You might have noticed that with the launch of Windows Vista there are now many new “Works with Vista” certifications and logos. This is normal - each new Windows version adds new features but also new conventions and sets of recommendations. Microsoft values backward compatibility but if you want to stick a new logo on your product, you need to update it to comply with the latest and the greatest.

It’s “easy” with the software – open up the source code, adjust where necessary and recompile. What about hardware? Most of the new hardware devices do leave out quite a bit of functionality to the firmware (a special software necessary for proper functioning of the device) that can be updated, but don’t expect dramatic changes or improvements.

Thus I was puzzled when it turned out there is a Vista logo for home routers, and the one called “Works with Windows Vista” at that. Will my router work if it’s not certified?

Of course. Turns out that this logo ensures that most of the new features in Vista are actually used, plus it makes the configuration of your home network much easier and enables flawless media sharing between your PC and other devices like Xbox 360. In other words, the certification process is good for the average consumer that does not want to fiddle with network equipment. Normal people expect the router to “just work”, no maintenance whatsoever.

If you are network savvy and know how to open (and close!) ports on the router, do not share videos wirelessly or simply have a trivial network setup (ISP provided router and one computer) you do not need to worry about the logo. I have used two different routers in the last few months, neither is certified in any way but everything works fine, including my 64–bit desktop Vista machine, 32–bit XP laptop (over wireless) and (wired) Xbox 360.