Microsoft reveals PC specs for Vista

Many users will need a new PC to run Microsoft's upcoming Windows Vista operating system

Microsoft has announced the official hardware requirements for PCs to run its Windows Vista operating system, due for release later this year.

A Windows Vista Capable system must have at least an 800MHz processor, 512MB memory and a graphics card compatible with its DirectX 9 graphics subsystem, Microsoft said.

However, the firm recommends a higher specification for 'premium' editions of Vista, which include Vista Business and Vista Enterprise. These require a 1GHz processor, 1GB memory, and a graphics card capable of running the new Aero user-interface subsystem. Premium versions also require at least a 40GB hard disk and DVD-ROM drive.

Microsoft said many Windows XP PCs are capable of meeting the requirements for Vista. Some corporate desktops, however, use integrated graphics that may fail to meet the Windows Vista Premium Ready requirements. A Windows Vista Upgrade Advisor tool can be downloaded from Microsoft’s Windows Vista web site to test whether systems measure up.