Vista to hit the shops in January

We talked to a Microsoft boss (M.B.) about Vista, the new operating system.

When will Windows Vista be available to retail customers?
M.B.: It will be available to retail customers from 30 January 2007.
When will the new software be unveiled? Where?
M.B.: It will be unveiled at an event at the New York Stock Exchange.
Will it be unveiled by Bill Gates?
M.B.: No, Microsoft boss Steve Ballmer will present it.
What’s Vista?
M.B.: Vista is Microsoft's first new version of Windows for the PC market since 2001.
Do you mean it is an updated version of Windows?
M.B.: Well, yes, you can say that it is a major overhaul of Windows which updates many of the core technologies. It is the long-awaited update of the Windows operating system.
Long-awaited? How long has the software been under development?
M.B.: For more than five years.
Didn’t they say it would be released in August 2006?
M.B.: Yes, that’s true. But corporate customers will have to wait until November 30th and retail customers will have to wait longer.
What’s been updated? What are some of the new elements?
M.B.: New elements in the updated software include an improved 3D interface, more search options and extra security, plus new sound and networking technologies.
How many versions will there be? Will Microsoft launch just two or three?
M.B.: There will be six versions of Vista - three for business, two for home use and one for developing nations.
What about the price? How much will they cost?
M.B.: The price of the software will range from $100 to $399.
Don’t you think that they will miss out on the lucrative Christmas marketing period?
M.B.: Yes, I agree with you.
Has Microsoft any strategies?
M.B.: Of course they have. They are offering coupons for free or discounted versions of Vista to customers who buy a PC with the older Windows XP installed to convince consumers to buy computers over the holiday period.
How much do they expect to earn?
M.B.: Well, Microsoft has estimated that the new system could trigger a rise of 10% or more in Windows PC software sales.
What must PCs have to run the the new software?
M.B.: Microsoft has already released information about that.

Processor - Minimum: 800MHz ---------- Recommended:1GHz 32 or 64 bit
System Memory - Minimum: 512MB -----------Recommended: 1GB
Graphics card - Minimum: DirectX 9 capable --- Recommended: Runs Windows Aero
Graphics Memory - Minimum: - - Recommended: 128MB
Free space on Hard Drive - Minimum: 15GB ------ Recommended: 15GB

You can read a BBC text on the same topic here.