Specifications for a New
or Upgraded Computer
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?
- 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.
A Windows Vista Premium 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.
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:
- 2 GHz 32-bit (x86) or 64-bit (x64) processor or faster.
- 2 GB of system memory.
- 256 MB of graphics memory or more.
Hardware & Software Requirements
for Windows XP
Requirement |
The Bare Minimum |
Recommended by |
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 |
