Windows Vista Upgrade?
Be Prepared - Research Before You Buy
bob@drakehs.com

You've seen it in your computer store ads and on the shelf at the local department store, you've heard the media buzz and now you have to admit it...you're curious. Windows Vista splashed onto the market in late January with five different editions to choose from and a wash of consumer curiosity. Thinking of buying the latest version of Windows? Before you take the leap, take a look at what you'll need to make sure your new operating system runs smoothly.

Is My Computer Ready for Vista?

If you have a computer that is older than 3 or 4 years, you will probably need a new computer to run Windows Vista. Otherwise your PC or laptop will run very slowly. You will also need a DVD player to install Vista - the program has only been released on DVD.

The memory requirements for Vista are a minimum of 512mb - this is the base amount of memory of many off-the-shelf computer systems, but make sure you check before you purchase. For Vista to run efficiently, you will need at least 1 GB (gigabyte) of RAM (memory). If you plan to do anything with your computer that involves work with graphics, music or video creation, you should go with no less than 2gb of RAM. The cost of RAM can run anywhere from $75 to $200, depending on how much you need to purchase.

In addition, your system may require a larger hard drive. Old 20 or 40 GB hard drives simply won't cut it anymore, especially if you store music, photos, and graphics. The cost of a new hard drive runs anywhere from $80 to $200, depending on size and type.

You will definitely need a new graphics card. Vista has a new look, and if you want to see the "eye candy," (transparent visuals) a video card upgrade is important. If you only run onboard graphics (the graphics hardware that came with your older system), it will be difficult to run Vista. It can be done, but rendering of pages will be slow. A Direct-X 9 compatible card with at least 128mb of video RAM is recommended. The lower end cards in this class will cost $80 to $120. A newer updated card will run $175 to $225, and is necessary to see all of Vista's "bells and whistles."

Your system's processor will need to be a minimum of 1.5 GHz. To run it at an acceptable speed, Windows Vista needs at least a 2.0 GHz Pentium or compatible AMD.

I've Decided to Buy...But...What Version Do I Need?

Unlike earlier versions of Windows, Vista is available in five different variations, each suited to a specific use. If you are a home user who dabbles in music, photos, etc, you will need to buy Vista Home Premium. The low end Vista product, Home Basic is only for those who do the basics of web surfing and emailing.

Drake Hardware & Software recommends Home Premium for the home user. If you purchase the business and ultimate versions for home use, the installation process includes security steps that are ultimately unnecessary for the home user and may be confusing (Seen the Mac/Vista commercial on TV?).

Depending on the version of Vista purchased, it may cost anywhere from $175 to $399.

Link to more information on Windows Vista editions
Windows Vista home page