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This month Darren Yates looks at how to choose the right hardware to get Windows Vista running optimally. |
Each time Microsoft releases a new operating system, the demand of that operating system on your computer hardware increases. It’s one of the reasons why it’s never a good idea to run new operating systems on older computers – they just groan under the weight of it.
But the fact that Microsoft had near enough to six years between the release of Windows XP and Windows Vista means that the demands of Vista will be all the more.
What you need
There’s no denying that Windows Vista is a bit of a resource hog.
First up, it’s the first Microsoft operating system to come on a DVD rather than a CD so if you’re planning to buy it retail and install it on your PC, you’ll need at least a DVD-ROM drive or else you’re stuck.
If you’re buying a new PC, beware of the differences between ‘Vista Capable’ and ‘Vista Premium Ready’.
A PC that’s Vista-capable can run Windows Vista but won’t necessarily get everything working, whereas a Vista Premium-ready PC can get all of the more demanding features such as Aero working correctly.
At the very least, Vista needs a truckload of memory – while 512MB of memory will get Vista off the ground in a balloon marked ‘Vista Capable’, it needs at least 1GB of memory to get flying around at a decent ‘Vista Premium Ready’ speed.
You’ll find many of the budget notebook and desktop PCs on the market at the moment only offering 512MB of memory – Vista will work on these, but slowly.
 Ideally, 2GB of memory would be the way to go, allowing you to open up multiple applications without your computer falling over from the weight.
As for your PC’s processor, Microsoft says an 800MHz processor will get you up and running to a Vista-capable level, but we reckon that’s running like a three-legged dog. A 2.6GHz Pentium 4 processor or Athlon 64 processor is closer to the mark. By the time you add in the Aero interface and many of its other new features, Vista provides quite a load to any computer.
You’ll also need a decent hard drive – Windows Vista consumes around 4G to 5G of your PC’s hard drive as soon as it installs, which means if you have anything less than a 40GB hard drive, you’ll really struggle.
Windows Vista and software
 The other problem that arises when a new operating system is released is that of software support. Your old version of your favourite software may have worked perfectly on Windows XP, but it may not work on Windows Vista. Ahead Software’s Nero Suite CD/DVD burning software is a good example. The older version 6 software won’t install or run correctly on Windows Vista.
Another more significant problem is anti-virus software – Microsoft changed the way anti-virus software has access to the operating system, which sent the anti-virus software manufacturers into a bit of a spin. The bottom line is you’ll need to upgrade your anti-virus software if you plan to use Vista. The most recently released security suites (2008) are Vista-compatible, so if you’ve updated your security software quite recently, you should be OK. However, check your software’s documentation just to make sure.
Thankfully, there are also a number of free anti-virus options that work with Vista including AVG Anti-Virus Free that you can download from tinyurl.com/39aeu8Â
The majority of Windows XP software will work on Windows Vista, but it’s worth checking before you buy/upgrade to Vista and being prepared for problems before they arise.
Shopping list
Looking for a new Vista-ready computer system?
If you’re looking to buy a new computer system with Windows Vista, here’s our recommended component list.
 - Intel Core 2 Duo E6550 processor ($250)
 - 2G of DDR800 memory ($130)
 - 400GB Samsung SATA II hard drive ($130)
 - Pioneer DVR-112 DVD burner ($50)
 - Gigabyte motherboard with Intel G33 chipset ($180)
Throw in a case for around $60 and you should be able to get a local reputable PC builder to whack this together for you around $800, but it should last you a good three years. You then need to add in the cost of a monitor and your preferred version of Windows Vista on top of that.
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