OT Windows Vista and requirements

[salad]

Due to an earlier posting I read in this newsgroup regarding Office 2007
beta, I downloaded it. After I DL'd it, I got an invitation from MS to
get WinVista.

I am now wondering if, since both are betas, it is best to buy a new
computer? My current computer setup is a Pentium 4, 1 gig memory, 2.66
ghz, 60-80 gig disk drive.

MS's requirements for a WinVista computer is
A modern processor (800mz)
512 memory
Graphics processor that is DirectX9 capapble

A premium WinVista computer that supposedly provides an ecstacy rush
includes
1 ghz 32bit or 64bit processor
1 gig memory
Graphics processor that runs Window Aero
128 mb graphics memory
40 gig hard drive with 15 gig free
DBD-Rom drive
Audio output
Internet Access

I called up Dell, to check out their machines. Talked to a salesperson
that said Intel Celeron's will NOT run Vista. If that is so, I feel
sorry for people buying machines now that won't be upgradeable to the
new OS. I'm sure a lot of people will be very surprised.

But I'm totally confused about that salesman's statement that it won't
run Vista.

I have a Dell ad in front of me. There's the Inspiron B130 notebook
with a Intel Celeron M processor at 1.55 ghz with 1 gig memory. It has
a bullet that states "Windows Vista Capable".

Then there's the Dimension B110 Desktop with a Intel Celeron D processor
at 2.55 ghz with 512 meg memory. It does NOT have a "Windows Vista
Capable" bullet.

Why? The only think I see different between the notebook is that one is
a M processor, the other a D (Mobile/Desktop?) as both a Celerons. Is
it because the graphics card isn't DirectX9 capabile or doesn't have 128
meg in the desktop? Or is it the salesman at Dell is full of balloon juice?

If what Dell's salesman said is true, I would not want to buy a computer
that will not be able to run the new OS coming in a few months. Are
computer mfgs dumping their stock of inventory in preparation of Vista
and leaving the customer out in the cold?

I imagine there's a lot of BS running around regarding Vista and it's
capabilities.

Reviewing my current computer, it seems to meet all of the
requirements...except that it might need a DirectX9 graphics card (have
no idea what that is) or a graphics card that runs Aero. I also need a
DVD drive. My concern is that my life is on my current computer and I'd
hate to futz it up with a new OS and a new Office system.

Any comments about Vista's requirements? Thanks.

[David W. Fenton]

salad <oi*@vinegar.com> wrote in
news:tb****************@newsread1.news.pas.earthli nk.net:

Any comments about Vista's requirements?

I think the Dell salesman was wrong, as I can't think of a technical
reason why it wouldn't run on a Celeron.

Of course, I'd never *buy* a Celeron chip, as I think it's a ripoff,
much like the Intel 486SX chips were. Also, I've noticed that the
machines the Celerons get put in have low-end components and limited
expandability.

I'm a big Dell fan, and I'm now urging clients into the E line. Yes,
they are marketed as "entertainment" machines, but they are
perfectly good home/small office machines. And they are
substantially cheaper than a Dimension with the same components.

--
David W. Fenton http://www.dfenton.com/
usenet at dfenton dot com http://www.dfenton.com/DFA/

['69 Camaro]

Hi, Salad.

My concern is that my life is on my current computer and I'd hate to futz
it up with a new OS and a new Office system.
Dude, don't risk it. It's beta. Worse, it's Microsoft's beta. Don't end
up lamenting with this guy (requires speakers):

http://www.ifilm.com/player/?ifilmId...P&refsite=7195
Are computer mfgs dumping their stock of inventory
According to rumor, it's in the works, but not because of Vista's coming
debut. Vista isn't really in the picture yet for non-enterprise PC's,
mainly due to the missed pre-Christmas deadline and year end business
deductions deadline. Intel may be making price cuts soon on
microprocessors, and inventories of hardware purchased at higher prices
typically need to move prior to the actual announcement of such cuts to
avoid business risks. If the rumor turns out to be true, expect to see some
good sales coming up. For more info on the rumor, please see the following
Web page:

