Ensure Your New PC is Windows Vista Capable or Premium Ready

The new Microsoft Windows Vista editions will be out in the market by January 30, 2007 and your Windows XP will need an upgrade soon. If you plan to buy a new PC or notebook, it is a good idea to wait a few months and get preinstalled Windows Vista, rather than pay for an upgrade.

However, if you really need to buy a new PC now, ensure it is Windows Vista Capable.

The minimum system requirements of a Windows Vista Capable PC is -
* A modern processor (at least 800MHz1).
* 512 MB of system memory.
* A graphics processor that is DirectX 9 capable.

Windows Vista Premium Ready PCs ensure you get the premium Windows Aero user experience. Choose a Windows Vista Capable PC that is Premium Ready or meets or exceeds the Premium Ready requirements -

* 1 GHz 32-bit (x86) or 64-bit (x64) processor1.
* 1 GB of system memory.
* Support for DirectX 9 graphics with a WDDM driver, 128 MB of graphics memory (minimum)2, Pixel Shader 2.0 and 32 bits per pixel.
* 40 GB of hard drive capacity with 15 GB free space.
* DVD-ROM Drive3.
* Audio output capability.
* Internet access capability.

Microsoft will deliver five different editions of Windows Vista, each edition is focused on the needs of a specific type of person. If you will be upgrading your current PC, it’s important to understand the upgrade options. Check your Windows XP-based PC can run Windows Vista by running the Windows Vista Upgrade Advisor.

Look out for the “Windows Vista Capable”, “Certified for Windows Vista” logo or the “Works with Windows Vista” logo. Ensure you buy a Windows Vista Capable computer.