The long awaited next generation operating has arrived. It's been quite a day for hardware and software launches with NVIDIA lifting NDA agreements to launch the new G80 Geforce graphics cards. Microsoft announced that Windows Vista has gone to manufacturing. Vista marks the first big shift in Microsoft consumer operating systems in over 5 years.

Increased security, improved firewalls, integrated desktop search, Internet Explorer 7.0, Windows Sidebar, Windows Sideshow, built-in system diagnostics, improved gaming support with direct x10, fully integrated Speech Recognition are just some of the treats on offer.

Windows Vista will be available in four distinct retail versions:

• Windows Vista Home Basic, $199/$99.95 (full/upgrade)
  basic platform for home users who want to keep tabs on email and Internet activity.
  
• Windows Vista Home Premium, $239/$159
  adds the Windows Aero interface, Windows Media Center functionality, Windows Tablet PC technology and integrated DVD burning.
  
  
• Windows Vista Business, $299/$199
  offers improved document managing and Windows Tablet PC functionality.
  
  
• Windows Vista Ultimate, $399/$259
  The whole works
  

The bad news is, Joe bloggs will have to wait till January 30th, 2007 for the consumer launch.