| Vista, the new operating system from Microsoft, is | | | | operating system usability; suitable for average home |
| being marketed as a revolution for the personal | | | | users; will sell for $200 for new PCs, and $100 as an |
| computer. All the enticing benefits the new system | | | | upgrade for those with existing Windows license |
| offers have spurred lots of people to download Vista | | | | · Windows Vista Home Premium - offers more |
| Windows. If you're contemplating upgrading your | | | | functionality than previous Vista Home Basic version; |
| XP-running PC, here are some factors you need to | | | | best choice for most PC users; features Aero and |
| address first. | | | | Media Center interface, DVD Maker, Movie Maker HD, |
| 1. Check your PC. | | | | backup scheduler, SideShow that allows use of |
| Before you download Vista Windows, check your | | | | auxiliary displays, comes with a Sync Center to |
| computer if it's ready for upgrades. To do this, you | | | | synchronize files with other PCs over a home |
| need to download and run the Windows Upgrade | | | | network, and parental controls; premium costs $240 |
| Advisor tool. This will assess your computer and give | | | | for new computers and P160 as an upgrade if you |
| you a list of the Vista versions that are compatible | | | | have an existing Windows XP Home license |
| with your unit. To be able to download Vista | | | | · Windows Vista Business - useful for standard |
| Windows, your computer must have at least | | | | business needs; comparable to Windows XP |
| 800MHz. Premium-ready PCs need at least 1GHz. | | | | Professional; will be a staple on the corporate |
| 2. Make sure you have enough memory and hard | | | | desktop. |
| drive space. | | | | · Windows Vista Enterprise - has advanced |
| Another thing to note before you download Vista | | | | features like BitLocker Drive Encryption for laptops, |
| Windows your PC must have at least 512 MB of | | | | application compatibility tools, and multi-language |
| RAM. The minimum requirement for a premium-ready | | | | support |
| PC is 1 GB of system RAM. Plus, to be able to | | | | · Windows Vista Ultimate - has all the features |
| download Vista Windows, your hard drive size and | | | | of Vista Home Premium; features support for dual |
| free space must be no less than 40 GB and 15 GB, | | | | CPUs (multi-core are supported in lower versions), |
| respectively. | | | | remote desktop host, file encryption (with full-drive |
| 3. Determine graphics adapter capability. | | | | BitLocker capability), faxing, domain-based networking |
| To enable you to download Vista Windows, your | | | | for office networks, and web hosting; will sell for |
| graphics adapter must be DirectX 9 capable. | | | | $400 for new PCs and $260 as an upgrade if you |
| Premium-ready machines need at least 128 MB of | | | | have an existing Windows XP Home or Pro license. |
| video RAM to be able to download Vista Windows. | | | | 6. Existing applications must be capable of running |
| Cards that are Vista-capable should have a minimum | | | | under Vista. |
| 64 MB of video RAM. These requirements need to | | | | To ensure that you can download Vista Windows |
| be met if you plan to exploit the Aero Glass graphics. | | | | and install it successfully, run the Application |
| Otherwise, if your existing video adapter is | | | | Compatibility Toolkit to help you distinguish the |
| Vista-capable, there is no need to upgrade it. It | | | | applications that may not be operate under Vista. |
| should be noted that a notebook computer with | | | | 7. Back up your data. |
| graphics card that is not compatible has a lesser | | | | Before you download Vista Windows, do not forget |
| chance of a successful upgrade to the new system. | | | | to back up your data. Prior to installation of the new |
| 4. Your computer must have a DVD drive. | | | | operating system, be sure to check that you have all |
| So you can download Vista Windows, your PC should | | | | the installation media from your existing software and |
| have a DVD drive in which you could install Vista. | | | | the proper licensing information. |
| 5. Determine the version of Vista your computer is | | | | The steps above are all essential requirements that |
| capable of running. | | | | you need to consider before you download Vista |
| Before you download Vista Windows, determine first | | | | Windows. Also, notebook computers and desktop |
| the version most appropriate for your computer. The | | | | PCs should be able to meet all the hardware |
| five different editions are: | | | | specifications. |
| · Windows Vista Home Basic - provides basic | | | | |