Memory Requirements For Windows Vista

Now that Windows Vista has been released many people are now asking if their computer is capable of running Microsoft's new operating system. With relatively new PC's, the answer is likely to be yes, but even older PC's may be able to run Windows Vista with a simple memory upgrade.

Microsoft classify computers as either "Vista Capable" or "Vista Premium Ready", depending on the hardware specs.

Vista Capable pc's will have a minimum 800 Mhz CPU, 512MB of RAM, 20GB hard drive (15GB free), and a DirectX 9 class graphics card. A computer that meets these requirements should be able to run all versions of Windows Vista, but may still require a hardware upgrade to access the advanced features of the new Aero interface, such as the window transparencies and other visual effects.

Vista Premium Ready pc's will have at least a 1Ghz CPU, 1GB of installed RAM, a 40GB hard drive (15GB free), and an Aero-compatible graphics card which supports the new Windows Display Driver Model and 128mb of onboard memory. A computer that meets these requirements will be able to take advantage of the "high end" features of Windows Vista and have access to all of the new Vista special user interface effects.

To help you determine whether or not you can install Vista, Microsoft offer the Windows Vista Upgrade Advisor from their website (runs on Windows XP or Vista) to help determine if your pc is capable of running the various versions of Vista.

Now that we've got the "official" requirements out in the open, let's discuss the hardware you are really going to need to have a satisfying experience using Windows Vista.

After upgrading literally thousands of computers over the last 3 years, I really cannot recommend Windows Vista to anyone with a pc running a CPU slower than 1GHz. With a CPU this slow, it's very likely that the maximum memory capacity of your pc is going to be 1GB (especially with laptops). If you have a pc in this category and only a minimum amount of RAM, I recommend staying with Windows XP and upgrading to at least 1GB of system memory. You'll be amazed at the difference it makes to how well Windows XP runs, and it's likely going to feel like you are using a new computer. Alternatively, look at buying a new computer with Vista pre-installed.

If your PC has at least a 1GHhz CPU then by all means install Windows Vista, but don't expect great performance with the recommended 512MB of installed RAM. Consider 1GB of RAM as the absolute minimum, and 2GB as the sweet spot. If you're a power user who runs a lot of applications at once (or a serious gamer), then I recommend you consider 4GB of installed RAM as a target for the maximum experience, but only if you have a modern CPU (Core Duo 1.8Ghz equivalent or higher) and graphics card (256mb on-board ram or higher).

Windows Vista certainly provides a richer and more user-friendly interface, but the hardware requirements to take advantage of all the new features are quite steep. As with Windows XP and most other windows-based operating systems, installing a good amount of system memory is going to give you a pleasant experience and ultimately extend the useful life of your computer.

Rod Bland is the owner of RamCity, a specialist RAM Upgrade supplier based in Sydney, Australia.

Windows Vista - a Welcome Change!

by Nicholas Spriggs
The Windows Vista User Experience represents a new design philosophy that delivers a compelling user experience from the moment that you start interacting with the computer to the moment that you leave it. It introduces breakthroughs in user experience, security and reliability, enabling you to build applications that bring clarity to the user's complex world of information.

In the past, Windows focused heavily on discoverability, time to task, and task completion. The Windows Vista User Experience continues to deliver on discoverability, time to task, and task completion. From folders to animations, thumbnail views to the glass look of interface elements, Windows Vista is nothing short of stunning.



Working with Windows Vista is all about seeing, finding, organizing, and confidently controlling your information and your computer. It enables a new level of confidence in your computer. Desktop.Windows Vista provides a solid visual experience, free of flicker, redrawing, hesitation, latency, and visual artifacts.

New productivity tools bring clarity to information on your computer—you can see what your files contain without opening them, find applications and files instantly, navigate efficiently among open windows, and traverse wizards and dialog boxes more confidently and surely.

In computers that can use the new Windows Vista Display Driver Model (WVDDM), windows are translucent, meaning that it's easier to focus on the content of a window rather than the window itself.Windows Vista provides two entirely new features to manage windows codenamed "Flip" and "Flip 3D".

Flip allows you to flip through open windows (by using Alt+Tab) providing a live thumbnail of each window rather than just a generic icon and filename. With Flip 3D,you can use the scroll wheel on your mouse to flip through open windows in a stack, and quickly locate and select the one you want to work with.Windows Vista introduces a new level of confidence to the experience of using your computer.

