windows vista?

Question

what are the minimum system requirements for windows vista.
Can i operate both XP and Vista on my PC?If i can, how do i do it? how should i configure the settings so that it prompts me on booting as to which O/S i want to continue..

Answer 1

Windows Vista Upgrade Advisor can tell you if your computer can run it or not. it is at http://www.microsoft.com/windowsvista/getready/upgradeadvisor/default.mspx

the system requirements are
*A modern processor (at least 800MHz1).
*512 MB of system memory.
*A graphics processor that is DirectX 9 capable.
for best performance
*1 GHz 32-bit (x86) or 64-bit (x64) processor1.
*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.

You could have both by installing it on a different partition

Answer 2

No, you would not operate both on the same computer. When you decide to upgrade, it's a one way trip.

Here are the minimum requirements:
Processor 1 GHz 32-bit (x86) or 64-bit (x64) processor2
System Memory 1 GB
Graphics memory 128 MB
HDD 40 GB
HDD free space 15 GB
Optical drive DVD-ROM drive4

But a number of programs won't run. Many of these won't run if you install Internet Explorer 7.

Personally, I think that it would be FOOLISH to upgrade to Windows Vista, until it has been out for 6 months. You would also verify that every program that you already own will WORK.

For instance, if you use Quickbooks 2005, it won't work with Internet Explorer 7. That means that it won't work with Windows Vista either. To upgrade to either one, you would have to buy a new version of Quickbooks.

So do some planning, and don't do the "willy nilly" thing.

Good luck and Happy Computing!

Answer 3

A Windows Vista Capable PC includes at least:

* A modern processor (at least 800MHz1).
* 512 MB of system memory.
* A graphics processor that is DirectX 9 capable.

Windows Vista Premium Ready PCs
To get an even better Windows Vista experience, including the Windows Aero user experience, ask for a Windows Vista Capable PC that is designated Premium Ready, or choose a PC that meets or exceeds the Premium Ready requirements described below. Features available in specific premium editions of Windows Vista, such as the ability to watch and record live TV, may require additional hardware.

A Windows Vista Premium Ready PC includes at least:

* 1 GHz 32-bit (x86) or 64-bit (x64) processor1.
* 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.

Dual Boot Article : http://lifehacker.com/software/top/windows-vista-beta-how-to-dual-boot-windows-xp-and-windows-vista-179906.php

Answer 4

Put Vista on the same drive that you have XP.
When the computer boots, you will get the option of which you want to load, always the newest will be listed first, and will default to that if you do not select any.

Answer 5

You can partition your hard drive and run xp on one partition and vista on the other. Partition Magic is a program you can use to do it, you can select bootable partition at power up.