantee upgrade be available in? view answer
35. Can I redeem an Office 2007 language upgrade version different from what I originally purchased? view answer

IF YOU HAVE ANY ADDITIONAL QUESTIONS THAT ARE NOT LISTED HERE,
FEEL FREE TO SEND AN E-MAIL TO msvista@newegg.com

DISCLAIMER:
"Due to the amount of e-mails we receive, only answers to frequently asked questions will be posted on this site. For additional information you can't find here, please visit http://www.microsoft.com/windowsvista."

What is Windows Vista?

Windows Vista is the name of the next major version of Windows, and the successor to Windows XP.

Some of the Windows Vista features include the following:

• Detects hardware problems before they occur, which is designed to reduce the frequency of incidents in which applications stop responding or the PC needs to be restarted.
• Windows Vista security features protect against the latest generation of threats, such as worms, viruses and spyware. If an attacker manages to compromise a computer, Windows Vista limits the damage.
• Security features protect against the latest generation of threats, such as worms, viruses and spyware. If an attacker manages to compromise a computer, Windows Vista limits the damage.
• Faster start-up time and low power consumption of the new sleep state. In many cases, Windows Vista is noticeably more responsive than Windows XP on identical hardware.
• Windows Vista simplifies and centralizes desktop configuration management, reducing the cost of keeping systems updated.

How will Windows Vista benefit me?

Windows Vista showcases many new exciting benefits:

• A breakthrough user experience designed to help you easily find and organize information. The clean and clear Windows Aero visual interface on the Premium versions makes it easier to manage your open Windows and focus on documents and applications you need.
• Smarter security settings, enabling more safe connections to the people, interests, and entertainment you care most about. Protect your PC and your information with built-in, automated security tools and enhanced backup to help keep your data and your system safer. The Windows Vista Ultimate version offers you strong data protection since full volume encryption helps protect your sensitive data even if your PC is lost or stolen.
• Powerful entertainment functionality. Windows Vista Home Premium or Windows Vista Ultimate allows you to get the most out of TV, movies, videos, and photos at home or on the go –at you PC, in any room of your house, kicking back with a remote control, with a laptop computer on a plane, or on a portable media player wherever you find yourself.

Is Windows Vista more secure than Windows XP?

Yes, Windows Vista contains a number of new security features and technologies that, taken together, are designed to make computers running Windows Vista more secure and make online experiences safer.

• Windows Vista is the first desktop operating system released since MS began the Microsoft Trustworthy Computing Initiative. Microsoft developers now receive ongoing security training and we hire leading security experts to perform thorough security audits and testing. The end result is a fundamentally more secure platform, harder to exploit, with less need for patching.
• To mitigate threats from malicious software such as viruses, malware, and root kits, Windows Vista includes Internet Explorer 7 Protected Mode, which is unique to Windows Vista and prevents the silent install of malicious code. Windows Defender provides built-in malware protection for your PCs.

For Windows Vista security Microsoft's goals are simple:

• Maintain a PC that is protected from malware such as viruses, spyware, worms, and other potentially unwanted software
• Provide safer online experiences at home and at work
• Gain an understanding of when a PC is unsafe, and know how to make it safe again

For more details, please visit: http://www.microsoft.com/windowsvista/experiences/security.mspx

What versions of Windows Vista will be available?

There are five different editions of Windows Vista designed to fit the way you intend to use your PC:

Windows Vista Business
Regardless of the size of your organization, Windows Vista Business will help you lower your PC management costs, improve your security, enhance your productivity, and help you stay better connected.

Windows Vista Enterprise
Windows Vista Enterprise is designed to meet the needs of large global organizations with highly complex IT infrastructures. Windows Vista Enterprise can help you lower your IT costs while providing additional layers of protection for your sensitive data.

Windows Vista Home Premium
Whether you choose to use your PC to write e-mail and surf the Internet, for home entertainment, or to track your household expenses, Windows Vista Home Premium delivers a more complete and satisfying computing experience.

Windows Vista Home Basic
Windows Vista Home Basic is designed to deliver improved reliability, security, and usability to home PC users who just want to do the basics with their PCs.

Windows Vista Ultimate
If you want all of the best business features, all of the best mobility features, and all of the best home entertainment features that Windows Vista has to offer, Windows Vista Ultimate is the solution for you. With Windows Vista Ultimate you don't have to compromise.

