10 things you should do before installing Windows Vista on a computer

October 13, 2006


*Takeaway:*
Windows Vista's enhanced functionality and snazzy Aero Glass visual
effects will demand steeper hardware requirements for the machines you
support. Check this list to make sure you cover all the bases before
deciding what Vista versions those machines will be able to run.



/This article is also available as a PDF download
./

Early indications are that Windows Vista will be the most comprehensive
operating system ever produced by Microsoft, and the eye candy offered
by the 3-D Aero Glass graphics are very slick. But enhanced
functionality and graphical improvements come at a price--and that price
is usually high-end hardware. If you plan to take advantage of all that
Windows Vista offers, that's definitely true. The minimum requirements
to run Microsoft's latest flagship will be much steeper than any
previous operating system.

Microsoft has created two distinct hardware classifications for PC
manufacturers to use for their new systems. A PC can be either "Vista
Capable" or "Premium Ready." The standard Vista Capable machines have
more scaled down hardware requirements than the Premium Ready machines.
Other than being cheaper and a bit slower than their beefy Premium Ready
siblings, the biggest difference between the two systems is that Vista
Capable machines can't use the exciting new Aero Glass graphics.

Here are 10 factors to address as you prepare your existing computers to
run Windows Vista. Many of the hardware requirements are surprisingly
easy to meet, despite the demands of the operating system. The biggest
hurdle to run Windows Vista will be the graphics card requirement,
although this requirement is less stringent if you don't plan to use the
new Aero Glass graphics. In general, a majority of existing PCs will be
fully capable of running Windows Vista with standard 2-D graphics. It
may not be as pleasing to the eye, but it's likely to be pleasing to
your pocket book.


    #1: Analyze your machine for upgrade readiness


Before doing anything else, you should download and run the Windows
Upgrade Advisor

utility. This software will examine your computer and provide you with a
summary of what versions of Windows Vista the computer is capable of
running. Note that the Upgrade Advisor only indicates whether or not the
PC will run Windows Vista. It does not indicate which requirements the
PC doesn't meet.


    #2: Check the CPU


The CPU requirements for Windows Vista are not earth shattering by any
means. To be considered Vista Capable, the computer must have a CPU of
at least 800 MHz. Those that are Premium Ready require a processor of at
least 1 GHz. A large majority of computers that have been sold in recent
years will meet this requirement with ease.


    #3: Make sure you have enough memory


Memory is another fairly easy-to-meet hardware requirement for Windows
Vista. To be considered Vista Capable, the PC must have at least 512 MB
of RAM. Premium Ready machines must have a minimum of 1 GB of system
RAM. Most modern PCs will either meet this requirement or be capable of
a relatively inexpensive upgrade.


    #4: Evaluate your graphics adapter


Those of you looking forward to the new 3-D Aero Glass graphics will
need to make sure that your graphics adapter is DirectX 9 capable. WDDM
(a Windows display driver model for writing drivers) compatibility is
also recommended. To be considered Premium Ready, the graphics adapter
must have a minimum of 128 MB of video RAM. Vista Capable cards require
only 64 MB of video RAM. Unless you plan on using the Aero Glass
graphics, there is no reason to upgrade your existing video adapter if
it's Vista Capable.


    #5: Verify that you have sufficient hard drive space


With hard drive capacity constantly increasing, available space is
usually not a major concern. However, you should still be aware of the
minimum space requirements for Windows Vista and take a moment to verify
that your system has enough free space. To install Windows Vista, the
hard drive must be at least 40 GB in size and have a minimum of 15 GB of
free space.


    #6: Make sure you've got a DVD drive


Windows Vista ships on a DVD, so to install the new operating system,
the computer must have a DVD drive. This is another requirement that
should be fairly easy to meet, since DVD drives have become commonplace
or require only a fairly inexpensive upgrade.


    #7: Sort out the versions


Determining which version of Windows Vista to install can be a bit more
complex than it was with previous versions of Windows. Windows Vista
will have five editions:

    * *Windows Vista Home Basic*. This version of Vista provides basic
      operating system functionality. If you don't need advanced
      features, such as Aero Glass, this is the choice for you. Average
      home users will choose this version, although stepping up to
      Windows Vista Home Premium will offer more functionality.
    * *Windows Vista Home Premium*. This version is sort of a cross
      between Windows XP Home and Windows XP Professional. It offers
      much more functionality than the Vista Home Basic edition and is
      probably the version that most average to advanced home users will
      install.
    * *Windows Vista Business*. This version is comparable to Windows XP
      Professional. It offers standard business functionality and will
      be a staple on the corporate desktop.
    * *Windows Vista Enterprise*. The Vista Enterprise version offers
      advanced functionality such as BitLocker Drive Encryption for
      laptops, application compatibility tools, and multi-language support.
    * *Windows Vista Ultimate*. The Vista Ultimate version combines the
      best of the home and business editions into one feature-rich
      operating system. This version also includes the Windows Media Center.


          #8: Check application compatibility


      To make your Windows Vista installation go as smoothly as
      possible, you should ensure that your existing applications will
      run under Vista before installing it. You can download and run the
      Application Compatibility Toolkit
      
      to help you identify applications that may not run under Windows
      Vista.


          #9: Don't overlook data backups


      Backing up your data is one of the most critical steps in
      upgrading your operating system. Unfortunately, this step is often
      overlooked in the excitement of installing the latest operating
      system. In addition to backing up your data, it's best to verify
      that you have all of the installation media from your existing
      software and the appropriate licensing information before you
      start the installation.


          #10: Remember the notebooks


      Notebook computers must meet all of the same hardware
      specifications as desktop PCs. The one problem with notebooks,
      however, is that If the graphics card isn't compatible, there is
      little that you can do to upgrade the system.


        White Papers


            Additional Resources

            Tech Toolshed 
            http://www.techtoolshed.com

            Learning CD-Roms
            
            http://fasttrack.techrepublic.com

            Quick Reference Charts
            
            http://quickref.techrepublic.com

            TechRepublic's Catalog
            
            http://www.techrepublic.com/catalog

      Copyright 
      ©1995- 2006 CNET Networks, Inc. All Rights Reserved.
      Visit us at www.TechRepublic.com