4. Windows Vista: Upgrade Or Buy New Hardware?

Windows Vista hardware requirements can be confusing. There are two logo programs, one focusing more on upgrading Windows XP computers to Vista and one for new hardware that will be running Vista when first sold.

Windows XP Computers Ready for Vista Upgrade

Windows Vista Capable:

A modern processor (at least 800MHz) 512 MB of system memory A graphics processor that is DirectX 9 capable

Windows Vista Premium Ready:

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

New Hardware That Comes With Windows Vista

Works With Windows Vista

Certified for Windows Vista

Works With Windows Vista is the lowest level compatibility category. Hardware in this category can run Vista, but without the operating system's classy, glassy Aero windowing interface and some other capabilities. Unlike the other four versions of Vista, Vista Home Basic does not support Aero graphics. So if you have a piece of "Works With Windows Vista" hardware, it's most cost effective to run Home Basic on it, unless, of course, you need one or another feature available only in a higher level Vista version.

Certified for Windows Vista indicates that computer hardware can run any version of Vista, taking advantage of the graphics and other capabilities that come with the Vista Home Premium, Business, Enterprise and Ultimate editions. This includes the Aero user interface. Just as Tablet PC is available only in Vista Business and Enterprise editions, Media Center capability will only be included in the Vista Home Premium and Ultimate editions. By the way, Vista Ultimate is a blend of the Home Premium and Enterprise versions.

If you're thinking of upgrading from XP to Vista, then download Microsoft's Windows Vista Upgrade Advisor. It will report which programs will work with Vista, and even suggest the components that can be upgraded to get the most out of Vista.