How to Install and Run Microsoft Vista

 

 

 

The recent release of Microsoft Vista has raised such a great buzz among techies and non-techies alike. All of a sudden forums are buzzing and questions about installation have been popping up from almost everywhere. Before anyone can install Microsoft Vista however, there are some important points to take note of. These include such concerns as basic vista knowledge, hardware requirements and available options.

 

Basic Vista Knowledge

 

What is obvious around some forums right now is that a lot of people seem to be grumbling about the complications involved in installing upgrades or full copies of Vista. Knowing the updated modernists that we are, many are hoping and praying for a way to conveniently install Vista with or over XP or as the primary operating system.

 

The issue of piracy also instantly comes up. Regardless of piracy being a crime, a lot of modern day pirates are still wondering if it is possible to run pirated copies of Vista just like the way pirated XPs ran. Rumor has it that Vista is so secure that running an unregistered version for long will leave you with a partially disabled operating system. Everyone remembers Microsoft’s piracy crackdown a year or so ago. Perhaps the security features of Vista are Microsoft’s way of reducing the possibility of pirated versions cropping in again.

 

Vista has six versions. Windows Vista Starter will be available only in some countries with emerging markets but will have limited features. Windows Vista Home Basic is for buyers with tight budgets and for basic home use only. For home users who may have a need for more advanced high end use they may purchase Windows Vista Home Premium instead. The Windows Vista Ultimate is also an option for those who wish to have complete features. Companies and businesses may opt for either Windows Vista Business or Windows Vista Enterprise.

 

Requirements

 

You need to check if your computer is considered Vista Capable or Vista Premium Ready before you can install Windows Vista. Vista Capable computers have a RAM capacity of 512 MB, has an 800 MHz processor and a graphics card that is DirectX 9 class. A Premium Ready computer needs a 1GB memory capacity, a 128 MB graphics card that is compatible with Aero and a 1.0 GHz processor. The later type of computer will obviously allow for higher end feature than the former computer type.

 

Options Available

 

As mentioned, piracy is not an option with Vista. Your only legal options include installing Vista on a hard disk that is clean or wiped clean, installing in a partition with XP, installing in a virtual machine and going for an upgrade. Some may think that it would be a good idea to jump for a lower priced upgrade. An upgrade copy will also let you keep your programs and files. This is because you may run an upgrade copy of Vista if you already have a licensed XP operating system. Experts seem to agree though that upgrade versions of Vista don’t function as well as the non-upgraded versions. They therefore recommend buying a full Vista version.