Installing Windows Vista on old computer?

Question

I bought a new windows vista ultimate......but before i download it, I want to know whether i need to upgrade any parts.......

My current System configuration is

-Windows XP Media Center Edition Service Pack 2
-Pentium 4 3.20 GHz
-504 MB of RAM
-160 GB hard drive
-100% updated computer


My computer does make wierd noises and the fan starts once i have 3-4 windows opened at the same time........

Please recommend me somethings i need to do in order to install windows vista and make my computer have a better performance.....I don't want it to be slow......

Answer 1

I will say at least 1 GB of RAM. They say it work with less, but, some features may not work. Depending on your computer I would max out on RAM, if it will take 2 GB then that what I would used.
The computer I am on has Ubuntu Linux. Linux not use a lot of RAM but I have 1 GB and can go to 8 GB (Have had as much as 4 GB, but, use it in other computers.. When I check my RAM usage it say I using 21.6% with what I have running. That only ¼ roughly and never have used the swap file. So, what I saying is I really not need the RAM because of my operating system not run little "No-Sees" in the background. VISTA does, so max the RAM, it not that bad expensive for the performance you will see.
The reason the fan starts is the Processor not need it until you start enough programs for it to really be working and getting hot. In your BIOS you can probably set this to run all the time.

Just be sure you really need VISTA. Somethings may not work until Drivers are made available. Also, be sure of the service life. VISTA Basic only get about 5 years of support and VISTA Pro get 10 years.

These links may help;
http://www.pcworld.com/article/id,127629/article.html
http://www.networkworld.com/news/2007/022807-microsoft-five-years-support-for.html

Answer 2

Well everything looks good except for the ram. That should be brought up to at least 1 gig. The rest looks ok to me. But it might have an issue with the video and a few other things in there. But up the ram and you should be fine.

Answer 3

Atleast 1.5GB RAM.