Specifications for a New
 or Upgraded Computerold calculator

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 sign of the "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 XP computer.

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.

Release date for Vista is late January 2007.

Who needs Vista?

Who doesn't need Vista?

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

A Windows Vista Premium Ready PC includes at least:

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. To avoid crippling Vista's capabilities I recommend:


Hardware & Software Requirements
for Windows XP

Requirement

The Bare Minimum

Recommended by
mistywindow.com

Splash Out

Processor AMD Athlon 2000 AMD Athlon 2500 - 3000 or Intel 3.0 GHz Intel Core 2 or AMD Athlon 64 FX62
RAM 256 MB 512 MB - 1GB 1 - 2 GB
Hard disk 80 GB, 5400 RPM 1200 GB, 7200 RPM 2 x 120 GB or more SATA disks, 7200 RPM.
Graphics Card 64 MB 128 - 256 MB 256 - 512 MB (more for gamers)
OS Version Windows XP Home Windows XP Home or Professional Windows XP Professional or Windows Vista
Office Software OpenOffice.org 2.0.3
(free!)
Microsoft Works Suite (includes MS Word) or upgrade to Microsoft Office Standard (Word, Excel, Outlook) Microsoft Office 2003 Standard (Word, Excel, Outlook) or Professional (includes Access & Publisher
Office 2007 coming soon.
Anti-Virus AVG from Grisoft (free for personal use) AVG (free for personal use) NOD32,
Norton SystemWorks, McAfee, AVG full version, or equivalent
Anti-Spyware Ad-Aware, Spybot, MS Defender, AVG Anti Spyware - ex ewido (all free for personal home use)
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 17″ LCD or flat screen CRT 17″ or 19" LCD 19″ - 21" flat screen CRT or 19" - 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 or, if you have deep pockets, a Blu-Ray 25GB. Not much change out of US$1000
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, 6 back and 2 FireWire

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