Now that Windows Vista has been released many people are now asking if their computer is capable of running Microsoft’s new operating system. With relatively new PC’s, the answer is likely to be yes, but even older PC’s may be able to run Windows Vista with a simple memory upgrade.
Microsoft classify computers as either “Vista Capable” or “Vista Premium Ready”, depending on the hardware specs.
Vista Capable pc’s will have a minimum 800 Mhz CPU, 512MB of RAM, 20GB hard drive (15GB free), and a DirectX 9 class graphics card. A computer that meets these requirements should be able to run all versions of Windows Vista, but may still require a hardware upgrade to access the advanced features of the new Aero interface, such as the window transparencies and other visual effects.
Vista Premium Ready pc’s will have at least a 1Ghz CPU, 1GB of installed RAM, a 40GB hard drive (15GB free), and an Aero-compatible graphics card which supports the new Windows Display Driver Model and 128mb of onboard memory. A computer that meets these requirements will be able to take advantage of the “high end” features...