http://www.computerworld.com/action/...&taxonomyId=12
I imagine there's a lot of BS running around regarding Vista and it's
capabilities.
Take the guesswork and the fear factor out of the equation by waiting till
Vista actually ships pre-loaded on new computers. At that time, you can
visit your local computer store and see for yourself what the different
models can realistically support. If history is any indication, those
minimum requirements Microsoft taughts are generally not the targets you
want to shoot for. You want to exceed them by a fair margin.

Does that mean you should forego experimenting with Vista beta and Office
2007 beta? Nope. Consider getting a second hard drive and creating a dual
boot on your current computer by installing Vista and Office 2007 on the
second hard drive, thereby protecting the stable configuration on your
current hard drive. Fry's has 200 GB hard drives on sale for $60 with free
shipping, so having a spare hard drive handy doesn't have to set you back
much:

http://shop3.outpost.com/product/349...H:MAIN_RSLT_PG
Reviewing my current computer, it seems to meet all of the
requirements...except that it might need a DirectX9 graphics card (have no
idea what that is) or a graphics card that runs Aero.
Perhaps the following list will help clarify the graphics needs:

http://www.microsoft.com/windowsvist...footnotes.mspx

You can download and install the Vista Upgrade Advisor (beta) to get a
better idea of what your present computer may need:

http://www.microsoft.com/windowsvist...r/default.mspx

HTH.
Gunny

See http://www.QBuilt.com for all your database needs.
See http://www.Access.QBuilt.com for Microsoft Access tips and tutorials.
http://www.Access.QBuilt.com/html/ex...ributors2.html for contact
info.
"salad" <oi*@vinegar.com> wrote in message
news:tb****************@newsread1.news.pas.earthli nk.net... Due to an earlier posting I read in this newsgroup regarding Office 2007
beta, I downloaded it. After I DL'd it, I got an invitation from MS to
get WinVista.

I am now wondering if, since both are betas, it is best to buy a new
computer? My current computer setup is a Pentium 4, 1 gig memory, 2.66
ghz, 60-80 gig disk drive.

MS's requirements for a WinVista computer is
A modern processor (800mz)
512 memory
Graphics processor that is DirectX9 capapble

A premium WinVista computer that supposedly provides an ecstacy rush
includes
1 ghz 32bit or 64bit processor
1 gig memory
Graphics processor that runs Window Aero
128 mb graphics memory
40 gig hard drive with 15 gig free
DBD-Rom drive
Audio output
Internet Access

I called up Dell, to check out their machines. Talked to a salesperson
that said Intel Celeron's will NOT run Vista. If that is so, I feel sorry
for people buying machines now that won't be upgradeable to the new OS.
I'm sure a lot of people will be very surprised.

But I'm totally confused about that salesman's statement that it won't run
Vista.

I have a Dell ad in front of me. There's the Inspiron B130 notebook with
a Intel Celeron M processor at 1.55 ghz with 1 gig memory. It has a
bullet that states "Windows Vista Capable".

Then there's the Dimension B110 Desktop with a Intel Celeron D processor
at 2.55 ghz with 512 meg memory. It does NOT have a "Windows Vista
Capable" bullet.

Why? The only think I see different between the notebook is that one is a
M processor, the other a D (Mobile/Desktop?) as both a Celerons. Is it
because the graphics card isn't DirectX9 capabile or doesn't have 128 meg
in the desktop? Or is it the salesman at Dell is full of balloon juice?

If what Dell's salesman said is true, I would not want to buy a computer
that will not be able to run the new OS coming in a few months. Are
computer mfgs dumping their stock of inventory in preparation of Vista and
leaving the customer out in the cold?

I imagine there's a lot of BS running around regarding Vista and it's
capabilities.

