Datasheet

 Memory: Vista loves memory. For best results, your PC should have 1GB

of memory or more. Memory’s easy to install and relatively cheap, so

don’t skimp here.

 DVD drive: Unlike Windows XP, which comes on a CD, Windows Vista

comes on a

DVD. That means your PC needs a working DVD drive to

install it. That probably won’t rule out many PCs these days, but it may

rule out some older laptops.

Windows Vista should be able to run most of your current programs without

problems. Some, however, won’t work, including most security-based programs,

such as antivirus, firewall, and security programs. You’ll need to contact the

program’s manufacturer to see whether it’ll give you a free upgrade.

Shopping for a new PC to run Vista? Visit any store, and you’ll find plenty of

PCs running Vista. To see how well a particular PC handles Vista, click the

Start button, choose Control Panel, and open the System and Maintenance

category. There, select Performance Information and Tools. Vista displays

that particular PC’s Windows Experience Index, which ranges from 1 (dismal)

to 5 (excellent).

Not sure what version of Windows your PC has? Right-click Computer from

the Start menu and choose Properties. That screen states your Windows

version.

Can I Make Windows Vista Look

and Feel Like Windows XP?

Some people crave Vista’s new interface; others feel like they’re looking at a

rental car’s unfamiliar dashboard. Follow these steps to make Vista look

almost

like Windows XP:

1. Start by changing the Start menu: Right-click the Start button, choose

Properties, select Classic Start Menu, and click OK.

2. Next, bring back the desktop: Right-click a blank part of the desktop

and choose Personalize. Choose Theme and then choose Windows

Classic from the Theme pull-down menu. Click OK.

3. Finally, put the menus back on top of each folder: Open your

Documents folder from the Start menu. Then click the Organize

button, choose Folder and Search Options, and choose Use Windows

Classic Folders. Click OK.

Chapter 1: What Is Windows Vista?

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