Prepare for Microsoft Windows Vista By Thomas Keats
It's been 4 years since Microsoft released their last version of the popular Windows operating system, however they are gearing up to finally release the latest incarnation. If you plan to purchase and use Microsoft Windows Vista there are a few things you should keep in mind. In preparing for Microsoft Windows Vista, you need to keep in mind that this version of windows is going to have a fair amount of toys even with the tools that have been removed from the feature list. Windows Vista should run and operate on an 800 MHz CPU, with 512 MB of RAM. That being said, this is the bare minimum you should attempt to configure. In fact, you would be wise to configure a more powerful computer for Microsoft Windows Vista. For instance, if you have an 800 MHz CPU you should probably upgrade, if it has not already, it should be beginning to show its age. If you have less then 512 MB you need to upgrade, and in this process you would do far better to simply build or purchase a new computer. The processor and the RAM are prime components which will dictate your computing experience for the next couple years. Configuring your computer with 1.0 GHz CPU, and 1 GB of RAM will give you a decent working computer, again however, with Microsoft Windows Vista power will be king. So give serious consideration to a new computer instead of a recycled, or refurbished used computer. With all CPU's well over 2 GHz in speed, there is no reason for you to feel like you are unprepared to run Windows Vista. Microsoft may recommend 1 GB of RAM; personally I suggest doubling that requirement to ensure the best computing experience. Keeping in mind that you will be running two or three programs at once, most of which will have a requirement of at least 512 MB (based on Microsoft Office Vista). Be mindful that this requirement is in addition to the operating system requirements. By doubling your RAM you will safeguard against more major upgrades in the future. If it is at all possible in fact I suggest you max out the RAM capability in your computer for this purpose. It may cost a little more now, but it will save you frustration and downtime when you decide to upgrade in the future (not to mention hardware installation costs). Microsoft Windows Vista will support both 32-bit (x86) computer systems and 64-bit (x64) processors. The next factor to be careful of is your hard drive space. While Microsoft Windows Home/Pro would install on a footprint smaller then 10 GB, 10 GB is often to small if you plan on running any serious software. While 20 GB will be sufficient, 40 or 60 GB is a reasonable size for a hard drive if you’re expecting to upgrade to Microsoft Windows Vista, however with hard drives easily topping 300 GB, you should give serious thought to one, or more of these. Microsoft Windows Vista will require a minimum of 15 GB free drive space. While the standard monitor, CD-ROM/DVD-Rom should be considered standard fare at this point ensure that you have a DVD-ROM drive for Microsoft Windows Vista. All versions of Windows Vista will require a graphics processor (GPU) which is DirectX 9.0 capable, which should be most modern video cards in today’s market. Most of Intel's graphics cards are DirectX 9 ready. More is better with Microsoft Windows Vista, and the Windows Vista Premium release will be no exception. Windows Vista Premium will include the Aero user interface and it is strongly advised you consider components such as TV Tuner cards for all inceptions of the operating system. While not required, other standard features are of course for the most part a necessary for a decent if not, a complete Windows Vista experience. This includes the standard USB, Firewire, Audio Output, and internet access capabilities. Carefully evaluate your computer system before you decide to upgrade it to run Microsoft Windows Vista, it may be more fruitful to simply replace the entire system. You can always sell or pass the old system on to someone else. <!--- Resource Box: You must retain this resource box with this article ©opyright 2006 – Thomas Keats--> Thomas Keats owns and operates Rainbow Computer Systems and writes a variety of articles for How-Do-I.ws. Now why not take a look through our UK or US shops to see if any of our listed Vista software packages meets with your requirements? Click Digital Products US Shop Vista area .
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