Mechling/Mechcom Support Group   

Can I upgrade to Vista?

   We have had many customers ask this exact question. You must first see if your system meets the minimum system requirements set forth by Microsoft.

Minimum supported system requirements - Computers that meet the minimum supported system requirements will be able to run the core features of Windows Vista with the basic user experience. 

Processor 800 MHz 32-bit (x86) or 64-bit (x64) processor 
System Memory 512 MB 
GPU SVGA (800x600) 
Hard Disk 20 GB 
Free Hard Disk Space 15 GB 
Optical Drive CD-ROM drive 

   Microsoft also published requirements for what it calls a Windows Vista Premium Ready PC. This is a PC that will offer a better Windows Vista experience, including the Windows Aero user experience. A Windows Vista Premium Ready PC includes at least: 

1 GHz 32-bit (x86) or 64-bit (x64) processor. 
1 GB of system memory. 
A graphics processor that runs Windows Aero. 
128 MB of graphics memory. 
40 GB of hard drive capacity with 15 GB free space. 
DVD-ROM Drive. 
Audio output capability. 
Internet access capability. 

To enable Windows Aero, PC systems must meet the following criteria for graphics hardware: 

DirectX 9 class graphics hardware that supports WDDM and Pixel Shader 2.0 
A minimum of 32 bits per pixel 
Appropriate graphics memory for specified monitor resolutions: 
64MB of graphics memory to support a single monitor at resolution equivalent to 1280 x 1024 or less 
128MB of graphics memory to support a single monitor at resolutions less than or equal to 1920 x 1200 
256MB of graphics memory to support a single monitor at resolutions higher than 1920 x 1200 
Graphics memory bandwidth, as assessed by Windows Vista's built in system assessment tool WinSAT.EXE, of at least 1,800MB/s at following resolution: 
Desktop PC: at a monitor resolution equivalent to 1280 x 1024 
Mobile PC: at the native resolution of built-in display

   You must also take into consideration that your existing software (games, anti-virus, imaging & photo editing software, etc.) may not be Vista compatible and you would have to purchase new software (if it is available) for your PC. This also includes some hardware as well (printers, scanners, cameras, and joysticks) that are not Vista compatible, you would have to buy these items as well for your new Vista PC.

   There are many articles across the Internet discussing Vista. We recommend that you take the time to read articles NOT written by Microsoft before making that decision. Also, discuss you needs with your computer technician and see what options are available to you.