Reviewing my current computer, it seems to meet all of the
requirements...except that it might need a DirectX9 graphics card (have no
idea what that is) or a graphics card that runs Aero. I also need a DVD
drive. My concern is that my life is on my current computer and I'd hate
to futz it up with a new OS and a new Office system.

Any comments about Vista's requirements? Thanks.

[salad]

David W. Fenton wrote:

salad <oi*@vinegar.com> wrote in
news:tb****************@newsread1.news.pas.earthli nk.net:

Any comments about Vista's requirements?

I think the Dell salesman was wrong, as I can't think of a technical
reason why it wouldn't run on a Celeron.

Of course, I'd never *buy* a Celeron chip, as I think it's a ripoff,
much like the Intel 486SX chips were. Also, I've noticed that the
machines the Celerons get put in have low-end components and limited
expandability.

I'm a big Dell fan, and I'm now urging clients into the E line. Yes,
they are marketed as "entertainment" machines, but they are
perfectly good home/small office machines. And they are
substantially cheaper than a Dimension with the same components.

Thanks David. Good advice. I'm basically looking at cheap. A machine
that doesn't carry a lot of sentiment.

[salad]

'69 Camaro wrote:

Hi, Salad.

My concern is that my life is on my current computer and I'd hate to futz
it up with a new OS and a new Office system.

Dude, don't risk it. It's beta. Worse, it's Microsoft's beta. Don't end
up lamenting with this guy (requires speakers):

http://www.ifilm.com/player/?ifilmId...P&refsite=7195

Funny.

Are computer mfgs dumping their stock of inventory

According to rumor, it's in the works, but not because of Vista's coming
debut. Vista isn't really in the picture yet for non-enterprise PC's,
mainly due to the missed pre-Christmas deadline and year end business
deductions deadline. Intel may be making price cuts soon on
microprocessors, and inventories of hardware purchased at higher prices
typically need to move prior to the actual announcement of such cuts to
avoid business risks. If the rumor turns out to be true, expect to see some
good sales coming up. For more info on the rumor, please see the following
Web page:

http://www.computerworld.com/action/...&taxonomyId=12

I imagine there's a lot of BS running around regarding Vista and it's
capabilities.

Take the guesswork and the fear factor out of the equation by waiting till
Vista actually ships pre-loaded on new computers. At that time, you can
visit your local computer store and see for yourself what the different
models can realistically support. If history is any indication, those
minimum requirements Microsoft taughts are generally not the targets you
want to shoot for. You want to exceed them by a fair margin.

Does that mean you should forego experimenting with Vista beta and Office
2007 beta? Nope. Consider getting a second hard drive and creating a dual
boot on your current computer by installing Vista and Office 2007 on the
second hard drive, thereby protecting the stable configuration on your
current hard drive. Fry's has 200 GB hard drives on sale for $60 with free
shipping, so having a spare hard drive handy doesn't have to set you back
much:

http://shop3.outpost.com/product/349...H:MAIN_RSLT_PG

Nice! I am unsure about having a dual boot, what is required, etc but
that sounds like a very good deal/idea. Thanks.

Reviewing my current computer, it seems to meet all of the
requirements...except that it might need a DirectX9 graphics card (have no
idea what that is) or a graphics card that runs Aero.

Perhaps the following list will help clarify the graphics needs:

http://www.microsoft.com/windowsvist...footnotes.mspx

You can download and install the Vista Upgrade Advisor (beta) to get a
better idea of what your present computer may need:

http://www.microsoft.com/windowsvist...r/default.mspx

HTH.
Gunny

See http://www.QBuilt.com for all your database needs.
See http://www.Access.QBuilt.com for Microsoft Access tips and tutorials.
http://www.Access.QBuilt.com/html/ex...ributors2.html for contact
info.
"salad" <oi*@vinegar.com> wrote in message
news:tb****************@newsread1.news.pas.earthli nk.net...