Can I upgrade to Windows Vista from Windows XP for less?

Yes, for many of you, the experience of Windows Vista will begin with the purchase of a new PC. For others, however, the experience begins by upgrading your current PC, and it's important to know and understand the upgrade options.

Your upgrade options are dependent on the version of Windows that is currently running on your PC. At the link below is some information to help you start planning for an upgrade to Windows Vista. As we get closer to the launch of Windows Vista, Microsoft will provide even more detailed guidance to help ensure a smooth upgrade experience.

http://www.microsoft.com/windowsvista/getready/upgradeinfo.mspx

Can I get the Windows Vista Beta?

Newegg.com occasionally offers a free DVD of Vista RC1 when purchased with Windows XP, please visit the Vista Deals page often for promotions: http://promotions.newegg.com/microsoft/vista/Promotion.html

Is there a Server version of Windows Vista?

Yes. However, it's likely that this product, currently codenamed Longhorn Server, will be called Windows Server 2007. Longhorn Server is being developed concurrently with Windows Vista, but will ship 90-120 days after Windows Vista.

Microsoft Windows Server code name "Longhorn" is the next generation of the Windows Server operating system that helps information technology (IT) professionals maximize control over their infrastructure while providing unprecedented availability and management capabilities, leading to a significantly more secure, reliable, and robust server environment than ever before. Windows Server "Longhorn" delivers new value to organizations by ensuring all users regardless of location are able to get the full complement of services from the network. Windows Server "Longhorn" also provides deep insight into the operating system and diagnostic capabilities to allow administrators to spend more time adding business value.

Windows Server "Longhorn" builds on the success and strengths of the award-winning Windows Server 2003 operating system and on the innovations delivered in Service Pack 1 and Windows Server 2003 R2. However, Windows Server "Longhorn" is far more than a refinement of predecessor operating systems. Windows Server "Longhorn" is designed to provide organizations with the most productive platform for powering applications, networks, and Web services from the workgroup to the data center with exciting, valuable new functionality and powerful improvements to the base operating system.

Is Windows Vista 32-bit or 64-bit?

Windows Vista will be available separately in both 32-bit (x86) and 64-bit (x86/x64) versions. Express Upgrades will be fulfilled with the same version as your original.

Will Windows Vista work on my computer?

You can find out easily by running the Windows Vista Upgrade Advisor: http://www.microsoft.com/windowsvista/getready/upgradeadvisor/default.mspx
The Windows Vista Upgrade Advisor works with 32-bit versions of Windows XP and Windows Vista. It will not work with Windows 98, Windows 2000, or Windows XP Professional x64 Edition.

You can also view Microsoft's recommended hardware for Vista Capable and Premium Ready PCs here: http://www.microsoft.com/windowsvista/getready/capable.mspx

10.

Will Windows Vista work with my current programs?

Vista will run the majority of applications written for Windows XP with the exception of security software and utilities.

11.

When will Windows Vista be released?

As of the writing of these FAQs, the Vista release is scheduled for late January, 2007.

12.

What is the Express Upgrade to Windows Vista Offer?

By purchasing a qualifying PC with genuine Microsoft® Windows® XP between October 26, 2006 and March 15, 2007, you will be eligible for a low-cost upgrade to a corresponding edition of Windows VistaTM. Through the program, you can enjoy the benefits of a new Windows XP-based PC today, along with the confidence that your new PC can be upgraded to Windows Vista when it becomes available for a nominal cost, including shipping and handling. To qualify for the Express Upgrade, you must purchase a qualifying PC that meets Microsoft’s requirements for running Windows Vista. Ask your sales representative for more details.

13.

Which PCs are eligible for the Express Upgrade to Windows Vista?

PCs provided by a participating Microsoft system builder that have Windows XP preinstalled and meet the Windows Vista system requirements are eligible. Qualifying proof of purchase must be either a receipt for a complete personal computer or receipts showing the purchase of a mother board, hard drive, RAM and a CPU. The components can be on multiple receipts within the last six months; not necessarily all on one receipt nor on the same receipt as the qualifying Windows XP/Office 2003 that you purchased.

Windows Vista minimum system requirements include:

A modern processor (at least 800MHz1).
512 MB of system memory.
A graphics processor that is DirectX 9 capable.

