Vista Requirements

Thinking about upgrading to Vista, but aren't sure if your computer can handle it? Here are the basic requirements to run the different versions of Vista.

Home Basic Vista Requirements

1 GHz 32-bit (x86) or 64-bit (x64) processor
512 MB of system memory
20 GB hard drive with at least 15 GB of available space
Support for DirectX 9 graphics and 32 MB of graphics memory
DVD-ROM drive
Audio Output
Internet access (fees may apply)

Home Premium Vista / Business Vista / Ultimate Vista Requirements

1 GHz 32-bit (x86) or 64-bit (x64) processor
1 GB of system memory
40 GB hard drive with at least 15 GB of available space
Support for DirectX 9 graphics with:WDDM Driver, 128 MB of graphics memory (minimum), Pixel Shader 2.0 in hardware, 32 bits per pixel
DVD-ROM drive
Audio Output
Internet access (fees may apply)

I use the Home Premium Version of the operating system and would recommend at least 1.5 to 2 Gigs of Ram along with a bit faster processor than they advise. If you are very close to these requirements and you had to pick one component to upgrade, I would recommend adding memory if your motherboard can handle more.

Here are some tips if you just barely meet the requirements and need to speed up Vista