How to ensure that the new computer can run Vista

For those who want to buy a computer, the current market is a bit dazzling. At this time, writing a guide to purchasing a desktop computer in spring is more difficult than usual. microsoft's Windows XP operating system is about to return to its second-level position in a few months. However, the company has not yet released the final standard file on its next-generation operating system Windows Vista, let users know what kind of hardware configuration is required to run Vista. vista will be available in May.

At the same time, Apple Computer is modifying the entire Macintosh series to make it compatible with Intel chips. now, the latest Mac computer can run Windows and Mac OS X at the same time, so you can "get two birds up with one stone ".

In my opinion, every mainstream consumer engaged in daily work should consider purchasing Mac computers. the operating system includes most of the core functions promised by Vista. however, Mac does not actually need a purchase guide. it only has two consumer-oriented desktop models-the extraordinary iMac and low-end product Mac Mini.

Therefore, as I did in my previous guide last fall, I plan to write this guide for consumers who want to buy standard Windows desktops. these consumers want to buy now and upgrade to Vista in the future. despite the lack of the final hardware description required by VISTA, Microsoft has released some new information, and I have been communicating with people there to gather further details. these instructions also apply to laptops.

If you want to buy a new Windows computer, my best advice is to wait until March, buy a computer pre-installed with Vista. if you can't wait until then, as long as you follow the instructions here, then it's okay to upgrade your computer to Vista.

However, there is another problem. running a full-featured Vista system requires high computer hardware configuration, which means you need to spend more money. in terms of hardware configuration specifications, Microsoft basically adopts a dual-track system. to meet the aspirations of computer manufacturers who want to provide some low-cost models, Microsoft will develop a set of Low-configuration hardware standards so that they can run in simple mode Vista, the high configuration standards developed at the same time allow computers to run all the design functions of Vista.

The main difference between the two standards lies in the differences between the graphic functions and the appearance and feeling. if you use a low-configuration standard computer, Vista will still provide you with enhanced security and built-in desktop search functions, but you cannot enjoy the new and vivid 3D effect that makes Vista look more like Mac OS. your computer looks like an evolutionary version of Windows XP. It may only run the most basic Vista version, that is, Home Basic.

The performance of Vista depends on the computer memory and the configured graphics hardware. if you have enough memory and excellent graphics hardware to meet Advanced Configuration Requirements, you can run Vista's Home Premium and ultimate versions.

Some computers will come with the "run Vista" label. weak has released the following Windows Vista computer hardware specifications: www.microsoft.com/technet/windowsvista/evaluate/hardware/vistarpc.mspx. however, note that some computers that run Vista, especially those that run for less than $600, may only run Vista in simple mode.

Memory: To Run Vista in simple mode, Microsoft recommends a memory capacity of 512 MB. To run a full-featured Vista, Microsoft may recommend 1 GB of memory. however, based on my understanding of Microsoft's previous hardware configuration suggestions, I strongly recommend that you repeat the suggestions. even on a cheap computer, I will configure 1 GB of memory. If you want to run a full-featured Vista, I suggest configuring 2 GB of memory.

Video Card: Any graphics hardware supporting the so-called svga, that is, the resolution is 800*600, can run in simple mode Vista. the hardware must also support Microsoft's DirectX 9 technology. this technology integrates many graphics systems, instead of independent graphics cards, instead of graphics chips integrated into the motherboard.

To run a full-featured Vista, you 'd better configure an "independent" graphics card with a display memory of at least 128 MB. this graphics card must support DirectX 9 and Microsoft's "wddm" and "pixel shader 2" software. if you are confused, don't worry. microsoft executives said that almost all independent graphics cards on the market today comply with these requirements, and the latest integrated graphics systems, such as Intel 945 or faster chip groups.

Processor: According to Microsoft, for running Vista in simple mode, the processor above MHz should be enough. to run full-featured Vista, the processor speed should be increased to 1 GB. if your financial resources permit, I suggest you raise your point, but you do not need the fastest processor.

Hard Disk: there are already a lot of hard disks for Vista, and the price of large-capacity hard disks is very low. for simple mode Vista, we recommend that you configure a hard disk of at least 60 Gb. For the full-function version Vista, we recommend that you increase the hard disk capacity to 160 GB to accommodate a large amount of music and video.