The Flavors of AERO Aero Discuss The Flavors of AERO in the Vista Features forums; AERO comes in three different flavors. 1) AERO Glass 2) AERO Basic 3) Classic AERO Glass is the most enhanced version of Vista’s GUI. This level allows for the ...

[ultralexy]

AERO comes in three different flavors.

1) AERO Glass
2) AERO Basic
3) Classic

AERO Glass is the most enhanced version of Vista’s GUI. This level allows for the translucent, glass-like effects to be used in the icons, toolbars, folders and menus. 3D Animation and visual special effects are offered in this graphics mode.

AERO Basic offers the look and feel of Vista without any of the visual effects. The mode resembles XP in that the visual style is more that of a “skin.” Basic allows users to have the functionality of Vista without having to upgrade their hardware

Classic is the most basic user interface offered by Vista. The graphics requirements are the same as those for XP.

Graphics hardware requirements

Vista's graphics requirements are different for Aero Glass and Aero Basic.
Aero Glass

To enjoy AERO Glass, you’ll need a video card that is considered more high-end. You’ll need at least 64MB of graphics memory (RAM) or 128MB for monitor resolutions of 1600x1200. The video card will have to be able to support AGP 8X or PCI 16X, 32 bits per pixel and 3D hardware acceleration comparable to DirectX 9.0. Last but not least, your card will have to support Windows Vista Display Driver Model (WVDDM) Drivers.

AERO Basic and Classic are considered easier to upgrade for the majority of consumers without needing special video card requirements. However, the special effects are also not available in these modes.

(disclaimer: the above statements reflect the information released regarding the latest build of Microsoft Vista at this time. The information is subject to change based on further development of the software. Microsoft reserves the right add or remove additional features.)

[nutkeis]

Is the classic the same NT-look as the classic configuration in XP?

[ultralexy]

Yes, the Aero Classic interface is very similar to Windows XP without the Luna theme enabled (the pretty blue rounded bars) or Windows 2000. Aero Classic uses the same display drivers as Windows XP.