(June 19, 2009) — T he Windows Vista Operating System (OS) is one of the biggest projects Microsoft has taken on and one on which it cannot afford any mistakes. With its current OS, Windows XP, pushing five years, Microsoft is approaching the release of its new OS, Windows Vista. The current release to manufacturing date is Oct. 25, but the date might be pushed back. Currently it is in its second stage of beta and can only be accessed by professional parties. Don’t expect the new Windows to be a milestone like that of Windows 95; the new features of Windows Vista are more of an evolution than a revolution. The operating system is huge, taking up to ten gigabytes of hard-drive space. In order to run the OS the computer must have the recommended requirements of at least a 1 GHz processor, 1 GB Random Access Memory (RAM), and an Aero-compatible graphics card with at least 128 MB graphic memory which supports the new Windows Display Driver Model. Windows Vista has greater requirements than those of Windows XP, so XP users will have to upgrade in order to use it. These huge requirements are brought on by new features. The new eye candy, called Aero Glass, makes everything look transparent and gives the screen a glossy look. Aero also provides a user interface that can adjust to your computer’s capabilities. A drawback of previous versions of Windows was its “limited” account. On Windows Vista, a new user account allows Windows to operate as a standard user with fewer privileges, and when an action requiring higher privileges is requested Windows prompts for a password. This differs from earlier versions of Windows, which were more restrictive. Alongside its new features, Windows Vista will include Windows Media Player 11, which comes with a highly graphic interface for the library, picture and video management and a search-as-you-type feature. It will also be merged with MTV’s new online music store service URGE, a possible rival for Apple’s iTunes.