For those who are still considering upgrading their computers from Windows 98 to Windows XP, there is a shock coming their way. Microsoft is just under 12 months from releasing yet another operating system in the Windows family, this time named Windows Vista.
Microsoft is aiming at making the new operating system a visual feast that is cleaner-looking and more streamlined for users than its previous operating system, Windows XP.
Enhancements will include a start menu with integrated search option, the ability to scroll over taskbar programs and see a visual preview of what that window is displaying, and a three dimensional desktop that is powered by graphics technology used in video games.
Windows Vista will also include the newest version of Microsoft’s Internet Explorer, which reaches its seventh incarnation. It will also be based on DirectX10, the latest in a series of application programming interfaces that is focused on providing cutting-edge graphics technology for video game developers.