How to interpret Windows Vista requirements

Windows Vista is among the latest Operating Systems released by Microsoft. While the Operating System delivers eye-catching graphics and exciting user interface, it also has certain requirements for hardware in your computer to run properly. Understanding these requirements and updating your computer is necessary before you start installing Windows Vista will save you from much headaches. This article throws light on the requirements to install a Windows Vista operating system.

Types of Windows Vista

Microsoft has set two levels of hardware requirements for its Windows Vista release. These levels are known as Windows Vista Premium and Windows Vista Capable. Vista Capable computers should have at least 800 Mhz CPU and 512MB of memory. They should also have at least 20GB hard drive with a minimum of 15GB free space. A DirectX 9 class graphics card is needed for the Windows Vista OS to work. Vista Premium Ready For Vista Premium Ready, you will need a minimum of 1Ghz CPU, system memory of 1GB, at least 40GB hard drive and a minimum of 15GB of free space. You will need a graphics card which is Aero-compatible and which supports the new Windows Display Driver. If your system has all these features, it means that you can take advantage of the high-end Vista features

Other hardware requirements

If your computer has all the above-mentioned capabilities, it can run any version of Vista. However, if you want to use advanced features such as glass effects, transparencies, and other such special features, you should be able to use a new feature called Windows Aero. You do not have to upgrade your graphics hardware to do this. Since you can easily get the DVD of Windows Vista, you need to have a DVD-ROM drive to install Windows Vista.

Internet connectivity

Based on the system configuration, actual needs and product functions may change from computer to computer. Usually, Windows Vista supports more than one core CPU. However, Windows Vista Ultimate, Windows Vista Business, and Windows Vista Enterprise are compatible with dual processors. Installing Windows Vista may also require you to have Internet connection in place as the Operating System may connect to the Internet occasionally to check if any new patches or updates are available.