Beyond the design aesthetic of Windows Vista, the fundamentals of the operating system free you from worrying about security, reliability, and managing your computer. You are in total control.

Security is fundamental to the Windows Vista architecture. Windows Vista security features protect against the latest generation of threats, such as worms, viruses, and spyware. In the unlikely event of a successful attack, Windows Vista ensures that the effects are minimal. With Windows Vista, you can connect to whomever you want and do the things that you want to do, confident that Windows Vista is keeping your information and your computer safer.

Overall, the Windows Vista experience is more polished, smooth, and refined on all computers. Even details such as how windows move when they are minimized have been improved-when minimized, a window now clearly minimizes to a thumbnail on the taskbar where it resides, making it easier to locate later.

Some interesting Features :
1.Parental Controls: Windows Vista introduces a rich set of parental control features, providing powerful tools to help parents monitor, manage, and administer their children's computer usage to keep them safe.

2.Fast On and Off: A Windows Vista computer starts and shuts down as quickly and reliably as a television, typically within 2 to 3 seconds. Windows Vista processes login scripts and startup programs and services in the background so you can start working right away.

3.Diagnostics: Built in diagnostics will help you detect, analyze, and fix problems such as failing hard drives, networking and performance issues more quickly and easily and help keep your computer running smoothly.

4.User Account Protection: Windows Vista User Account Protection bridges the gap between user and administrative privileges by running programs with limited permissions. When you need to perform an administrative task, such as installing software or drivers, Windows Vista prompts you to confirm your intentions or to provide the proper administrator credentials.

5.New look and feel: When you start using Windows Vista, you will recognize familiar elements such as the Start menu and task bar. Beyond the familiar, however, the overall Windows experience is redesigned and streamlined so that it is more intuitive, more attractive, and easier for you to use so you can accomplish tasks more efficiently.

6.Familiarity: Because Windows Vista is built on technology that you are already familiar with, you can get up to speed quickly with minimal training and support.

7.Media Center: Enjoy all your favorite entertainment — including live and recorded TV, movies, music, and pictures — in one place through an easy-to-use Media Center menu system and remote control.

Resources:
Nicholas Spriggs at desktop-computer-guide.com is dedicated to providing up to date and acurate information in the computer and technology field.

Choosing the Right Windows Vista Edition

Windows Vista has been confirmed that Microsoft's next generation operating system "Windows Vista" will be available in stores from January 2007. Microsoft has been working hard past few years for this release and I believe this version of Windows is worth buying.

Windows Vista Editions
Unlike Windows XP, Windows Vista comes in 6 different versions and each of them is different in Windows Vista features and price. Obviously you will be at confusion while choosing from the different versions.

1. Vista Starter Edition
Vista Starter Edition version is the stripped down version of the basic home edition. This means Vista Starter Edition has the lowest feature set and security. It is more like a demo for all other editions of Vista. This version is only available in emerging regions like India, Russia, Mexico, Indonesia & Thailand.

2. Vista Home Basic Edition
This is more like Windows XP Home Edition. Just the enough features for casual Internet browsing and entertainment. This edition does not have the important features like Aero UI & Windows media technologies.

3. Vista Home Premium Edition
This is more similar to Windows XP media centre edition. It has all the important features required for normal Home entertainment PC. This edition comes with Aero UI, Scheduled back up feature & premium games. Thus if you are addicted to XP media center edition, this is the vista equivalent for you.

4. Vista Business Edition
Business Edition of Windows Vista is equivalent to XP Professional Edition. It has all the features of Home Premium Edition except parental control and has some additional feature for faxing & scanning. This also has shadow copy - system back up & recovery service to keep your data safe. If you are a XP Pro fan like me, this is the right version to look forward.

5. Vista Enterprise Edition
From the name itself, it should be clear that it is for big enterprises where data protection is important. The major difference between Vista Business and Enterprise is the added data encryption & security features. You only need to buy this version if you are running a business and need more security for your data.

6. Vista Ultimate Edition
If you have all the designed features of Windows vista in one package, you call it Windows Vista Ultimate. It has all the features of Home Premium and Business Enterprise Editions. Unfortunately, I'm yet to learn the prospects of this edition.

