Microsoft Windows Vista (version 2007)
Microsoft Windows Vista is the newest Operating System from Microsoft. While very attractive, is it really necessary to upgrade your Operating System?
- Are you currently running Windows XP (Home, Professional, Media Center, etc)? If so, an upgrade probably will not make a lot of difference in functionality, just limited cosmetic changes. Most computers are not ready to take advantage of the new features in Vista. The hardware requirements are steep. Upgrading the hardware on your computer may not be possible or just not cost effective. You could end up spending a great deal of money for higher end hardware only to realize the functionality was not worth it. Stick with Windows XP for now.
- Do you have an older operating system? Windows Me? Windows 2000? Windows 98? Windows 95? Upgrading is probably not a possibility for you simply because your computer hardware cannot support Windows Vista. If your computer was purchased before 2002, you need to stick with what you have or purchase a new computer. Again...upgrade NOT recommended.
What do you need to run Microsoft Windows Vista?
(Please note that my recommendations are not necessarily those of Microsoft.)
- Processor - 2.0 GHz or higher. Stick with 32-bit processor for now as 64-bit processor applications are very limited.
- 1 GB or more of Memory - anything less will result in less than desireable performance (slow)
- 80 GB Hard Drive - Anything less just is not big enough for the Operating System, applications, music, and photos. Think 150+ GB.
- Graphics Card with 256MB memory built-in - this is tough for the average user.
- DVD-ROM or DVD-RW drive - too cheap not to have.
Microsoft Windows Vista Website Information
Microsoft Windows Vista website
Windows Vista Capable and Premium Ready PCs
Minimum System Requirements (as posted my Microsoft)