General Information about Windows Vista ::: System Requirements ::: Timeline for Support
Known Compatability Issues ::: Windows Vista Resources

Microsoft is planning to release Windows Vista to retail in January 2007. OIT Desktop Support in collaboration with other campus IT groups are in the process of testing Windows Vista within the UAF/Statewide computing environment.

Our focus in testing Windows Vista will be to identify potential impact on UAF/Statewide computing. Also we are conducting tests on the standard set of supported applications and network utilities.

We are now moving forward to prepare the UAF/Statewide community for the upcoming release of Windows Vista.

For more information about Microsoft Windows Vista, visit Microsoft's site.

Microsoft has officially released minimum requirements for Vista: Microsoft Vista hardware requirements

You can check if your Windows XP-based PC can run Windows Vista by installing and running the Windows Vista Upgrade Advisor RC. You can download it from Microsoft Vista site.

Windows Vista Capable and Premium Ready PCs

Choose a Windows Vista Capable or Premium Ready PC for the Windows Vista edition that's right for you.

Are you looking to buy a Windows XP-based computer today but want to make sure that it can run Windows Vista? There's no need to wait. When you buy a new PC that carries the Windows Vista Capable or Premium Ready PC designation, you'll be able to upgrade to one of the editions of Windows Vista while taking advantage of all the opportunities offered by Windows XP today.

What is a Windows Vista Capable PC?

A new PC that carries the Windows Vista Capable PC logo can run Windows Vista. All editions of Windows Vista will deliver core experiences such as innovations in organizing and finding information, security, and reliability. All Windows Vista Capable PCs will run these core experiences at a minimum. Some features available in the premium editions of Windows Vista—like the new Windows Aero user experience—may require advanced or additional hardware.

A Windows Vista Capable PC includes at least (minimum requirement):

• A modern processor (at least 800MHz 1 ).
• 512 MB of system memory.
• A graphics processor that is DirectX 9 capable.

Windows Vista Premium Ready PCs
To get an even better Windows Vista experience, including the Windows Aero user experience, ask for a Capable PC that is designated Premium Ready, or choose a PC that meets or exceeds the Premium Ready requirements described below. Features available in specific premium editions of Windows Vista, such as the ability to watch and record live TV, may require additional hardware .

A Windows Vista Premium Ready PC includes at least:

• 1 GHz 32-bit (x86) or 64-bit (x64) processor 1 .
• 1 GB of system memory.
• A graphics processor that runs Windows Aero 2 .
• 128 MB of graphics memory.
• 40 GB of hard drive capacity with 15 GB free space.
• DVD-ROM Drive 3 .
• Audio output capability.
• Internet access capability.

You can read all of the Windows Vista Capable footnotes here .
You can review the Windows Vista Minimum Supported System Requirements here .

Can the Windows Vista experience vary on different PCs?

Yes. Windows Vista is the first Windows operating system with a user experience that adapts to take advantage of the capabilities of the hardware on which it is installed.

All Windows Vista Capable PCs will be able to run at least the core experiences of Windows Vista.

All Windows Vista Premium Ready PCs can deliver even better Windows Vista experiences, including the new Windows Aero user experience.

Does buying a Windows Vista Capable PC mean that I will receive a free upgrade to Windows Vista?

No. A PC that is Windows Vista Capable or Premium Ready means that the PC is ready for an upgrade from Windows XP. You would still need to purchase the edition of Windows Vista that you want to install on your Windows Vista Capable or Premium Ready PC.

Timeline is currently under development. Come back soon for updates.

For more information about the Microsoft Windows Vista operating system, you may wish to visit the following Web sites:

• The Microsoft Windows Vista home page links to all kinds of information about Vista.
• The Microsoft Windows Vista Get Ready page can help you determine how well your computer will run Windows Vista.
• The Microsoft Windows Vista Upgrade Advisor is provided by Microsoft, but campus users report that it may be of limited use.
• The Dell Windows Vista Assessment Tool can help you determine whether your Dell computer can be upgraded to run Windows Vista.
• The Microsoft Windows Vista Features page explains all the new features available in the new operating system.
• The Microsoft Windows Vista Experience page shows off the new user experience, especially the new Aero interface.