Thus if you are an avid gamer, movie enthusiast or an audiophile, Home Premium is the best choice. If you just need a PC for emailing and document processing, Vista Home Basic is your edition. For small businesses, I would recommend Vista Business Edition.

Jason Brown is a Windows Vista enthusiast. For more articles & information on Windows vista, visit his Windows Vista News website.

Upgrading Your Used Laptop to Window’s Vista

Window's is coming out with a new Operating System, Window's Vista and many enterprises are already going through the motions of preparing all of their PC's for this new upgrade. If you have an older machine, you may be thinking you need to prepare yourself for upgrade as well, but why? Just because Window's says their new OS is bigger and better doesn't necessarily mean that it is right for you and your machine.

The truth is that this new operating system may be something you don't need and the expense in hardware upgrades that would be necessary, not to mention a license for the OS itself, may be cost prohibitive, especially if you have a refurbished or used laptop. When you have an older machine, the old adage of “If it ain't broke, don't fix it!” is usually the best advice to follow. For instance, if you are currently running on Window's 98, and it works, why are you anxious to upgrade? Window's 98 is a solid and stable operating system that has withstood the test of time. Just because Microsoft doesn't plan to support it anymore doesn't mean you need to run out and upgrade and incur expenses and stress.



Window's Vista requires a hefty amount of computing power. According to Microsoft's website, if you want to upgrade to Window's Vista, your PC should at least pass the standards demanded for running Window's XP. The laptop or computer should be using an up to date CPU, have at least 512MB of memory and should have a DirectX 9 class graphics processor, a video card with 128MB RAM (at least) and that's not all. The user experience for Window's Vista is heavily graphical and supposed to be a leap forward in usability, being more intuitive and informative to the specific user. BUT, you have to have the hardware and the memory to run it.

Even if you upgrade your used laptop to conform to these standards, you never really know what you are going to get with a new Windows operating system. The truth is that every Window's OS is usually pretty buggy, which is why there are always tons of downloads within weeks to patch, upgrade or fix minor glitches that don't come out until a wider user base and used the system. Additionally, you really don't know if the enhancements are going to make that big of a difference in your daily life.

If you have an older machine, a used laptop or a refurbished laptop you may have to add RAM, graphics capabilities and even a new CPU to make sure it can even take the OS. Unless you love to upgrade your own components and troll the web for major bargains, replacing the laptop altogether may make more sense than upgrading the machine you have. Unless there is a specific feature or piece of software that you absolutely need, you may as well wait and just keep using the good old operating system that you currently know and love.

The bargain lovers who own used laptops and refurbished laptops already know the value of patience and the importance of mitigating functionality and cost. The bells and whistles that attract the folks who love the newest gadgets probably don't matter to you because you would rather have a laptop or pc that suits your needs, not your every desire. So when your favorite software manufacturer comes out with a new version or when you are faced with the decision of putting a new operating system on your older or refurbished laptop, think twice and remember back to that useful old adage, “If it ain't broke, don't fix it!”

Blair Stephens is an experienced writer and proud member of the www.UsedLaptops.com team. Used Laptops specializes in providing customers with the best possible used laptops and refurbished laptops at bargain prices. If you need computing power at bargain prices, Used Laptops is the place to go!

Problems With Microsoft Vista

I know you are dying to know what problems the new O.S. has right? Of course, if you are going to shovel out $250.00 to buy it, you will want to know what the problems with Microsoft Vista are. What I have done, is search the net as well as used my experiences with the software to create a composite list and description of the different problems expected with Microsoft Vista.

Keep in mind that this software has been 5 years in the making. It is extremely evident that large quantities of work has been placed in this software from first glance. The first problem is that the lotus program has compatibility problems. Lotus notes is a program that basically helps with collaborator projects and such. If you are not using Vista for your business, this problem really is not a problem for you.

In some cases, people's computer software were not compatible with Vista meaning they have to go out and buy a new computer. Chances are these people do not have the knowledge to build their own computers because these people usually rebuild there computers once every few years. If you bought your computer any time in the past 4 years or so, you shouldn't have any problem.

Finally, one problem you have to make sure of which could also be seen with other versions is the compatibility of other software with Vista. Again, this is a problem with Microsoft Vista as well as previous versions; nevertheless, it's still a problem. If you have certain software you need, make sure it is compatible and if it isn't, hold off on buying Vista and wait until new versions of the vital software are out.