Not all Windows Vista features will be available for use on all PCs meeting minimum Windows Vista system requirements. All PCs meeting minimum system requirements upgraded to Windows Vista will be able to run the core experiences of Windows Vista, such as innovations in organizing and finding information, security, and reliability. Microsoft strongly recommends that any PC that you plan to upgrade to a premium edition of Windows Vista—in other words, Windows Vista Home Premium, Windows Vista Business Edition, or Windows Vista Ultimate—meets the system requirements for a Premium Ready PC, as set out at http://www.microsoft. com/windowsvista/getready/capable.mspx

14.

Until when may I redeem the upgrade?

You can redeem the offer until March 31, 2007. You must complete the online ordering process and send your redemption information postmarked by this date.

15.

Why is the upgrade to Windows Vista valuable to me?

Because you can enjoy the features and functionality of genuine Windows XP now, then upgrade to Microsoft’s most powerful operating system yet—Windows Vista—as soon as it is released for a lower cost than purchasing it afterward.

16.

Why shouldn’t I just wait to buy a PC when Windows Vista is released?

If you can have the added functionality of a new PC and genuine Windows XP now andupgrade to Windows Vista when it is released, why wait? If you purchase Windows XP Professional, Windows XP Media Center Edition, or Windows XP Tablet PC Edition, you pay only a nominal cost, including shipping and handling, for the upgrade.

17.

Why should I be interested in Windows Vista?

Windows Vista introduces breakthrough computing experiences that are both visually exciting and intuitively designed, and will positively change the ways you use your computer. With the new desktop interface, you can more efficiently organize and find your information. Improved security, mobility, and performance will enable you to be more productive while getting the most out of your PC. For more information, go to www.microsoft.com/windowsvista/.

18.

How do I know which PCs are eligible for the offer?

Go to http://www.microsoft.com/windowsvista/getready/ capable.mspx to find out about minimum requirements for running Windows Vista as well as recommended system configurations for getting the full Windows Vista experience.

19.

How can I get the best Windows Vista experience?

To get the most from your upgrade, first be sure to purchase Windows XP Professional, Windows XP Media Center Edition, or Windows XP Tablet PC Edition so you can upgrade to premium versions of Windows Vista for a nominal cost, including shipping and handling. Also, choose a PC that meets or exceeds the system requirements for Windows Vista Home Premium Edition and Windows Vista Business Edition,which can be found at http://www.microsoft.com/windowsvista/getready/capable.mspx

Not all Windows Vista features will be available for use on all PCs meeting minimum Windows Vista system requirements. All PCs meeting minimum system requirements upgraded to Windows Vista will be able to run the core experiences of Windows Vista, such as innovations in organizing and finding
information, security, and reliability. Some features available in premium editions of Windows Vista—like the new Windows AeroTM user interface—require advanced or additional hardware.

20.

Which version of Windows Vista will I receive?

The upgrade version depends on the edition of genuine Windows XP originally purchased.

User Buys

User Upgrades To

User Pays
(Estimated Retail Price)

Genuine Windows XP Pro Edition + PC meeting Windows Vista system requirements (meeting Premium Ready requirements strongly recommended).

Windows Vista Business Edition*

Nominal Cost, including Shipping & Handling.

Genuine Windows XP Media Center Edition + PC meeting Windows Vista system requirements (meeting Premium Ready requirements strongly recommended).

Windows Vista
Home Premium Edition

Nominal Cost, including Shipping & Handling.

Genuine Windows XP Tablet PC Edition + PC meeting Windows Vista system requirements (meeting Premium Ready requirements strongly recommended).

Windows Vista Business Edition*

Nominal Cost, including Shipping & Handling.

Genuine Windows XP Professional x64 Edition + PC meeting Windows Vista system requirements.

Windows Vista Business x64 Edition*

Nominal Cost, including Shipping & Handling.

*This upgrade may require a reinstallation for the end user that will not automatically carry over user settings, data, or applications

User Buys

User Upgrades To

User Pays
(Estimated Retail Price)

Genuine Windows XP Home Edition + PC meeting Windows Vista system requirements.

Windows Vista Home Basic Edition*

US$49.00+ Nominal Cost, including Shipping & Handling.

Genuine Windows XP Home Edition + PC meeting Windows Vista system requirements (meeting Premium Ready requirements strongly recommended).

Windows Vista
Home Premium Edition†*

US$ 79.00+ Nominal Cost, including Shipping & Handling.

