For the uninitiated, Vista is microsoft’s new operating system. Introduced at the end of January, it promises to “wow” its users with new new features and functionality. If you purchase a new system today it’s likely to have Vista already installed. Vista contains some great new features but if you are considering just upgrading your operating system you should make sure that your current system can handle it. You need to make sure you have enough power and that your hardware and applications are compatible.

Got enough power?

Vista is very powerful and therefore uses more system resources than Windows XP. It’s basic version, Vista Home Basic, requires at least a 800 MHz processor, 512MB of system memory (RAM) and 20GB of hard drive space just to run the core functionality but to fully utilise its features a 1Ghz processor, 1024MB of system memory, 40GB of hard drive space and support for DirectX 9 graphics is required. There are also 3 more “flavours” of Vista all requiring increasingly more resources.

Hardware/application compatibility

Whenever a new operating system comes out there are always in compatibility issues. If you have a device such as a printer or an application that you frequently use on your Windows XP system, don’t just assume it’ll work in Vista! Check the manufacturer’s website support area and make sure there’s Vista compatible drivers are available.

If your system can handle Vista or you decide to upgrade to a Vista machine, here are some of the benefits:

So Vista has a lot to offer but make sure you’re ready before taking the plunge. To learn more, click on the Windows Vista symbol below: