Microsoft OS in the future vstroit new means of evaluating the productivity of PC administered OS Windows Vista. The technology is called "Windows Performance Rating and is already published in the latest beta version of Windows Vista. Using it happens conditional estimation processor, RAM, hard drive, video card and the total score is displayed.

But Microsoft did not explain what this means rating. It is known only that the value of the rating can range from 1 to 5 tenths of proportion.

In connection with this, the site CNET News.com has published the following statement made by Microsoft: - "The purpose of such an evaluation of Windows is the company's desire to show users how their computer as a whole is ready for Windows Vista."

Manufacturers and sellers of computers using "Windows Performance Rating" can be broadly evaluate the performance of a machine. Producer software, the system can help to assess the level of requirements for equipment for the normal work of their products.

At the Intel Developer Forum (IDF), was published tested Sony Vaio laptops, which gained 3 total score. Laptop Intel processor had received 5.6 rating, and the amount of RAM equal to 1GB, received 5.5 rating. The second test was carried out with a desktop computer equipped with a Pentium D 940 processor and 2GB of RAM RAM. The machine also received total score 3. This processor and the memory received the same score: 5.6 and 5.5, respectively.

The company refused to comment on Microsoft criteria for evaluating equipment, saying that even on the way: - "This technology is still under development, and now it can not be taken as a complete". By promise of Microsoft, the technology "Windows Performance Rating" will be improved in subsequent beta versions of OS Windows Vista.

This system is convenient for the consumer presentation on the equipment, which he could buy in a store, says Roger Kay (Roger Kay), president of analyst firm Endpoint Technologies Associates.

U sellers in the store will be able to work together to demonstrate Windows Vista and some applications in the presence of the customer. Of course, this will contribute to the presentation of some of the possibilities computer, which will put the user at his home in the event of a purchase, believes Roger Kay.

However, not all so easy in the new technology. It seems that the "Windows Performance Rating" does not help in the assessment of modern equipment. The machine, now has received a total score 5, after a while hopelessly outdated. And thus, the system would require constant updating. The essence of the system, originally laid down in this way of evaluating equipment, already contains a contradiction. Excellent computer five years ago is no longer as there can be so now. The desire to give Microsoft the user about the suitability of the computer to Windows Vista using such assessments will be very mixed for the same computer.

But, an analyst with Current Analysis, is optimistic and confident that the technology is understandable, and can help producers of computers visual advertise their products.

"This system will assign a computer assessment 'good,' 'better,' 'excellent,'" Sam believes Bavnani. Alleged buyer will be spared the need for an independent comparison of the joint work of memory, hard disk and other components.

Hewlett-Packard supported the use of technology "Windows Performance Rating, its representative stated: -" Any undertaking, which makes technology more accessible to the user, is a positive, and we are ready to support it. "

Currently, Microsoft is developing another technology called the Windows Upgrade Advisor, with the help of which will occur assessment of the state of the machine. Based on this test will be given advice on updating the equipment necessary for the normal work of OS Windows Vista.

The most frequent recommendations will probably all related to the increase in the amount of memory and a video card upgrade, says Dave Block (Dave Block), Senior Product Manager of Microsoft Windows Vista. Since these two components Easily in the modern computer.

The company has already provided Microsoft hardware developers some possibilities in the framework of the Vista logo. " This program provides the basic principles of performance evaluation equipment, in accordance with which the products can obtain the logo "basic" necessary for the normal OS bundling. And the same principles of attribution brand premium, which is required to support advanced features Windows Vista. In doing so, Microsoft representatives pointed out that these standards are still subject to change for the finished version of OS Windows Vista.

According to the forecasts of analysts, probably all, for all assemblies Windows Vista, in addition to versions of "basic" will need at least 1GB of RAM. For many users, this will mean the need for increased memory on their machines.

According to information provided by Stephen (Stephen Baker), the head of market research company NPD Tech world, during February of this year, a quarter of laptops sold in the United States were equipped with 1GB of RAM, and about 57% had 512MB.

Returning to the evaluation system equipment analyst warned users of hasty purchases of new computers now.

"Now you can buy an excellent computer for Windows XP, and technology" Windows Performance Rating "shows a high score. But when, in November will be released Windows Vista, the same machine can dial only one point.