Unlike the upgrade from WinXP to Vista, the new DirectX will not be exclusive to Microsoft's new Windows 7 platform as a  new "Platform Update for Windows Vista" updates "DirectX to support hardware acceleration for 2D, 3D, and text-based scenarios," indicating that Microsoft has added DirectX 11 support to its previous OS (thanks Blues).

Initial sales figures from Microsoft show its new Windows Vista operating system made a splash in its debut. In the first month of Windows Vista’s general availability, sales exceeded 20 million licenses, more than doubling the initial pace of sales for its predecessor, Windows XP.

In THQ's action game S.T.A.L.K.E.R.: Shadow of Chernobyl you control a Stalker, venturing into the Zone in order to acquire information, technology and artifacts to sell and possibly put a mysterious puzzle together. Various reports have come in from people claiming that STALKER does not work properly with Windows Vista, causing crashes and other hiccups. GSC Gameworld is aware of the issue and is working on a patch.

In a press conference earlier today Microsoft's Jim Allchin announced that its Windows Vista OS is ready and has been sent to manufacturing for public release on January 30, 2007. Windows Vista is "the most heavily tested, highest quality and most secure operating system in the company’s history."

Microsoft announced that it will launch its new Windows Vista operating system at the same time as it launches in the rest of the world. Microsoft made changes to Vista after talks with the European Commission in three major areas: search, security and the new file format XPS.

Anti-virus software company McAfee has taken extreme measures to voice its displeasure with Windows Vista. It claims Microsoft is not allowing McAfee, and other anti-virus developers such as Symantec, access to the Vista kernel in order to create their latest tools. A full-page ad in the Financial Times has McAfee CEO George Samunek saying "Microsoft is being completely unrealistic if, by locking security companies out of the kernel, it thinks hackers won't crack Vista's kernel. In fact, they already have."

Symantec sued Microsoft on Thursday, accusing it of breach of contract and misappropriation of intellectual property in its incoporation of Veritas technology in Windows Vista. Symantec acquired Veritas last year and is seeking an injunction that would prevent further development, sale or distribution of Vista.

While the official release for Microsoft's next OS is still a ways off (early 2007), today the first details were revealed what it will take to actually run the beast. A 800mhz CPU with 512mb RAM will do the trick (1Ghz and 1 Gig RAM recommended), although graphically you will need a DX9-compatible card that supports Pixel Shader 2.0 with RAM ranging from 64mb up to 256mb, depending on your configuration.

Microsoft today announced the lineup for the Windows Vista operating system, scheduled for release later this year. Vista will bring clarity to accomplishing everyday tasks, instantly let you find what you want, enjoy the latest in entertainment, improved safety of personal information, stay connected at home or on the go, and help ensure PCs are up-to-date, more secure and running smoothly.

Halo 2 is set to explode onto PCs exclusively for Windows Vista. Halo 2 for Windows Vista will be developed by a dedicated Microsoft Game Studios team in partnership with Bungie Studios, and will include the original game, as well as the multiplayer map pack.

Microsoft announced on Friday that the next version of its operating system will be "Windows Vista." Formerly known by its code-name Longhorn, Windows Vista is scheduled to launch in the second half of 2006, and Microsoft has promised numerous enhancements, including better security, graphics and computing over the Web.