Windows Vista has been projected by Microsoft as an advanced operating system that offers great graphic effects and improved functionality over other operating systems. This of course comes for a price that often includes high-end hardware requirements. For new PCs, Microsoft has created classifications that PC manufacturers have to follow to ensure that the computer is ready for Vista. However, existing PC users must be prepared to undertake a few important tasks before they begin installing Windows Vista. These tasks include:
Task 1: Analyze whether or not your PC is ready for an upgrade
The analysis of whether your computer is ready for an upgrade can be easily performed by downloading a utility offered by Microsoft. It is known as Windows Upgrade Advisor. This utility closely examines your machine and offers a recommendation regarding the version of Vista your PC can run.
Task 2: Selecting the right version of Vista
Determining which version of Windows Vista can be a slightly complex task as compared to previous operating systems because Windows comes in 5 different editions. These editions are classified as Basic and Premium for home users, Business and Enterprise edition for office users and finally an Ultimate edition that offers the best of both.
Task 3: Examine the Central Processing Unit of your machine
To be considered as capable of running Windows Vista, the CPU of your machine should be a minimum of 800 Hz for basic and 1 GHz for premium editions. This requirement is a little high end. However, a large number of computers that have been manufactured in recent years usually meet this eligibility criteria.
Task 4: Ensure that your PC has sufficient memory
This requirement should be easy to meet as you need minimum RAM of 512 MB for the basic edition and 1GB for the premium edition of Windows Vista. Most computers either already meet this requirement or can be easily upgraded at a reasonable price.
Task 5: Check your hard drive for adequate space
Modern computers come with huge disk space and therefore, it is quite probable that your hard drive already meets the requirements of Windows Vista. Still, it is a good idea to take a couple of minutes of your time to examine your total and free hard disk space. To be able to successfully install and run Windows Vista the hard disk must have a minimum of 40 GB of hard disk space. In addition to this, it should also have at least 15 GB of free space.
Task 6: Examine the graphics adapter of your PC
One of the highlights of Windows Vista is the option of using Aero Glass graphics that are of really high quality. If you plan to use this option, then you will need to ensure that the graphics adapter in your PC is capable of running DirectX 10. However, if you do not plan to use these slick graphics, you would just need a graphic adapter with a minimum 64 MB to be able to run the Windows Vista Basic edition. For premium editions you will need video adapters with at least 128MB of RAM.
Task 7: Ensure that your PC has a DVD drive
Windows Vista comes on a DVD and in order to install it your PC must be equipped with a DVD drive. If your PC does not have one, you can easily procure one at a fairly economical price.