- Introduction to Windows Vista
- Understanding Windows Vista Hardware Requirements
- Understanding Productivity Features
- Running Windows Vista
- Summary
Understanding Windows Vista Hardware Requirements
As with previous versions of Windows, Windows Vista has more stringent hardware requirements to maximize the user experience and provide added functionality. However, unlike previous versions of Windows, hardware requirements vary for the different releases of Windows Vista. In some cases, actual hardware requirements will vary, depending on system configuration and on the programs and the features that are installed. Before purchasing and installing Windows Vista, be sure to determine whether the company computers meet the requirements for processing power in megahertz (MHz) or gigahertz (GHz), graphical display memory in megabytes (MB), and physical memory in megabytes (MB). The next sections discuss minimum and recommended hardware specifications.
Minimum Hardware Specifications
The following list describes the recommended minimum hardware requirements for basic functionality of the different editions of Windows Vista. Actual hardware requirements will vary, depending on system configuration and on the programs and the features that you install. If you install Windows Vista over a network, additional hard disk space may be required. Computer systems that meet the minimum hardware specifications can run all versions of Windows Vista's core features, such as innovations in organizing and finding information, security, and reliability.
The minimum hardware specifications for Microsoft Vista Home Basic are as follows:
- 800 megahertz (MHz) 32-bit (x86) processor or 800MHz 64-bit (x64) processor
- 512 megabytes (MB) of system memory
- DirectX 9-class graphics card
- 32MB of graphics memory
- 20 gigabyte (GB) hard disk that has 15GB of free hard disk space
- Internal or external DVD drive
- Internet access capability
- Audio output capability
The minimum hardware specifications for Microsoft Vista Home Premium, Microsoft Vista Business, Microsoft Vista Enterprise, and Microsoft Vista Ultimate are
- 1 gigahertz (GHz) 32-bit (x86) processor or 1GHz 64-bit (x64) processor
- 1GB of system memory
- Windows Aero-capable graphics card
- 128MB of graphics memory that supports DirectX 9 or later
- 40GB hard disk with 15GB of free hard disk space (temporary file storage during the install or upgrade)
- Internal or external DVD drive
- Internet access capability
- Audio output capability
Administrators who are unsure if their computers are Vista compatible can run the Windows Vista Upgrade Advisor on individual machines to learn which version of Windows Vista can successfully be installed on the computer. This software tool will scan a computer and create a report of all known system, device, and program compatibility issues and recommend ways to resolve the issues. In addition, Upgrade Advisor will report if the hardware is not sufficient to run any version of Windows Vista. The Upgrade Advisor can be downloaded at www.microsoft.com/windowsvista/getready/upgradeadvisor/default.mspx.
Recommended Hardware Specifications
As with prior versions of Windows, Microsoft provides a different set of hardware specifications that are needed to experience all the features and functions available in Windows Vista. The following list describes the recommended hardware requirements from Microsoft for enhanced functionality of the different editions of Windows Vista. Actual hardware requirements will vary, depending on system configuration and on the programs and the features that you install. If you install Windows Vista over a network, additional hard disk space may be required.
Computer systems that meet the recommended hardware will be capable of running all versions of Windows Vista core features, such as innovations in organizing and finding information, security, and reliability. These systems will also provide an even better Windows Vista experience with the Windows Aero graphical user interface, such as translucent, glasslike interface elements, live taskbar thumbnails, and Windows Flip 3D.
The recommended hardware specifications for Microsoft Vista Home Premium, Microsoft Vista Business, Microsoft Vista Enterprise, and Microsoft Vista Ultimate are
- 1 gigahertz (GHz) 32-bit (x86) processor or 1GHz 64-bit (x64) processor
- 1GB of system memory
- Windows Aero-capable graphics card
- 128MB of graphics memory that supports DirectX 9 or later
- 40GB hard disk with 15GB of free hard disk space (temporary file storage during the install or upgrade)
- Internal or external DVD drive
- Internet access capability
- Audio output capability