Windows Vista Minimum Requirements

Michael Gartenberg | December 28, 2006, 10:19 AM

So what do you really need to run Vista? Well according to Microsoft, it's an 800mhz processor, 512mb of RAM and Direct X Graphics. For Premium they're looking for 1ghz processors, 1gb of RAM, 128mb of VRAM on your video card and at least a 40gb hard disk and Internet access. Like my friend Joe Wilcox, I was tempted to say this is totally inadequate. I readily recall Microsoft's "minimum requirements" for Windows 95 as 4mb of RAM and 386 PC and at the time I used to refer to those as a printer's error. It's easy to be dismissive of what MSFT recommends but this time, I really don't think they are off.

You see, it's almost impossible to do a true set of requirements as PCs have evolved so greatly. In the Windows 95 era, its was pretty much about running office apps, a few low end games and the like. Most tasks were pretty consistent in what they required. Today, it's a different ball game. Technology is different. For example, the laptop I'm writing this on has an integrated graphics chipset that really isn't ideal for high end Vista apps. On the other hand, it has 2gb of RAM that the video card can access so I can actually turn on all UI features and have them work well. Doesn't mean that this machine is appropriate for high end gaming. Or perhaps that 64bit processor that is a little slower than the 32bit one is a better bet for the future. Just looking at feeds and speeds and making the call isn't going to work this time around.

And that's what it comes down to. Task suitability more than ever before. The first thing any person who asks me for advice on this, is what will you use the computer for? I think MSFT's requirements are as about as correct as they can be, given that there's no great way to measure suitability. As for the system rating performance guide, it's an interesting issue especially for laptops. Most laptops are going to have a hard time coming in above 3 or 4. Remember the performance number IS the score of the lowest subsystem. In the case of my machine, it's a 3 as that's the what the machine scored for Business and 3D graphics. Has it impacted my performance or usage? Not a bit. This machine flies through Vista and Office 2007. In fact, at one point I know MSFT considered two separate rating systems, one for desktops and one for laptops. The guide is just that, a guide. Figure out what you need a computer for first and everything else will come into place much easier.