Are you interested in what new technology is just over the horizon?  Some of these advancements have been around for a while, but are just now becoming main stream.

Quad Core CPUs – AMD and Intel both have quad-core processors in the works, and they should be on the market in early 2008.  The only thing that the two architectures have in common is the term ‘quad core’, other than that… they are completely different.  From what we can see, the AMD versions should out-perform their Intel counterparts.  Also, AMD has been known for a much cheaper price than Intel.  Let’s see what happens.

Motherboards –These are changing to match the techologies being created.  They will have support for quad-core processors, 4 graphics cards, updated PCIxpress slots, and hi-fi audio built-in.  The one saving grace is that if you have an AMD-based board with the AM2 slot, you will be able to upgrade to the quad-core easily.  Keep an eye on your total power consumption though, and your power supply might not be able to handle the load.  You can use this neat little calculator to find out what your system will need.

Windows Vista – Microsoft promises that Service Pack 1 of Vista will solve a lot of problems with it’s operating system.  Only time will tell.  It is supposed to improve the Security Centre, add support for third-party applications, and many improvements for laptops.  Can users wait until early 2008?

Video Cards –Direct X 10 has not taken off yet, but wait until 2008.  Almost every advanced game will need Direct X 10.  Also, both ATI and nVidia are working on improved Graphics Processors that will make their cards even more efficient.  Also, PCIxpress is the standard, so if you still have an AGP slot, you will have to start looking at a serious upgrade.  When you are looking, make sure you are asking for PCIxpress 2.0.

Optical Drives –These have been keeping pace with the DVD players for your TV.  We are now talking about HD-DVD and Bluray drives.  They both require different drives, and different media.  The differnce between them and the standard DVD media, is quality and capacity.  The new drives are rather expensive, so if you don’t need to upgrade, we are suggesting that you wait.

Memory – DDR, DDR2, DDR3 – What do you have and what do you need?  Your motherboard determines what type of memory you can handle.  The basic rule for memory is 1-2GB is preferred, of whatever type you need.  We are suggesting people stick with name-brand memory, purchased from reputable stores.

Hard Drives – SATA2 is the current standard, but the manufacturers are still trying to push the envelope.  Drives with much larger sizes (1 Terabyte) and much larger caches and transfer speeds and on the market now.  When you are looking… stick with 7,200 rpm drives with 8MB or more of cache.

Wireless – The next version is 802.11n 2.0, but has not been completely adopted yet.  It should improve speed and distance problems.  It is supposed to be capable of streaming 1080p HD signal up to 25 feet.  That is a pretty impressive accomplishment.  Many manufacturers are shipping “n” ready equipment, but if you are installing this equipment in your home/office then we are suggesting that you stick with the same manufacturer’s equipment.  That will ease the setup and help with compatibility.

Monitors – Widescreen is the future.  At some point, all monitors will be widescreen.  The other thing to watch is interface types.  There is the standard 15-pin VGA connector, DVI, HDMI, and the new Display Port.  Rule of Thumb… buy one that supports them all, and you can’t go wrong.  (Also, Keep an eye on OLED)

Cooling – As computers get more powerful, they also get hotter.  Sometimes the standard cooling just isn’t enough.  There seems to be more cooling options than processors these days.  Bigger fans, bigger heat sinks, heat pipes, ducting, water cooling, and even phase-change cooling.  Liquid cooling is by far the most efficient, but in the past could only be installed by professionals.  Manufacturers are making closed-loop liquid cooling systems that are easily installed by the newbie!

Windows Home Server – All we can say is – “It’s about time!”.  Finally, a server designed for the home user.  There are so many benefits that we cannot begin to cover them all.  Check it out.

USB – It’s getting faster again.  The new USB 3.0 standard will be 10 times faster.  Don’t worry though… your older USB 2.0 and 1.1 devices will still work.