†Recommended upgrade path for languages where Windows XP Media Center Edition is not localized, including Arabic, Brazilian Portuguese, Greek, and Hebrew.
*This upgrade may require a reinstallation for the end user that will not automatically carry over user settings, data, or applications.

21.

I want to purchase Windows XP for home use. Which version should I purchase if I want the best value when I upgrade?

If you purchase genuine Windows XP Media Center Edition, you may upgrade to Windows Vista Home Premium and pay only a nominal cost, including shipping and handling, for the upgrade. This is the best Express Upgrade value for home users.

22.

I want to purchase Windows XP for business use. Will I have to pay a fee when I upgrade to Windows Vista?

If you purchase a PC preinstalled with genuine Windows XP Professional, Windows XP Tablet Edition, or Windows XP Professional x64 editions, you can upgrade to the corresponding version of Windows Vista Business and pay only a nominal cost, including shipping and handling, for the upgrade.

23.

When do I have to purchase the PC with Windows XP to qualify for the Express Upgrade to Windows Vista offer?

You must purchase a qualifying PC with genuine Windows XP preinstalled between October 26, 2006 and March 15, 2007. Qualifying proof of purchase must be either a receipt for a complete personal computer or receipts showing the purchase of a mother board, hard drive, RAM and a CPU. The components can be on multiple receipts within the last six months; not necessarily all on one receipt nor on the same receipt as the qualifying Windows XP/Office 2003 that you purchased.

24.

In what languages will the Express Upgrade to Windows Vista be available?

The Express Upgrade to Windows Vista will be available in the following languages:
Arabic*, Brazilian Portuguese*, Czech, Danish, Dutch, English, Finnish, French, German, Greek*, Hebrew*, Italian, Japanese, Korean, Norwegian, Polish, Portuguese, Russian, Simplified/ Traditional Chinese, Spanish, Swedish, Turkish*

*For the languages that Windows XP Media Center Edition 2005 isn’t localized in, the offer of an upgrade from a localized Windows XP Home Edition to Windows Vista Home Premium will be available for a specified fee.

25.

Can I redeem a different Windows Vista language upgrade version from what I originally purchased?

No. You must redeem the same language version as the originally purchased software.

*For the languages that Windows XP Media Center Edition 2005 isn’t localized in, the offer of an upgrade from a localized Windows XP Home Edition to Windows Vista Home Premium will be available for a speciﬁed fee.

26.

What is the Microsoft Office Preinstalled Technology Guarantee offer?

If you purchase a qualifying PC from a participating system builder with Microsoft Office 2003 preinstalled, you will be eligible for a low-cost Technology Guarantee upgrade allowing you to upgrade to a comparable 2007 Office suite when it is released. (See the chart later in this section for upgrade paths for specific editions.) Your new PC must meet minimum system requirements for 2007 Office.

27.

What are the system requirements for 2007 Office?

PC’s must run Microsoft Windows XP (SP2) or later and include the following:
            - 500MHz or higher processor; (1GHz or faster for Microsoft Office Outlook 2007 with Business Contact Manager users).
            - 256MB RAM or higher; (512MB of RAM required for Microsoft Office Outlook 2007 with Business Contact Manager users).
            - 2GB of available hard disk space necessary for installation.
Check http://upgradeweb.moduslink.com/office for more information.

28.

When can I take advantage of the Office Technology Guarantee offer?

The offer is available for customers who have purchased Office 2003 on a new PC between October 26, 2006 and March 15, 2007.

29.

Why should I be interested in Microsoft 2007 Office?

2007 Office provides an enhanced, intuitive design and improved features to help you get more out of the programs you use every day. 2007 Office makes it easier to manage your inbox, collaborate with the colleagues, analyze information, and market your business. For more information, visit www.microsoft.com/office/preview.

30.

Will the upgrade from Office 2003 to 2007 Office cost me anything?

All users must pay a nominal cost, including shipping, handling, and fulfillment costs for upgrade media.

31.

Which version of 2007 Office will I receive when I upgrade?

The upgrade version depends on the edition of Office 2003 originally purchased (see chart).

UPGRADE PATHS FOR MICROSOFT OFFICE PREINSTALLED TECHNOLOGY GUARANTEE

User Buys

User Upgrades To

User Pays
(Estimated Retail Price)

Office Basic Edition 2003

Office Basic 2007