Due to an earlier posting I read in this newsgroup regarding Office 2007
beta, I downloaded it. After I DL'd it, I got an invitation from MS to
get WinVista.

I am now wondering if, since both are betas, it is best to buy a new
computer? My current computer setup is a Pentium 4, 1 gig memory, 2.66
ghz, 60-80 gig disk drive.

MS's requirements for a WinVista computer is
A modern processor (800mz)
512 memory
Graphics processor that is DirectX9 capapble

A premium WinVista computer that supposedly provides an ecstacy rush
includes
1 ghz 32bit or 64bit processor
1 gig memory
Graphics processor that runs Window Aero
128 mb graphics memory
40 gig hard drive with 15 gig free
DBD-Rom drive
Audio output
Internet Access

I called up Dell, to check out their machines. Talked to a salesperson
that said Intel Celeron's will NOT run Vista. If that is so, I feel sorry
for people buying machines now that won't be upgradeable to the new OS.
I'm sure a lot of people will be very surprised.

But I'm totally confused about that salesman's statement that it won't run
Vista.

I have a Dell ad in front of me. There's the Inspiron B130 notebook with
a Intel Celeron M processor at 1.55 ghz with 1 gig memory. It has a
bullet that states "Windows Vista Capable".

Then there's the Dimension B110 Desktop with a Intel Celeron D processor
at 2.55 ghz with 512 meg memory. It does NOT have a "Windows Vista
Capable" bullet.

Why? The only think I see different between the notebook is that one is a
M processor, the other a D (Mobile/Desktop?) as both a Celerons. Is it
because the graphics card isn't DirectX9 capabile or doesn't have 128 meg
in the desktop? Or is it the salesman at Dell is full of balloon juice?

If what Dell's salesman said is true, I would not want to buy a computer
that will not be able to run the new OS coming in a few months. Are
computer mfgs dumping their stock of inventory in preparation of Vista and
leaving the customer out in the cold?

I imagine there's a lot of BS running around regarding Vista and it's
capabilities.

Reviewing my current computer, it seems to meet all of the
requirements...except that it might need a DirectX9 graphics card (have no
idea what that is) or a graphics card that runs Aero. I also need a DVD
drive. My concern is that my life is on my current computer and I'd hate
to futz it up with a new OS and a new Office system.

Any comments about Vista's requirements? Thanks.

[Randy Harris]

* salad:

'69 Camaro wrote:

"salad" <oi*@vinegar.com> wrote in message
news:tb****************@newsread1.news.pas.earthli nk.net...

Due to an earlier posting I read in this newsgroup regarding Office
2007 beta, I downloaded it. After I DL'd it, I got an invitation
from MS to get WinVista.

I am now wondering if, since both are betas, it is best to buy a new
computer? My current computer setup is a Pentium 4, 1 gig memory, 2.66
ghz, 60-80 gig disk drive.

A while back I was given a project to upgrade an application that my
department uses. It was w-a-y behind and required 4 separate upgrades
(it had to be upgraded one version at a time). The software wouldn't
permit multiple versions on the same system.

I set up a laptop with 5 bootable partitions on a single drive. I was
able to keep the production version on one drive and each of the 4
upgrades on a different partition.

Another bootable partition would be a great way to play with Vista and
Office beta without messing up the existing development environment.

--
Randy Harris
tech at promail dot com
I'm pretty sure I know everything that I can remember.

[Wayne]

My 2c worth. I'm running Vista Beta 2 in a dual boot configuration on
my main machine which is an Athon 64 3700+ with 1 gig of ram. The dual
boot configuration was reasonably easy to set up. You don't need a
second hard drive, just a second primary partition on your existing
drive. Partition Magic is the best tool I've found for doing this -
it's efficient and painless. If Windows XP is already installed the
Vista setup asks you where you want to install Vista. Choose the newly
created partition and after setup is complete you are given a choice as
to which OS you want to run each time you boot the machine.

