I noticed the web was amazingly devoid of some succinct instruction for people wondering how to get ready for Windows Vista. If you are considering moving to Windows Vista then here are a couple of things you can be doing to get ready for Windows Vista.
Get Your Hands Dirty
The best way to prepare for Windows Vista is to obtain the latest beta (currently 5270) and actively test. This is the best way to ensure your company’s scenarios are properly covered.
If you haven’t already started looking at Windows Vista, you should probably start. You now have less than a year until it releases according to the latest information from Microsoft, which is not a lot of time if you have any significant amount of work ahead of you.
If you aren’t part of the beta then the easiest way to obtain a copy is to get an OS level or better MSDN subscription. There are rumors of a truely public release around Windows Vista Beta 2 a little later this year, but that has yet to be confirmed by Microsoft.
Know Windows Vista’s Hardware Requirements
Windows Vista will have greater hardware requirements than previous Microsoft operating system, which makes sense. You should familiarize yourself with what it will require, especially if you are planning any hardware purchases this year. This will help you get the most life out of any hardware you are purchasing this year. See this TechNet article for more information on Windows Vista Hardware requirements.
TIP: Video will be the key in the Windows Vista experience, so plan on getting a decent video card.
Learn about application compatibility
Application Compatibility covers both browser based and fat client applications. One way to ensure a smooth transition is to test your applications on the latest builds and to work on any mitigation that they might need. This can be a significant amount of work and you should start today. We have recently done a few articles that would be useful for those that are doing this work.
See these application related articles:
Will my applications run on Windows Vista?
What I can do today to prepare for Internet Explorer 7
End of Microsoft Java closer than it may appear
For your 3rd party vendors, start a dialog with them. This lets them know your intentions to move to Windows Vista and helps to ensure they will have products available.
Embrace the new security model
Probably the most important change coming in Windows Vista is the new security model. If you are not familiar with User Account Control (UAC), then familiarize yourself with the technology. It will fundamentally change Windows computing.
You will be running as a non-admin even when logged on with an account that is a member of the local administrators group. That is HUGE! This is a fundamental shift for Microsoft and you can find additional informatoin on this topic in previous posts here on WindowsConnected.
Update your user interface
For those of you that maintain apps or are software vendor you should be aware of the previously mentioned application compatibility issues as well as the new Windows Vista user experience guidelines. This guide contains information on the Windows Vista design principles and will help you make applications that have a consistent Windows Vista feel to them.
I am sure many think they are the good user interface designers, but a consistent user experience that feels like it belongs as part of the operating system is important from an end user and IT pro perspective and can be a big differentiator in the product selected.
Windows Vista Logo Programs
If you or your company is looking to offer hardware or software on or for Windows Vista then you should become familiar with the appropriate logo programs Microsoft has in place. Begin taking the necessary step to ensure your software or hardware is logo compliant with at least the draft forms of these and be ready to submit when finalized.
Logo Program for Hardware
Logo Program for Software (.5 Draft)
If you are on the IT Pro side of this equation then you should be aware of the logo programs and ensure the products you select for your Windows Vista deployment are logo compliant. This will help provide financial incentive for our software vendors’s and hardware manufacturers to pursue logo compliance.
Stay Informed
Lastly, keep up to date with the lasted Windows Vista information by following these Windows Vista related Microsoft web sites.
General - Windows Vista Homepage
TechNet – Windows Vista Resource for IT Professionals
MSDN – Windows Vista Developer center
Partners – Windows Vista Logo Program
Josh
http://windowsconnected.com
Posted
Jan 12 2006, 11:36 AM
by
Josh Phillips
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