What is the basic system configuration which will endure that you will be able to run Windows Vista? What is the recommended system configuration that will support the complete Vista experience? Microsoft provides insight for both of these questions.

The Redmond Company has made available two coordinates designed to indicate to users if a PC they acquire will run Windows Vista. As part of Microsoft's logo program, the PCs that are shipping at this point carry either a Windows Vista Capable or a Premium Ready PC logo.

But the bottom line is delivered by the figures. A modern processor (at least 800MHz), plus 512 MB of system memory and a graphics processor that is DirectX 9 capable make up just a basic system, and as such, on the mentioned configuration you will only be able to run Windows Vista Basic.

In order to enjoy all the features and capabilities that Windows Vista has to offer here are the minimum requirements for a Vista Premium ready PC:

- 1 GHz 32-bit (x86) or 64-bit (x64) processor.
- 1 GB of system memory.
- Support for DirectX 9 graphics with a WDDM driver, 128 MB of graphics memory (minimum)2, Pixel Shader 2.0 and 32 bits per pixel.
- 40 GB of hard drive capacity with 15 GB free space.
- DVD-ROM Drive3.
- Audio output capability.
- Internet access capability.

With these basic guidelines you will be able to make the right choice in either buying or upgrading a PC in order to prepare for Vista.