Is your computer capable of running Windows Vista?

There have been indications that Windows Vista will be the most comprehensive operating system ever developed by Microsoft, and the visual enjoyment of 3D Aero Glass Image is also a very good experience. However, the increase in functionality and the improvement of the image are all at a price, which is usually the requirement for high-end hardware. If you plan to get all the benefits of Windows Vista, this is definitely the price you have to pay. The minimum requirement for this latest Microsoft "flagship" will cost more than any previous operating system.

Microsoft has developed two levels of hardware standards for PC manufacturers to use their new operating system. A computer can be either "Vista Capable" or "Premium Ready". Machines with a standard Vista Capable are much lower than those required for Premium Ready's machine hardware. Compared to its brother Premium Ready, apart from the cheaper price and some slower speeds, the biggest difference between them is that Vista Capable can't have the exciting new Aero glass imagery.

When you are going to run Windows Vista on your existing computer, here are ten elements you must meet. The biggest obstacle to running Windows Vista will be the graphics card requirements, of course, if you do not plan to use the new Aero glass effect, then this requirement is not so urgent. In general, most of the computers currently in use are fully capable of running Windows Vista, achieving its standard 2D graphics. Maybe this is a little sorry for your eyes, but it must be a good treatment for your wallet.

1. Analyze your computer and get ready to upgrade

Before doing anything else, you should download and run the Windows Upgrade Advisor tool. This software will detect your computer and make an overview of which version of Windows Vista you 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 it has not yet met.

2, check your CPU

In any case, Windwos Vista's CPU requirements are not shocking. To be able to run Vista, all CPUs on your computer must have at least 800 MHz. In Premium Ready, the processor must have at least 1 GHz. The vast majority of 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 requirements. To make Vista work, the computer must have at least 521 MB of memory. Premium Ready machines require at least 1 GB of system memory. Most newer computers can meet this requirement, or they can be upgraded to this at a relatively low price.

4. Evaluate your graphics card

If you want to have the 3D Aero glass visual effect you are looking for, make sure your graphics card supports DirectX 9. The ability of WDDM (a Windows display driver model for write drivers) is also recommended. Premium Ready graphics cards require a minimum of 128 MB of video memory, while Vista Capable requires only 64 MB of video memory. If you are not interested in Aero's glass effect, there is no reason to upgrade your existing graphics card if it has reached the Vista Capable level.

5, check if your hard disk space is sufficient

The capacity of the hard disk is increasing, so the available space is usually not a concern for everyone. However, you should still pay attention to the minimum space requirements of Windows Vista and take a moment to check if your system's free space is sufficient. To install Windows Vista, you must require at least 40 GB of hard disk capacity and at least 15 GB of free space.

6. Make sure you have a DVD drive

Windows Vista is released on a DVD, 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 the DVD drive is basically the same, and at most it can be configured with a small amount of effort.

7. Pick the right version

Deciding which version of Windows Vista to install may be slightly more complicated than the previous Windows version. There are five versions of Windows Vista to choose from:

Windows Vista Home Basic This version of Vista provides the most basic operating system features. If you don't need improved features, such as Aero's glass effect, this is a good choice. Although a higher level of Windows Vista Home Premium can provide more features, users of ordinary homes may choose this version.

Windows Vista Home Premium This version has a bit of a leap between Windows XP Home and Windows XP Professional. It offers more features than Vista Home Basic. For most ordinary to better family situations, this version will be more likely to be installed.

Windows Vista Business This version is equivalent to the Professional version of Windows XP. It provides standard business functions and will therefore firmly occupy the company's desktop.

Windows Vista Enterprise This version of Vista Enterprise offers some more advanced features such as BitLocker driver encryption for laptops, application compatibility tools and multi-language support.

Windows Vista Ultimate Vista Ultimate combines the best of both home and business with a feature-rich operating system. In addition, it also includes the Windows Media Center.

8. Check application compatibility

In order to make Windows Vista as smooth as possible, you should ensure that the current application can run under Vista before installation. You can download and run the Application Compatibility Checker (ACT) to help you identify which applications may not run smoothly under Windwos Vista.

9. Don't neglect 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 because it is too exciting. In addition to backing up your data, it's a good idea to keep the installation media for all the software you have installed and the appropriate licensing information before proceeding with the installation.

10, don't forget the laptop

The laptop must also meet all the hardware requirements of the desktop. For the notebook, there is a problem, that is, if its graphics card does not meet the requirements, it is difficult to upgrade the system.