Vista runs fine on this machine. I initially set it up on a lower spec
machine (AthlonXP 2600 with 512 meg of ram). It would have run fine on
that machine also but it was somewhat limited by the ram. It needs 1
gig to run efficiently, probably more if you are going to run a few
large apps at once. Task Manager tells me that Vista is using about
600 meg of ram when its doing nothing with no programs running. Turn
off the Aero interface and go back to Basic interface and ram usage
drops by about 100 meg. Turn off the Windows swap file and you start to
get low memory warnings with a few apps open.

Performance is reasonable given that its a Beta - not as good as XP on
the same machine though. From what I read, MS will tune the
performance as the final release gets nearer, but I think that it's
unrealistic not to expect Vista to be more hardware hungry than XP. It
reportedly has an extra 10 million lines of code bringing the total up
to 50 million. I find this mind boggling - no wonder they are having
trouble getting it out the door!

Regarding laptops, I read somewhere recently that Vista will be much
happier on a laptop that is using one of the new hybrid drives. From
what I understand these drives have a much larger onboard cache than
the mainstream drives that are currently available. I think if you are
looking at a new laptop, this is the thing that may catch you out, not
necessarily processor speed. From past experience, I wouldn't take
everything that a Dell salesman tells me as gospel truth.

Hope this helps.

['69 Camaro]

Hi, Salad.

Nice! I am unsure about having a dual boot, what is required, etc but
that sounds like a very good deal/idea.
Since Vista is so new, instructions haven't been posted yet. However,
instructions for other Windows configurations are on the following Web
pages:

http://support.microsoft.com/kb/306559/en-us

http://support.microsoft.com/kb/217210/en-us

http://support.microsoft.com/kb/317995/en-us

You have an opportunity to partition your current hard drive, but my
recommendation is to leave it alone, since it's only 60-80 GB and you'd need
to set aside at least 40 GB for the Vista installation. And you won't have
to be paranoid about something going wrong and messing up your current
stable configuration if you just install Vista and Office 2007 betas on
another hard drive.

HTH.
Gunny

See http://www.QBuilt.com for all your database needs.
See http://www.Access.QBuilt.com for Microsoft Access tips and tutorials.
http://www.Access.QBuilt.com/html/ex...ributors2.html for contact
info.
"salad" <oi*@vinegar.com> wrote in message
news:dy***************@newsread3.news.pas.earthlin k.net... '69 Camaro wrote:

Hi, Salad.

My concern is that my life is on my current computer and I'd hate to futz
it up with a new OS and a new Office system.

Dude, don't risk it. It's beta. Worse, it's Microsoft's beta. Don't
end up lamenting with this guy (requires speakers):

http://www.ifilm.com/player/?ifilmId...P&refsite=7195

Funny.

Are computer mfgs dumping their stock of inventory

According to rumor, it's in the works, but not because of Vista's coming
debut. Vista isn't really in the picture yet for non-enterprise PC's,
mainly due to the missed pre-Christmas deadline and year end business
deductions deadline. Intel may be making price cuts soon on
microprocessors, and inventories of hardware purchased at higher prices
typically need to move prior to the actual announcement of such cuts to
avoid business risks. If the rumor turns out to be true, expect to see
some good sales coming up. For more info on the rumor, please see the
following Web page:

http://www.computerworld.com/action/...&taxonomyId=12

I imagine there's a lot of BS running around regarding Vista and it's
capabilities.

Take the guesswork and the fear factor out of the equation by waiting
till Vista actually ships pre-loaded on new computers. At that time, you
can visit your local computer store and see for yourself what the
different models can realistically support. If history is any
indication, those minimum requirements Microsoft taughts are generally
not the targets you want to shoot for. You want to exceed them by a fair
margin.

