| Now that Windows Vista has been released many | | | | running the various versions of Vista. |
| people are now asking if their computer is capable of | | | | Now that we've got the "official" requirements out in |
| running Microsoft's new operating system. With | | | | the open, let's discuss the hardware you are really |
| relatively new PC's, the answer is likely to be yes, | | | | going to need to have a satisfying experience using |
| but even older PC's may be able to run Windows | | | | Windows Vista. |
| Vista with a simple memory upgrade. | | | | After upgrading literally thousands of computers over |
| Microsoft classify computers as either "Vista Capable" | | | | the last 3 years, I really cannot recommend Windows |
| or "Vista Premium Ready", depending on the | | | | Vista to anyone with a pc running a CPU slower than |
| hardware specs. | | | | 1GHz. With a CPU this slow, it's very likely that the |
| Vista Capable pc's will have a minimum 800 Mhz CPU, | | | | maximum memory capacity of your pc is going to be |
| 512MB of RAM, 20GB hard drive (15GB free), and a | | | | 1GB (especially with laptops). If you have a pc in this |
| DirectX 9 class graphics card. A computer that meets | | | | category and only a minimum amount of RAM, I |
| these requirements should be able to run all versions | | | | recommend staying with Windows XP and upgrading |
| of Windows Vista, but may still require a hardware | | | | to at least 1GB of system memory. You'll be amazed |
| upgrade to access the advanced features of the | | | | at the difference it makes to how well Windows XP |
| new Aero interface, such as the window | | | | runs, and it's likely going to feel like you are using a |
| transparencies and other visual effects. | | | | new computer. Alternatively, look at buying a new |
| Vista Premium Ready pc's will have at least a 1Ghz | | | | computer with Vista pre-installed. |
| CPU, 1GB of installed RAM, a 40GB hard drive (15GB | | | | If your PC has at least a 1GHhz CPU then by all |
| free), and an Aero-compatible graphics card which | | | | means install Windows Vista, but don't expect great |
| supports the new Windows Display Driver Model and | | | | performance with the recommended 512MB of |
| 128mb of onboard memory. A computer that meets | | | | installed RAM. Consider 1GB of RAM as the absolute |
| these requirements will be able to take advantage of | | | | minimum, and 2GB as the sweet spot. If you're a |
| the "high end" features of Windows Vista and have | | | | power user who runs a lot of applications at once (or |
| access to all of the new Vista special user interface | | | | a serious gamer), then I recommend you consider |
| effects. | | | | 4GB of installed RAM as a target for the maximum |
| To help you determine whether or not you can install | | | | experience, but only if you have a modern CPU |
| Vista, Microsoft offer the Windows Vista Upgrade | | | | (Core Duo 1.8Ghz equivalent or higher) and graphics |
| Advisor from their website (runs on Windows XP or | | | | card (256mb on-board ram or higher). |
| Vista) to help determine if your pc is capable of | | | | |