Windows Vista adds features and stylish Aerl glass visuals that will require more expensive hardware so your computer can support it. Check out the checklist below to see if you've met all the basic requirements in deciding which Vista version your machine can run on.
Early indications are that Windows Vista will be the most comprehensive operating system ever developed by Microsoft, and the visual enjoyment of 3D Aero glass images is a great experience. However, the increase in functionality and the improvement of the image are all about the price, which is usually the requirement for high-end hardware. If you plan to bring all the benefits of Windows Vista into the bag, this is undoubtedly the price you have to pay. The minimum requirement for the latest "flagship" of Microsoft will be higher than the expensive cost of any previous operating system.
Microsoft has set two levels of hardware standards for PC makers to use their new operating system. A computer can be either "Vista capable" or "Premium ready". The standard for Vista capable is much lower than the standard requirements for premium Ready machine hardware. In addition to its brother Premium ready, the biggest difference between the cheaper price and some slow speed is that vista capable cannot have an exciting new aero-glass image effect.
When you are ready to run Windows Vista on your existing computer, here are 10 features that you must meet. Landscape operating systems are in demand, and many hardware requirements are surprisingly easy to meet. The biggest hurdle to running Windows Vista will be the graphics card requirements, and of course, if you're not going to use the new aero glass effect, that's not a very compelling requirement. In general, most of the computers currently in use are fully capable of running Windows Vista, gaining the standard 2D image effect. Maybe it's a little sorry for your eyes, but it must be a generous treat for your wallet.
1, analysis of your computer, ready to upgrade
Before you do anything else, you should download and run the Windows Upgrade Advisor tool. This software detects your computer and makes an overview of which version of Windows Vista can run on this computer. However, you should note that this Upgrade Advisor will only indicate whether this computer can run Windows Vista, and will not tell you what other requirements are not yet met.
2. Check your CPU
In any case, the CPU requirements of Windwos Vista are not breaking. To be able to run Vista, all CPUs of the computer must have at least a frequency of. In premium ready, the processor has a minimum frequency of 1 GHz. Most of the computers sold in recent years can easily meet the entire requirements.
3. Make sure you have enough memory
For Windwos Vista, memory is another fairly easy-to-meet hardware requirement. To enable Vista to run, the computer must have at least 521 MB of memory. Premium ready machines require a minimum of 1 GB of system memory. Most newer computers can meet this requirement, or they can upgrade to this requirement relative to the cost of a relatively low price.
4. Evaluate your graphics card
If you want to have the 3D Aero Glass vision You're looking for, make sure your graphics card supports DirectX 9. The ability of WDDM (a write-driven Windows Display Driver Model) is also recommended. The minimum value required for the Premium Ready video card is MB, while Vista capable requires only a few megabytes of video memory. If you are not interested in aero glass, there is no reason to upgrade your existing graphics card if it has reached the Vista capable level.
5, check your hard disk space is sufficient
The capacity of the hard disk is increasing, so the available space is usually not a matter of concern to everyone. However, you should still be aware of the minimum space requirements for Windows Vista and take a moment to check if your system has enough free space. To install Windows Vista, you need at least a minimum of up to a maximum of up to a minimum of GB of free space.
6. Make sure you have a DVD driver
Windows Vista is published on a DVD disc, so to install this new operating system, your computer must have a DVD drive. This should also be a fairly easy thing to do, because DVD drivers are commonplace at best and can be configured at most with a small amount of spending.
7. Select the appropriate version
Deciding which version of Windows Vista to install might be slightly more complicated than the previous version of Windows installation. There are five versions of Windows Vista to choose from:
This version of Vista from Windows Vista Home Basic provides the most basic operating system functionality. If you don't need to improve the features, such as Aero Glass, this will be a good choice for you. While the higher-level Windows Vista Home Premium can provide more functionality, the average home user might choose this version.
This version of Windows Vista Home Premium has a few implications across Windows XP Home and Windows XP Professional. It offers more features than Vista Home Basic. For most families with better family conditions, this version will be more likely to be installed.
This version of Windows Vista Business is equivalent to the professional version of Windows XP. It provides standard business functions, so it will be firmly on the company's desktop.
This Vista Enterprise version of Windows Vista Enterprise offers some more advanced features, such as BitLocker-driven encryption for laptops, application compatibility tools, and multi-lingual support.
The Windows Vista Ultimate Vista Ultimate version has the best of both home and Enterprise editions on a feature-rich operating system. In addition, it includes the Windows Media Center.
8. Check Application Compatibility
In order for Windows Vista to be installed as smoothly as possible, you should make sure that your current applications are running under Vista before you install them. You can download and run the Application Compatibility Checker (ACT) to help you identify which applications may not run smoothly under Windwos Vista.
9, do not neglect the data backup
In the process of upgrading your operating system, backing up data is one of the most important steps. Unfortunately, this step is often overlooked when installing the latest operating system, perhaps due to being overly excited. In addition to backing up your data, it is a good idea to ensure that you install the installation media and appropriate licensing information for all the software you are installing before proceeding with the installation.
10. Don't forget your laptop
Laptops must also meet all the same hardware requirements as desktop computers. For notebooks, there is a problem, that is, if its graphics card does not reach the requirements, but it is difficult to have a way to upgrade the system.