Datasheet

6
Chapter 1

Getting Started with Windows Vista
A Windows Vista Capable PC meets or exceeds the basic requirements to deliver the core
functionality of Windows Vista. These requirements assume that you are installing only the
operating system without any premium functionality. For example, you may be able to get by
with the minimum requirements if you are installing the operating system just to learn the
basics of the software.
A Windows Vista Premium Ready PC is able to use premium Windows Vista features, such
as Windows Aero. The requirements for the graphic card depend on the resolution at which
you want to run. The required amount of memory is as follows:

64MB is required for a single monitor at a resolution of 1,310,720 pixels or less, which
is equivalent to a 1280×1024 resolution.

128MB is required for a single monitor at a resolution of 2,304,000 pixels or less, which
is equivalent to a 1920×1200 resolution.

256MB is required for a single monitor at a resolution larger than 2,304,000 pixels.
In addition, the graphics memory bandwidth must be at least 1,600MB per second, as assessed
by the Windows Vista Upgrade Advisor.
If you choose to install Windows Vista from the network, you will also need a network con-
nection and a server with the distribution files.
Since computer technology and the standard for acceptable performance are constantly
changing, the recommendations are somewhat subjective. However, the recommended hard-
ware requirements are based on the standards at the time that Windows Vista was released.
The hardware requirements listed in Table 1.1 were those specified at the
time this book was published. Check Microsoft’s website at www.microsoft
.com/technet/windowsvista/evaluate/hardware/vistarpc.mspx for the
most current information.
Disk space 20GB hard drive with 15GB of free
disk space
40GB hard drive with 15GB free
disk space
Graphics DirectX 9 video card capable of
SVGA at 800×600 resolution (WDDM
Driver Support recommended)
DirectX 9 video card that supports a
WDDM driver, Pixel Shader 2.0 in hard-
ware, and 32 bits per pixel; graphics
card memory dependent on desired
resolution
Optical drive Internal or external CD or DVD drive Internal or external DVD drive
TABLE 1.1 Hardware Requirements (Non-network Installation) (continued)
Component Windows Vista Capable PC Windows Vista Premium Ready PC
08819book.book Page 6 Thursday, February 22, 2007 3:21 PM