Microsoft has identified two levels of interoperability with the Windows Vista release. These two relate to hardware that Windows Vista will support in varying degrees. These levels are designated Windows Vista Capable and Windows Vista Premium.

Windows Vista Capable PC

Windows Vista Capable, meaning that your current hardware meets the minimum requirements to install Windows Vista.

A modern processor (at least 800MHz).
512 MB of system memory.
A graphics processor that is DirectX 9 capable, with a minimum of 64 MB of RAM.
Windows Vista Premium Ready PC

A Windows Vista Premium Ready PC, it means that your hardware meets the minimum requirements to use the most additional features of Windows Vista that improves the user experience. In other words, the higher minimum requirements to improve the performance of the system and improvement of advanced media, such as Windows Aero. These are the recommended minimum requirements.

1 GHz 32-bit (x86) or 64-bit (x64) processor). 1 GB of system memory memory.Support for DirectX 9 graphics with a WDDM driver, 128 MB of graphics memory (minimum), Pixel Shader 2.0 and 32 bits per pixel.
40 GB hard drive with 15 GB free space.DVD-ROM Drive.Audio capability.Internet output power access.
Summary

The biggest difference between Windows Vista and Windows XP system memory and video requirements. Windows XP will run well with 128 MB video card and 1 GB of system RAM. Ironically, should be considered the minimum for Windows Vista.

Windows Vista is much more graphic intensive than Windows XP and provides a richer media experience. Obviously, these requirements increase the cost of the hardware needed to run Windows Vista. For those who are foot dragging on the video front, the media and RAM makers and PC gamers to blame for the extra costs.

If you have read some of my articles or other computer guides you already know I never recommend using advertised minimum hardware requirements. When the words “minimum requirements” to read the bare minimum is what you get. Each time you upgrade a PC to the minimum recommended requirements of the results will always disappointing.

With that in mind, my recommendations for installing Windows Vista are the following.

2 + GHz, 64 bit or Duel Core processor (Intel Core Duo or AMD X2 for Gaming) 2 + GB of system RAM matching
256 + MB, ATI or nVidia graphics card (integrated on board)
40 + GB, Hard Disk (15 GB free space for Vista to install)
CD-DVD rom
Other hardware should be obvious.

Note that the video integrated on the motherboard is not recommended. Integrated video uses system RAM that your system resources and increases robs your memory requirements.There are also add-on graphics cards that use system RAM and have very little memory of their own. When buying an add-on graphics card memory specifications carefully.

Windows Vista will run smoothly on a PC with these recommendations. Most users will only need to upgrade their video card and system RAM add. Windows Vista supports most of the same hardware that supports Windows XP. Motherboards, modems, Ethernet, hard drives and other hardware in common use today are supported.