DirectX 10

Hi all, i'm fairly new to Vista and loving it so far. I read alot about DirectX 10 but not sure if i have it. How can i tell if i already have it? Does it come automatically with Vista? If not should i download it if i'm not a pc gamer? I use Photoshop CS2 and a few video editing programs mainly and my OS is Vista Ultimate 64. Thanks in advance for what i'm sure is a stupid question. My video card is a Radeon 512 mb 128 bit 2600 XT.

DirectX10 is included with every version of vista and after checking your graphics card I believe it can support DirectX10 applications and games. ATI Radeon™ HD 2600 Series - Overview

Nevermind, i just read further down in the forum and guess i do have DX10. Guess that'll learn me to read first before posting. Thanks.

p.s. thanks dmex

One way to verify DirectX is by typing "dxdiag" at your Start Search prompt. The first tab (System) displays your DirectX version towards the bottom.

This tool also gives you additional information about your system, graphics card, and graphics drivers.

dxdiag doesn't show the version supported by your graphics card just the system version installed.

Argh, I want a 2600XT...

Oh, that reminds me, when I get my new card in, will Vista auto-detect the change between DirectX version compatibility and switch versions, or do I have to do anything manually?

Yeah Vista can detect any new graphics cards that can run DX10 and automatically change the required settings.

I have the HD 2600 and yeh vista automatically changed the DX version settings, although i havent seen any major improvements to the quality of the graphics.

I just wish 3DS MAX would not keep disabling aero everytime i run it, lol.

The major improvements are to game quality via the individual settings and general system responsiveness, 3DS MAX will disable areo because its using your graphics card resources and that doesnt work well when you want statistics and a benchmark on how well its running.