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Windows Vista – What you need to know

Earlier this year Microsoft launched their new operating system Windows Vista to the public. Six versions of the operating system were launched which Microsoft say will more closely match the requirements of its customers.

VISTA VERSIONS

  • Vista Business
  • Vista Enterprise
  • Vista Home Basic
  • Vista Home Premium
  • Vista Ultimate
  • Vista Starter

The Home Basic version is intended for those who only want to use their PC to browse the net, use e-mail and create and edit basic documents. It will also include desktop search and security tools. Vista Home Premium includes everything in the Basic version and adds the new graphical interface called Aero. Microsoft said it will also have improved media handling abilities so it can help users organise and enjoy their digital images, music and movie collections. Also included will be tools to help people author and burn DVDs.

Windows Vista Home Basic will cost approximately £102 (£50.70 to upgrade from a previous version of Vista) Windows Vista Home Premium will cost £122 (£82 to upgrade from a previous version of Windows) though different vendors may charge different prices.

The minimum system requirements to run the core features of Vista and basic user experience are as follows:

Windows Vista Minimum Supported System Requirements

Processor: 800 MHz 32-bit (x86) or 64-bit (x64) processor*
System Memory: 512 MB
GPU: SVGA (800x600)
Graphics Memory: -
HDD: 20 GB
HDD Free Space: 15 GB
Optical Drive: CD-ROM drive†
Audio: -
Internet: -

* - 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 a lower rate to save power.

† - The CD-ROM may be external (not integral, not built into the system).

Lots more information is available at http://www.microsoft.com/windowsvista/ including a description of new features http://www.microsoft.com/windowsvista/features/default.mspx

Will Virgin Media offer technical support for Windows Vista?

Yes. Our Technical Support Centres offer support for new and existing customers using Windows Vista Home Premium, Basic and Ultimate versions. This includes setting up your PC to work with our broadband service and configuring Windows Mail.

Do all Virgin Media internet services work with Windows Vista?

Virtually all of our services work with the Vista operating system. However, there are some, namely the Instant Support Tool/Broadband Medic, which are not compatible with Vista.

Where can I get help with Windows Vista?

Microsoft provide comprehensive information including forums, newsgroups, Knowledge Base and Troubleshooting guide at http://technet.microsoft.com/en-us/windowsvista/bb187457.aspx

We have provided some basic steps below to assist you recreating your e-mail accounts in Windows Mail (which replaces Outlook Express in Windows Vista).

Getting Vista working with your Virgin Broadband service

We have provided some basic steps below to assist you getting up and going with Vista :

Setting up your Internet connection - broadband.

Whether you've purchased a new PC or just upgraded to Vista you'll want to be up and surfing quickly. To help you the following leaflet will talk you through getting your Virgin Broadband service working when using Vista, Basic or Premium versions. Simply choose the one that is right for your email address and off you go. The instructions as designed to help a brand new customer to Virgin Broadband get going. However they will work just as well for existing customers – minus a few steps!

If the last part of your e-mail address is @ntlworld.com or previous provider was ntl click here

If the last part of your e-mail address is @blueyonder.co.uk or previous provider was Telewest click here

Setting up your Internet connection - dial up

If you are a dial up customer of any of the following legacy companies Telewest or ntl and you have upgraded to Vista you'll find instructions on how to create a connection to the internet below:

1. Access the Control Panel – simply click the Start Globe to access the Start Menu, then select Control Panel.

2. When in the Control Panel, check you are viewing the Control Panel homepage. Simply click "Control Panel Home" in the left pane. When at the homepage, click "Connect to the Internet" under the "Network and Internet" heading.

If any dialers or connections already exist, these will be displayed first. These cannot be deleted from this screen. If necessary, they can be deleted from the Internet Options control panel.

If you wish to delete any dialer first, refer to the "Deleting an Internet Connection" otherwise, choose "No, create a new connection". If no connection currently exists, you will be taken directly to the next step.

3. How do you want to connect?

  1. Broadband (PPPoE) – This is unlikely to be used in the UK.
  2. Dial-up – choose this when setting up a connection using a dial-up modem.

4. Which modem do you want to use?

This will only appear if more than one modem installed on the PC. If only one device is available, this will not appear.

Type the information from your ISP

This is the last screen and requires the input of the Dial-up phone number, User name, Password and Connection name. You can also control whether to allow other users of the PC access to the connection and – usefully – allows you to show the characters of the password being entered. Finally, you have the option to remember the password.

Dial up numbers for ex ntl customers

If you are an Unlimited Dial Up customer enter 0800 519 0100
If you are an Pay as you go Dial Up customer enter 0845 455 0520

Enter your ntl supplied account username and password

Dial up numbers for ex Telewest customers

If you connect to the Internet via a Telewest phone line enter 179
If you connect via a non-Telewest phone line enter 0845 1120550

Enter your Telewest supplied username and password

Once the setup is completed, the wizard will attempt to connect to the Internet. If it fails, it will not automatically setup the connection. Ensure you choose "Set up the connection anyway".

You have now successfully created an Internet connection in Windows Vista.

Setting up Windows Mail

Follow the steps below to re-create your blueyonder or ntlworld email accounts in Windows Mail.

1. Launch Window Mail via Start – Windows Mail – if you have not created a Windows Mail account previously the wizard will launch. Alternatively open Windows Mail and select 'Tools'– 'Accounts' The "Internet accounts" window will appear.

2. Click the 'Add' button in the upper right corner of the window. The 'Add Account' window appears. Select "E-mail Account", and click "Next".

3. Enter your name as you would like it to appear in the "From" field of the e-mail messages you send. Click "Next".

4. Enter your blueyonder or ntlworld email address, and click "Next".

5. In the 'Incoming mail server' field, enter pop3.blueyonder.co.uk if you are an ex Telewest customer or pop.ntlworld.com if you are an ex ntl customer. In the 'Outgoing e-mail server field' enter smtp.blueyonder.co.uk or smtp.ntlworld.com, tick 'Outgoing server requires authentication' if you are an ex Telewest customer. Then click "Next".

6. In the "Email username" field, enter your mailbox username – this will not currently include @blueyonder.co.uk or @ntlworld.com, e.g. if your email address was richard.branson@blueyonder.co.uk then you would enter richard.branson as your "email username". Check "Remember password" if you don’t want to be prompted to enter your password each time you check for new mail. Click "Next".

7. On the final screen click "Finish"