MICROSOFT UNVEILS WINDOWS VISTA REQUIREMENTS

Microsoft has set up a site to introduce Windows users to the features that will be available in Windows Vista and help users find out whether their system will support the new operating system. In addition to all the relevant information on features and requirements, Microsoft has included a downloadable upgrade advisor which will check a users system and determine if they will be able to run Windows Vista as well as listing any needed upgrades.

Below are the minimum system requirements listed and the “Windows Premium Ready” recommended system requirements;

Minimum System Requirements

System will not be able to run “Windows Aero” 3D Interface at this level

• 800mhz or better 32bit (x86) or 64bit (x64) processor
• 512mb system memory
• DirectX 9.0 capable, SVGA (800×600) capable graphics adapter
• 20 gigabytes HD space for install
• 15 gigabytes HD free space
• CD-ROM Drive

Windows Vista Premium Ready System Requirements

• 1 GHz 32-bit (x86) or 64-bit (x64) processor
  • Processor speed is specified as the nominal operational processor frequency for the device. Some processors have power management which allows the processor to run at lower rate to save power.
• 1 GB of system memory.
• A graphics processor that runs Windows Aero.
  • 128 MB of graphics memory.
  • DirectX 9 class graphics processor that:
    • Supports a WDDM Driver.
    • Supports Pixel Shader 2.0 in hardware.
    • Supports 32 bits per pixel.
  • Adequate graphics memory.
    • 64 MB of graphics memory to support a single monitor less than 1,310,720 pixels
    • 128 MB of graphics memory to support a single monitor at resolutions from 1,310,720 to 2,304,000 pixels
    • 256 MB of graphics memory to support a single monitor at resolutions higher than 2,304,000 pixels
    • Meets graphics memory bandwidth requirements, as assessed by Windows Vista Upgrade Advisor running on Windows XP
• 40 GB of hard drive capacity with 15 GB free space.
• DVD-ROM Drive.
• Audio output capability.
• Internet access capability.

Click here to head over to the Windows Vista homepage and here for the Windows Vista Upgrade Advisor download page.

GEARS OF WAR: THE RACE TO E3 – PART 2 ON MTV TONIGHT

Some of you may have downloaded the part one of Gears of War: The Race to E3 last week via the Xbox Live Marketplace. For those of you who can’t get enough information about Epic’s upcoming masterpiece, part two of the special airs tomorrow night at 10pm EST on MTV, with replays airing throughout the week. Set your Tivo accordingly.

MICROSOFT RESPONDS TO XBOX 360 HACK

Microsoft’s employee blog, Gamerscore Blog, posted the company’s official response to the news that the Xbox 360 disc authentication system was hacked earlier this week. The statement reiterates their stance that any modification to the Xbox 360 hardware will render the system warranty void, that bootleg games may not run properly on the system and that they will make changes as need be to both correct the security flaw and identify those responsible. In other words, Microsoft isn’t happy, but it wasn’t unexpected.

If you look back to before the system even launched, J. Allard had made a statement to the effect that Microsoft knew that people would eventually crack the 360’s security system, and that while they would do everything they could to make it difficult to do, they felt that their interests were better served by creating a gaming experience, via services such as Xbox Live, that would discourage people from doing so. Click here for the Gamerscore Blog post.