Upgrading To Windows Vista

As the Microsoft's Widows Vista operating system continues to make its mark in the marketplace, computer users around the globe are anticipating the increased hardware requirements that the system will need. Graphics cards, increased CPU size, and larger RAM requirements are just a few of the many areas that experts are warning users about. This is especially noteworthy for businesses, who will likely be forced to make the upgrade in order to remain competitive whether they want to or not. The issue, says Cari Diaz of Fast-Teks' On-Site Computer Service, is less focused on the Vista system itself than it is on installation.

Fast-teks is a nationwide, on-site computer service company which specializes in both residential and business hardware installation and maintenance. Companies such as Fast-teks have put together several recommendations for consumers interested in running the Windows Vista system, many of which are aimed at upgrading existing systems on PC's.

1. Download and run Windows Upgrade Advisor. The Upgrade Advisor examines a computer and provides a summary of the Windows Vista versions that can be run on that computer. The report is also convenient to have on-hand to show your installation professional.
   
2. Check your CPU. Anything below 800 MHz is too low for Windows Vista to run properly. Your local Fast-teks technician can advise you on upgrades if you fall below minimum requirements.
   
3. Examine your computer's memory. 512 MB of RAM is minimum; most users will want at least 1 GB of system RAM to adequately run Vista. Fast-teks can assist in choosing a memory upgrade, and can have it installed on your computer within minutes.
   
4. Verify hard drive capacity on your computer. Windows Vista requires a hard drive of at least 40 GB in size, including 15 GB of free space.
   
5. Check your graphics adapter. "Many people are unfamiliar with graphics adapters," says Diaz, "which is unfortunate because a big requirement of Vista is the graphics portion of the program. Fast-teks can assess your computer and provide adequate upgrades in order to eliminate any confusion."
   
6. Look for a DVD drive on your computer. If you don't have one, you won't be able to install Windows Vista. If you don't have one, however, there's no need to fret. "DVD drives are something that our technicians can install at a relatively small cost," says Diaz.
   
7. Back up your data. According to experts, this is one of the most important (and often overlooked) steps when upgrading a system. "This is where we shine," states Diaz. "We provide complete data protection solutions for both businesses and individuals at a relatively small cost."