windows vista min req?

Question

is it possible to run vista beta on a lower spec machine than required
i know it needs 800mhz+ and 512mbram,but as i have 2 machines meeting these requirments,i do not want to use them as i have them the way i like them
my only spare formatted machine is a amd 500mhz cpu and 256mb ram,can i use that to put a copy on to,even if i have to saccrifice speed as i only want to have a look at the layout and general look of the system
can i do it,or will it lock up,or give me a message explaining i do not meet the requirments
i only ask this,because i managed to install xp on a 166mhz pc with 64mb ram ,which is well below the min req for that operating system

Answer 1

There are three levels of requirements.

The CPU frequency cannot be an absolute requirement and since a 500MHz AMD is just as good as some 800MHz CPU, it will be ok on that aspect.

But the memory requirement (512MB at least) might make it impossible to install. In fact the 64MB you mention is not below requirements, it's just the bare minimum. http://www.microsoft.com/windowsxp/home/evaluation/sysreqs.mspx



According to Microsoft, the absolute bare minimum is:

800+ MHz CPU
512+ MB RAM
SVGA capable graphic card
20GB HDD with 15GB available


To qualify for "Vista Ready", which is enough for running the system with a "classic" or Windows XP look but not enough to get all the bells and whistles of the new User Interface, you need:

800+ MHz CPU
512+ MB RAM
DX9 capable graphic card
40GB HDD with 15GB available

For the "Vista Premium" (i.e. all functionnalities and eyecandy turned on), you need something with a tad more punch:
1GHz+ CPU (32 or 64 bit)
1GB MB RAM
Advanced DX9 capable graphic card (WDDM Driver, HW Pixel Shader 2.0, 128+ MB VRAM)
40GB HDD with 15GB available

Answer 2

Windows Vista is like IE, XP is like Firefox....it uses up A LOT of memory.

In the beginning its fine, but as you start loading up programs on it, then you will realize your OS is getting laggy and it will freeze up a lot. It will take you about 10 minutes just to open up a program that uses more than 50% of your CPU.

I think for a 500MHZ and 256 RAM computer, you should just stick with either Windows 2000 or Windows XP Home Edition.....people might not like Windows 98, but if you use it on a not so good system, then its very reliable. You just need to make sure its protected against viruses and spywares, but Windows 98 is still a good Microsoft product.

If I were you, I would install linux on it and use it as a server. I know people say "put linux on it" and keep it at that, but if you really get used to it, you will think its very reliable and easy to use. Its a unix based system thats versatile and uses very little memory.