Does that mean you should forego experimenting with Vista beta and Office
2007 beta? Nope. Consider getting a second hard drive and creating a
dual boot on your current computer by installing Vista and Office 2007 on
the second hard drive, thereby protecting the stable configuration on
your current hard drive. Fry's has 200 GB hard drives on sale for $60
with free shipping, so having a spare hard drive handy doesn't have to
set you back much:

http://shop3.outpost.com/product/349...H:MAIN_RSLT_PG

Nice! I am unsure about having a dual boot, what is required, etc but
that sounds like a very good deal/idea. Thanks.

Reviewing my current computer, it seems to meet all of the
requirements...except that it might need a DirectX9 graphics card (have
no idea what that is) or a graphics card that runs Aero.

Perhaps the following list will help clarify the graphics needs:

http://www.microsoft.com/windowsvist...footnotes.mspx

You can download and install the Vista Upgrade Advisor (beta) to get a
better idea of what your present computer may need:

http://www.microsoft.com/windowsvist...r/default.mspx

HTH.
Gunny

See http://www.QBuilt.com for all your database needs.
See http://www.Access.QBuilt.com for Microsoft Access tips and tutorials.
http://www.Access.QBuilt.com/html/ex...ributors2.html for contact
info.
"salad" <oi*@vinegar.com> wrote in message
news:tb****************@newsread1.news.pas.earthli nk.net...

Due to an earlier posting I read in this newsgroup regarding Office 2007
beta, I downloaded it. After I DL'd it, I got an invitation from MS to
get WinVista.

I am now wondering if, since both are betas, it is best to buy a new
computer? My current computer setup is a Pentium 4, 1 gig memory, 2.66
ghz, 60-80 gig disk drive.

MS's requirements for a WinVista computer is
A modern processor (800mz)
512 memory
Graphics processor that is DirectX9 capapble

A premium WinVista computer that supposedly provides an ecstacy rush
includes
1 ghz 32bit or 64bit processor
1 gig memory
Graphics processor that runs Window Aero
128 mb graphics memory
40 gig hard drive with 15 gig free
DBD-Rom drive
Audio output
Internet Access

I called up Dell, to check out their machines. Talked to a salesperson
that said Intel Celeron's will NOT run Vista. If that is so, I feel
sorry for people buying machines now that won't be upgradeable to the new
OS. I'm sure a lot of people will be very surprised.

But I'm totally confused about that salesman's statement that it won't
run Vista.

I have a Dell ad in front of me. There's the Inspiron B130 notebook with
a Intel Celeron M processor at 1.55 ghz with 1 gig memory. It has a
bullet that states "Windows Vista Capable".

Then there's the Dimension B110 Desktop with a Intel Celeron D processor
at 2.55 ghz with 512 meg memory. It does NOT have a "Windows Vista
Capable" bullet.

Why? The only think I see different between the notebook is that one is
a M processor, the other a D (Mobile/Desktop?) as both a Celerons. Is it
because the graphics card isn't DirectX9 capabile or doesn't have 128 meg
in the desktop? Or is it the salesman at Dell is full of balloon juice?

If what Dell's salesman said is true, I would not want to buy a computer
that will not be able to run the new OS coming in a few months. Are
computer mfgs dumping their stock of inventory in preparation of Vista
and leaving the customer out in the cold?

I imagine there's a lot of BS running around regarding Vista and it's
capabilities.

Reviewing my current computer, it seems to meet all of the
requirements...except that it might need a DirectX9 graphics card (have
no idea what that is) or a graphics card that runs Aero. I also need a
DVD drive. My concern is that my life is on my current computer and I'd
hate to futz it up with a new OS and a new Office system.

Any comments about Vista's requirements? Thanks.

[salad]

'69 Camaro wrote:

Hi, Salad.

Nice! I am unsure about having a dual boot, what is required, etc but
that sounds like a very good deal/idea.

