Virtual voice for Yahoo on Vista

How do I get Yahoo voice chat on Vista

There are several possibilities, and one sure fire way.

You can wait until Yahoo releases a voice module for vista.
You can try to find a compatible 'codec' that works on Vista as the current codec works on previous operating systems.
You can run chat and voice on a 'Virtual PC' inside of Vista

In this article we'll explore using a 'Virtual PC'.
A VPC can run almost anything that a real PC can.
Chat and voice, games, office applications, anti-virus programs whatever...
chances are it will run on a VPC just like it does on a real physical PC.

To get chat and voice we can run Yahoo programs inside a Virtual PC
Since voice works well on Windows 98, we'll install Windows 98 on our new Virtual PC.

What is a Virtual PC

A virtual PC is a computer program that acts like a physical PC.
The VPC uses a file as its hard drive or CD
VPCs exist in the memory of your Main PC.

Virtual PCs are fun to use.
Setting up a virtual PC the first time is.. well fun if you like that kind of thing.
After you have set up your first VPC you can make copies of its virtual hard drive and run as many virtual PCs as your main PC can support.

How much is this going to cost me

Probably nothing.. as in $0.00 and; some time to read this, effort to get the software, and to install and configure it.

What can I install on my VPC

Just about anything!
Your virtual PC can be running Linux, DOS, Windows 95, Windows 98, XP, 2K or even Vista.
You'll need to actually OWN a copy of the software and operating system (Windows 98) that you will install into the Virtual PC. Virtual PCs are not an operating system on their own, they are just like a physical PC in that once you have it you have to install an operating system and your programs onto it.

What kind of main PC do I need to run Virtual PCs

I've used XP and Vista, the Microsoft VPC site has the real info.
A main PC with a 'Dual core' processor, such an Intel Core 2 DUO, or an AMD Athlon Dual core are especially good but you do not need a dual core Main PC. If you DO have a dual core PC you'll get better performance because it probably supports 'hardware virtualization' That means it can run the VPC software with hardware support. Without 'hardware virtualization' the software has to do all the heavy lifting itself. The performance difference is not a big hit, but it is noticeable.

Where do I get a Virtual PC

At least three companys I know of offer virtual PCs.
Some are free to use but you pay for support (if you want support from the company), some are available for a price.
Virtual PC's can run on Intel, AMD and other hardware, and on various operating systems such as Linux, Mac, Sun and Windows.
So far we've talked only in general terms but we are soon going to specifically discuss using Microsoft Virtual PC 2007 (free) running on a Windows Vista main PC with windows 98 installed on the virtual PCs.
If you want to use a Virtual PC from another vendor, or your main PC is a Mac, or Sun you can try Google search or Free x86 / PC Emulators and Virtual Machines to find an appropriate VPC program.