Vista Specs: You Have What It Takes?

Microsoft wants PC owners to be ready for Vista.

To that end, the software giant will unveil May 18 a campaign designed to help people ensure their PCs can run the forthcoming operating system.

The effort, which comes ahead of the annual WinHec (Windows Hardware Engineering Conference) that in 2006 kicks off in Seattle on May 22, will include the unveiling of a Get Ready Web site, which play host to an application that can assess PCs readiness for the OS upgrade.

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Microsoft will also unveil of a set of minimum PC hardware specifications for systems being upgraded—some of which call for 1GHz processors and 1GB of memory allotments for certain machines—persons familiar with the plan said.

Given that its long been expected to require more powerful PC hardware than Windows XP, Vistas hardware requirements have been hotly anticipated by many consumers and business IT managers as they plan to upgrade to the OS, due in early 2007, or as they evaluate the purchase of new systems.

Microsoft has communicated a large part of the hardware requirement information in advance. But the May 18 announcement is expected to make it official.

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For those who wish to take advantage of all of Vistas new features and run a full-blown version of the forthcoming OS, a so-called Premium Ready PC will require at least a 1GHz processor, 1GB of main memory and 128MB of graphics memory, along with a graphics processor that meets numerous requirements, those familiar with the plan said.

To be sure, Vista will run on most PCs produced in the last several years. So-called Vista Capable PCs, Microsoft is expected to say, will require an 800MHz processor, 512MB of RAM, and a DirectX9 capable graphics processor, the sources said.

Most recent PCs meet Vista Capable requirements. But in order for Vista to display its most advanced features, namely its three-dimensional Aero interface, a PC must meet Microsofts Premium Ready guidelines, the sources said.

Next Page: Premium Ready guidelines.