Since Vista is so new, instructions haven't been posted yet. However,
instructions for other Windows configurations are on the following Web
pages:

http://support.microsoft.com/kb/306559/en-us

http://support.microsoft.com/kb/217210/en-us

http://support.microsoft.com/kb/317995/en-us

You have an opportunity to partition your current hard drive, but my
recommendation is to leave it alone, since it's only 60-80 GB and you'd need
to set aside at least 40 GB for the Vista installation. And you won't have
to be paranoid about something going wrong and messing up your current
stable configuration if you just install Vista and Office 2007 betas on
another hard drive.

I agree with your assessments completely. Thanks for the info.

HTH.
Gunny

See http://www.QBuilt.com for all your database needs.
See http://www.Access.QBuilt.com for Microsoft Access tips and tutorials.
http://www.Access.QBuilt.com/html/ex...ributors2.html for contact
info.
"salad" <oi*@vinegar.com> wrote in message
news:dy***************@newsread3.news.pas.earthlin k.net...

'69 Camaro wrote:

Hi, Salad.

My concern is that my life is on my current computer and I'd hate to futz
it up with a new OS and a new Office system.
Dude, don't risk it. It's beta. Worse, it's Microsoft's beta. Don't
end up lamenting with this guy (requires speakers):

http://www.ifilm.com/player/?ifilmId...P&refsite=7195

Funny.

Are computer mfgs dumping their stock of inventory
According to rumor, it's in the works, but not because of Vista's coming
debut. Vista isn't really in the picture yet for non-enterprise PC's,
mainly due to the missed pre-Christmas deadline and year end business
deductions deadline. Intel may be making price cuts soon on
microprocessors, and inventories of hardware purchased at higher prices
typically need to move prior to the actual announcement of such cuts to
avoid business risks. If the rumor turns out to be true, expect to see
some good sales coming up. For more info on the rumor, please see the
following Web page:

http://www.computerworld.com/action/...&taxonomyId=12

I imagine there's a lot of BS running around regarding Vista and it's
capabilities.
Take the guesswork and the fear factor out of the equation by waiting
till Vista actually ships pre-loaded on new computers. At that time, you
can visit your local computer store and see for yourself what the
different models can realistically support. If history is any
indication, those minimum requirements Microsoft taughts are generally
not the targets you want to shoot for. You want to exceed them by a fair
margin.

Does that mean you should forego experimenting with Vista beta and Office
2007 beta? Nope. Consider getting a second hard drive and creating a
dual boot on your current computer by installing Vista and Office 2007 on
the second hard drive, thereby protecting the stable configuration on
your current hard drive. Fry's has 200 GB hard drives on sale for $60
with free shipping, so having a spare hard drive handy doesn't have to
set you back much:

http://shop3.outpost.com/product/349...H:MAIN_RSLT_PG

Nice! I am unsure about having a dual boot, what is required, etc but
that sounds like a very good deal/idea. Thanks.

Reviewing my current computer, it seems to meet all of the
requirements...except that it might need a DirectX9 graphics card (have
no idea what that is) or a graphics card that runs Aero.
Perhaps the following list will help clarify the graphics needs:

http://www.microsoft.com/windowsvist...footnotes.mspx

You can download and install the Vista Upgrade Advisor (beta) to get a
better idea of what your present computer may need:

http://www.microsoft.com/windowsvist...r/default.mspx

HTH.
Gunny

See http://www.QBuilt.com for all your database needs.
See http://www.Access.QBuilt.com for Microsoft Access tips and tutorials.
http://www.Access.QBuilt.com/html/ex...ributors2.html for contact
info.
"salad" <oi*@vinegar.com> wrote in message
news:tb****************@newsread1.news.pas.eart hlink.net...
Due to an earlier posting I read in this newsgroup regarding Office 2007
beta, I downloaded it. After I DL'd it, I got an invitation from MS to
get WinVista.

I am now wondering if, since both are betas, it is best to buy a new
computer? My current computer setup is a Pentium 4, 1 gig memory, 2.66
ghz, 60-80 gig disk drive.

