MistyWindow.com

computer stuff for real people

Specifications for a New
 or Upgraded Computer

This page is out of date. I'm onto it, hopefully before Windows 7 is released. ☺

If you can possibly delay your purchase, don't buy a PC before Windows 7 is in the shops on October 22^nd 2009 — click here for details.

These are guidelines. Amend these recommendations in line with your needs and your budget.

You'll get a better deal next month and an even better deal next year, but if you wait for that deal you'll never buy a new computer. There's no "more for less" trend tapering off in the foreseeable future.

Windows XP

The table at the bottom of the page gives the requirements for a Windows

Windows Vista

If you're planning on purchasing a machine with the latest version of Windows - Windows Vista, or upgrading to Vista later, you'll need to err on the high side with the first four items in the table below.

You may wish to consider waiting for the next version of Windows.

Who needs Vista?

• Anyone who just must have the latest of everything.
• People who are planning to buy a PC after January 2007. You may as well buy one with the latest operating system unless your budget won't stretch to a Vista capable machine.
  If past releases are any guide, you'll be able to get in before Vista is released and buy a PC with Windows XP and qualify for a free upgrade to Vista when it's launched.

Who doesn't need Vista?

Everybody really, at least until about 2011 when support for XP is axed. But in reality:

• Anyone who just uses their computer for emails, the Internet and office work and doesn't care to pay for fancy graphics.
• Businesses. The learning curve will be steep. Businesses should wait until a significant proportion of their staff have broken it in at home. Otherwise be prepared to spend time and money on training or take a productivity hit whilst people learn on the job.
• Anyone who can bear to wait a year or so until the first major "bug fix" is released.

Microsoft have a tendency to understate the specifications for their operating systems. They say that 256GB of RAM is enough for XP. In my opinion 512MB is the minimum.

According to Microsoft, a Windows 7 or Vista-ready PC includes at least:

• 1 GHz 32-bit (x86) or 64-bit (x64) processor.
• 1 GB of system memory.
• Support for DirectX 9 graphics.
• 128 MB of graphics memory.
• 40 GB of hard drive capacity with 15 GB free space.
• DVD-ROM Drive.
• Audio output capability.
• Internet access capability.

To avoid crippling Windows 7 or Vista's capabilities I recommend at least:

• a 2 GHz 32-bit or 64-bit processor or faster.
• 2 GB of system memory.
• 256 MB of graphics memory.

Hardware & Software Requirements
for Windows 7

Requirement	The Bare Minimum	Recommended by MistyWindow.com	Splash Out
Processor	AMD Athlon 3000 or Intel Dual Core	AMD Athlon 3000 or Intel Dual Core	Intel Quad Core or AMD Athlon 64 FX62
RAM	1GB	2GB	8 GB
Hard disk	250 GB, 7200 RPM	2 x 500 GB SATA, 7200 RPM	2 x 1TB SATA, 7200 RPM.
Graphics Card	256MB	256MB	256 - 512 MB with DDR3 VRAM (more for serious gamers)
OS Version	Windows 7 Home	Windows 7 Professional	Windows 7 Professional
Office Software	OpenOffice.org 3.0 (free!) or MS Office Home and Student	OpenOffice.org 3.0 or Microsoft Works Suite (includes MS Word) or upgrade to Microsoft Office Standard (Word, Excel, Outlook) or MS Office Home and Student	Microsoft Office 2007 Standard (Word, Excel, Outlook) or Professional (includes Access & Publisher)or MS Office Home and Student
Anti-Virus	Avast! (free for personal use)	Avast! (free for personal use)	NOD32 or BitDefender
Anti-Spyware	Ad-Aware, Spybot, SUPERantispyware (all free for personal home use), MS Defender.
Printer	Basic Inkjet with 1 black and 3 separate colour cartridges	Inkjet with 2 black and 3 separate colour cartridges and/or budget laser for black & white.	Inkjet with 2 black and 3 separate colour cartridges or colour laser
Scanner	No	1200 dpi minimum low end.	with negative and transparency copying facility
Monitor	19" LCD or flat screen CRT	22" LCD	24" LCD
Case	Mid Tower	Mid Tower	Full Tower
Optical Drive	DVD±RW dual layer,RW disc capacity 4.7GB, R capacity (once only) 8.5GB.	DVD±RW dual layer, RW disc capacity 4.7GB, R capacity (once only) 8.5GB.	DVD±RW dual layer and a Blu-Ray 25GB RW if required.
Mouse	2 button wheel optical	Laser 2 button wheel optical	Laser 2 button wheel optical cordless.
Keyboard	Standard Multimedia	Standard Multimedia	Multimedia cordless.
Power Protection	Surge Protector	Surge Protector	Uninterruptible power supply (UPS)
Ports	USB: 2 front, 4 back	USB: 2 front, 6 back	USB: 2 front, at least 6 back and 2 FireWire

Hardware & Software Requirements
for Windows XP