Information About Windows Vista

Introduction

Windows Vista, the newest version of Windows, is not an upgrade to Windows XP but an entirely new operating system. If you use Windows XP, you should find many similarities with Vista and expect to gain greater functionality in the areas of communication, multimedia, and security. A new interface, Windows Aero, uses 3D graphics and other high-end visual effects to enhance your interaction with the operating system.

System requirements

Microsoft's system requirements for Vista are listed below. UITS has formulated system recommendations for those who plan to use Vista on the Indiana University network.

Microsoft lists Windows Vista hardware requirements in two categories, Vista Capable and Vista Premium Ready. Vista Capable computers will be able to run Vista, but may have limitations in the functionality of some new features. Vista Capable minimum hardware requirements are as follows:

• A modern processor (at least 800MHz)
• 512MB of system memory
• A graphics processor that is DirectX 9 capable
• 20GB of hard drive capacity with 15GB free space
• CD-ROM drive

Vista Premium Ready computers will be able to take full advantage of the new features available in Vista, including the Windows Aero advanced graphical interface. Microsoft lists the minimum hardware requirements for Vista Premium as follows; UITS recommends further requirements as noted:

• 1GHz 32-bit (x86) or 64-bit (x64) processor
  UITS recommends: A dual-core (Core 2) processor
  
  
• 1GB of system memory
  UITS recommends: 2GB system memory
  
  
• A graphics processor that is DirectX 9 capable with Hardware Pixel Shader v2.0 and WDDM Driver support
  
  
• 128MB of graphics memory
  UITS recommends: 256MB graphics memory; non-integrated video card
  
  
• 40GB of hard drive capacity with 15GB free space
  UITS recommends: 80-100GB capacity
  
  
• DVD-ROM drive
  
  
• Audio output capability
  
  
• Internet access capability

For more information from Microsoft about system requirements, see the Windows Vista Buying and Upgrade Options page.

UITS will continue to support Windows 2000 and XP for some time after the release of Windows Vista.

Microsoft has announced that it will provide security patches and updates to Windows XP until April 2014.

Vista versions

For IU students, faculty, and staff, UITS recommends Vista Ultimate, which contains features not available in Vista Business (e.g., Windows Media Center). If you're upgrading from Vista Home Premium, you need to upgrade to Vista Ultimate (not Vista Business) if you want to keep Windows Media Center. If you have questions, contact your campus Support Center. For information about upgrading from an earlier version of Windows, see Microsoft's Upgrade Advisor.

For IU departments that support managed installations of Windows, UITS recommends Vista Enterprise.

For information about the differences between versions, see Microsoft's Windows Vista: Compare Editions page