What You Need To Run Windows Vista
Microsoft will have six versions of Vista available at launch and two categories of hardware requirements (Windows Vista Capable and Vista Premium Ready) for running different levels of the OS. All versions of Vista will operate and provide basic functionality on a Windows Vista Capable machine, but for all versions except Vista Home Basic and Vista Starter, you’ll want to go with a Vista Premium Ready configuration, at a minimum, to get access to all features. For the best experience, though, standard recommend doubling the minimum requirements listed.
Windows Vista Ultimate
For advanced consumers or business users; the highest-end edition, combining the best features of all editions.
Minimum Requirements:
Windows Vista Premium Ready Logo
1GHz 32-bit or 64-bit processor
1GB RAM
DirectX 9-capable graphics with 128MB of graphics memory & support for Windows Display Driver Model
Pixel Shader 2.0 in hardware and 32-bit-per-pixel color
40GB hard drive (with 15GB free)
DVD-ROM drive
Windows Vista Home Basic
Analogous to Windows XP Home Edition, for basic consumer needs; includes Vista’s new security and search capabilities, but does not include higher-end Aero graphics, Media Center, or Tablet PC features; no support for dual-core processors.
Minimum Requirements:
Windows Vista Capable Logo
800MHz 32-bit or 64-bit processor
512MB RAM
DirectX 9-capable SVGA (800×600) graphics with 32MB of graphics memory
20GB hard drive (with 15GB free)
CD-ROM drive
Windows Vista Home Premium
For consumers who want advanced music, video, photography, and mobility features; includes support for Vista’s higher-end graphics features, as well as Media Center and Tablet PC features; no support for dual-core processors.
Minimum Requirements:
Windows Vista Premium Ready Logo
1GHz 32-bit or 64-bit processor
1GB RAM
DirectX 9-capable graphics with 128MB of graphics memory and support for Windows Display Driver Model, Pixel Shader 2.0 in hardware and 32-bit-per-pixel color
40GB hard drive (with 15GB free)
DVD-ROM drive
Windows Vista Business
Analogous to Windows XP Professional, for small and medium-size businesses; includes improved security and reliability, as well as extra tools for small businesses; Tablet PC features.
Minimum Requirements:
Windows Vista Premium Ready Logo
1GHz 32-bit or 64-bit processor
1GB RAM
DirectX 9-capable graphics with 128MB of graphics memory and support for Windows Display Driver Model, Pixel Shader 2.0 in hardware and 32-bit-per-pixel color
40GB hard
drive (with 15GB free)
DVD-ROM drive
Windows Vista Enterprise
For large enterprises with global IT infrastructures (available only to customers with volume licenses); includes all features of Vista Business, plus additional encryption and data-security features, Unix services, and virtual-machine capabilities; also includes Tablet PC features.
Minimum Requirements:
Windows Vista Premium Ready Logo
1GHz 32-bit or 64-bit processor
1GB RAM
DirectX 9-capable graphics with 128MB of graphics memory and support for Windows Display Driver Model, Pixel Shader 2.0 in hardware and 32-bit-per-pixel color
40GB hard drive (with 15GB free)
DVD-ROM drive
Windows Vista Starter
For consumers in emerging markets who have very basic computing needs (sold only on new PCs in markets such as India and Thailand); runs only on 32-bit machines; can run only three programs at a time.
Minimum Requirements:
Windows Vista Capable Logo
800MHz 32-bit processor
512MB RAM
DirectX 9-capable SVGA (800×600) graphics with 32MB of graphics memory
20GB hard drive (with 15GB free)
CD-ROM drive
Tags: Windows Vista