MS's requirements for a WinVista computer is
A modern processor (800mz)
512 memory
Graphics processor that is DirectX9 capapble

A premium WinVista computer that supposedly provides an ecstacy rush
includes
1 ghz 32bit or 64bit processor
1 gig memory
Graphics processor that runs Window Aero
128 mb graphics memory
40 gig hard drive with 15 gig free
DBD-Rom drive
Audio output
Internet Access

I called up Dell, to check out their machines. Talked to a salesperson
that said Intel Celeron's will NOT run Vista. If that is so, I feel
sorry for people buying machines now that won't be upgradeable to the new
OS. I'm sure a lot of people will be very surprised.

But I'm totally confused about that salesman's statement that it won't
run Vista.

I have a Dell ad in front of me. There's the Inspiron B130 notebook with
a Intel Celeron M processor at 1.55 ghz with 1 gig memory. It has a
bullet that states "Windows Vista Capable".

Then there's the Dimension B110 Desktop with a Intel Celeron D processor
at 2.55 ghz with 512 meg memory. It does NOT have a "Windows Vista
Capable" bullet.

Why? The only think I see different between the notebook is that one is
a M processor, the other a D (Mobile/Desktop?) as both a Celerons. Is it
because the graphics card isn't DirectX9 capabile or doesn't have 128 meg
in the desktop? Or is it the salesman at Dell is full of balloon juice?

If what Dell's salesman said is true, I would not want to buy a computer
that will not be able to run the new OS coming in a few months. Are
computer mfgs dumping their stock of inventory in preparation of Vista
and leaving the customer out in the cold?

I imagine there's a lot of BS running around regarding Vista and it's
capabilities.

Reviewing my current computer, it seems to meet all of the
requirements...except that it might need a DirectX9 graphics card (have
no idea what that is) or a graphics card that runs Aero. I also need a
DVD drive. My concern is that my life is on my current computer and I'd
hate to futz it up with a new OS and a new Office system.

Any comments about Vista's requirements? Thanks.

[salad]

Wayne wrote:

My 2c worth. I'm running Vista Beta 2 in a dual boot configuration on
my main machine which is an Athon 64 3700+ with 1 gig of ram. The dual
boot configuration was reasonably easy to set up. You don't need a
second hard drive, just a second primary partition on your existing
drive. Partition Magic is the best tool I've found for doing this -
it's efficient and painless. If Windows XP is already installed the
Vista setup asks you where you want to install Vista. Choose the newly
created partition and after setup is complete you are given a choice as
to which OS you want to run each time you boot the machine.

Vista runs fine on this machine. I initially set it up on a lower spec
machine (AthlonXP 2600 with 512 meg of ram). It would have run fine on
that machine also but it was somewhat limited by the ram. It needs 1
gig to run efficiently, probably more if you are going to run a few
large apps at once. Task Manager tells me that Vista is using about
600 meg of ram when its doing nothing with no programs running. Turn
off the Aero interface and go back to Basic interface and ram usage
drops by about 100 meg. Turn off the Windows swap file and you start to
get low memory warnings with a few apps open.

Performance is reasonable given that its a Beta - not as good as XP on
the same machine though. From what I read, MS will tune the
performance as the final release gets nearer, but I think that it's
unrealistic not to expect Vista to be more hardware hungry than XP. It
reportedly has an extra 10 million lines of code bringing the total up
to 50 million. I find this mind boggling - no wonder they are having
trouble getting it out the door!

Regarding laptops, I read somewhere recently that Vista will be much
happier on a laptop that is using one of the new hybrid drives. From
what I understand these drives have a much larger onboard cache than
the mainstream drives that are currently available. I think if you are
looking at a new laptop, this is the thing that may catch you out, not
necessarily processor speed. From past experience, I wouldn't take
everything that a Dell salesman tells me as gospel truth.

Hope this helps.

That was an excellent 2c worth of info!