14 DAY TRIAL // Windows Vista is a resource hog. There is no doubt about that, and Microsoft did nothing to deny it. This is in fact a scenario that has been repeating with all new operating systems from the Redmond Company. Windows XP for example required 256 MB RAM, and following in its footsteps, Windows Vista has upped the stakes, hardware-wise.
It comes at no surprise that Microsoft Australia has upgraded its systems in order to prepare for wide Windows Vista deployment. Bink.nu reported that Microsoft Australia made the swap to Windows Vista Ultimate a few days ago. The migration was conditioned on new computers scheduled to arrive for the Microsoft down under. Apparently, the amount of RAM and video card horsepower were the issues that initially prevented the upgrade.
While Microsoft Australia will make the switch to Windows Vista Ultimate, the minimum system requirements for the operating system are by no means "minimum," with the exception of the Home Basic edition.
Windows Vista Home Basic requires a 800-megahertz x86 or x64 processor, 512 MB RAM, a DirectX 9-class graphics card, 32 MB of graphics memory, a 20-gigabyte (GB) hard disk that has 15 GB of free hard disk space, DVD drive, Internet access and audio output capabilities.
For Vista Home Premium, Business, Enterprise, and Ultimate there is a different story altogether. These versions of Windows Vista will only work with a minimum of 1 GHz 32-bit or 64-bit processor, 1 GB Ram, Windows Aero-capable graphics card with 128 MB of graphics memory (minimum), 40-GB hard disk, DVD drive, and Internet access and audio output capabilities.
But you have to bear in mind that the minimum system requirements deliver an equivalent user experience. In conclusion, do what Microsoft did, and upgrade your hardware to get the best out of Windows Vista.