Be sure to constantly check in for updates on the problems with Microsoft Vista because as time goes by, I'm sure we are going to see crashing and other common problems. Please do not take this article the wrong way though, Vista is still the best of the previous versions of the award winning software series and the may years of development show.

Author Bio
George Christodoulou: Creator of the greatest Microsoft Vista information site; http://download-microsoft-vista.com 

Most Efficient PC Upgrade for Windows Vista

You want to use the new Windows Vista operating system with all its 3D effects, animations and transparencies on your desktop PC? The aesthetically pleasing user interface called Windows Aero can be found in all Vista editions, except Home Basic, but you must first be sure your PC supports new Windows eye candies. It it doesn't, the most efficient way to upgrade your computer for Microsoft's new OS and its user interface is to upgrade your graphics card and a main system memory.

What Windows Vista and Its Graphics Interface Require?

Windows Vista editions featuring Aero desktop have high PC hardware requirements. You must have a processor with at least 1GHz speed, a 1GB of system memory, a 40 GB hard drive with a minimum of 15GB of available space and a 128MB video card supporting DirectX 9 graphics, WDDM Driver, Pixel Shader 2.0 and 32 bits per pixel. You will also need a DVD-ROM drive, since Vista is sold on DVD. You can check if your system is Vista Aero-ready using Windows Vista Upgrade Advisor software, which is available for download at Microsoft's website.

Why Should I Focused on Video Card and Main Memory?

Your PC's Windows Aero capability will most likely depend on a graphics card and a main memory, since desktop processors slower than 1GHz and hard drives smaller than 40GB were nowhere to be found in stores in a last a couple of years. Assuming your PC isn't so old, the only possible bottlenecks could be video card, since the non-Vista graphics cards are still present on the market, and a memory, because the majority of home computers have less than 1GB.

Having Vista Aero in mind, remember that is more effective to pay for a new graphics card and an additional memory module, than paying the same amount for the new processor, a bigger and faster hard drive and a new motherboard. Contrary to video card and memory, the CPU, hard disc and mainboard do not have major impact on computer's graphics performance required by Aero.

How Much Money Do I Need for Upgrade?

You can find the Windows Vista Aero-ready graphics cards on the U.S. market starting at around $60. The 1GB memory modules are priced at around $100. If you already have 512MB and one free memory slot, you can just buy an additional 512MB module for a total of 1GB. The 512 memory costs approximately $50.

On What Else Should I Pay Attention?

If you plan to buy and install these hardware components by yourself, you should pay attention on graphics card's and memory's compatibility with your motherboard. For example, there are cards that fit in AGP slot and those for PCI Express slot. Also, there are different types of memory modules, such as DDR and DDR2.

This article is submitted by GraphicsDeals.com staff. Visit the GraphicsDeals.com for the latest video card deals and discounts.

Microsoft Recommended Vista Hardware

What kind of hardware do you have? What is the Microsoft recommended Vista hardware? If you don't have what Vista requires, you might have a computer that doesn't work after installation. Basically, I will give you everything you need to know so you don't make the mistake of buying software you can't use. If you are going to be spending $150-$200, you want to be sure you won't have to buy a whole new computer yet.

According to the Microsoft website, you need to have the following for Vista to work. This does not mean that the software will run as smoothly as you would like it to because these are the minimum requirement:

A processor of at least 800MHz 512 Megabytes of memory in your system A direct x 9 compatible graphics card If your computer is better than average (recently bought or built in the last 2 years), you can use premium features of the software. Vista will run very smoothly with these requirements met:

1 GHz CPU 1 GB memory in your system Support for DirectX 9 graphics with a WDDM driver 128 MB of graphics memory Pixel Shader 2.0 and 32 bits per pixel 15 GB of free hardrive space open for use as well as a maximum of 40GB The rest is sound and internet access. If you don't have internet access, how are you reading this?

Vista will, of course, be different from computer to computer so please don't take these specifications at their minimum. If you really want to make sure Vista will work for your computer, make sure you have more than what these specifications indicate. For more information on the Microsoft recommended Vista hardware refer to Microsoft's website, www.microsoft.com

Author Bio George Christodoulou: Creator of the greatest Microsoft Vista information site; http://download-microsoft-vista.com