Just when you thought your PC was up to date on the latest and greatest technology hardware, Microsoft introduces its latest successor to Windows XP. The new operating system, Windows Vista, is the first to be graphics based. This means it will take full advantage of the graphics capabilities of your computer. The good news is you do not need an expensive new computer. With a simple hardware upgrade, you can elevate the Vista experience on your current PC.

Of the six Windows Vista versions available, upgrading to Vista Home Premium will be the sweet spot for most consumers. It will provide you with the best home computing and entertainment experience, including improved 3-D capabilities, tightened security and enhanced Windows organizational tools.

According to Nicholas Mauro of PNY Technologies, “There is a misconception that only a new computer can run Windows Vista, which is simply not true. For a few inexpensive upgrades, your PC will be able to handle Vista’s enhanced user productivity, quicker load times and multi-media applications. You’ll only need a new graphics card, a memory upgrade and a ReadyBoost USB flash drive.”

Accelerate Your Graphics
A new graphics card will allow you to experience crisp, vibrant photos and glitch-free visuals with less eye strain and fatigue. In addition, the new card will help you take advantage of Vista’s new interface, Windows Aero, which makes it easier for you to find your way around the operating system. The new interface displays a new “glass” look and feel allowing you to focus on what you are actually working on rather than the interface surrounding it. Aero also delivers a new way to manage your windows, so you can switch between tasks quickly and easily. Moreover, your PC will run faster and applications will look better without taking up too many of your systems resources.

Mauro of PNY Technologies recommends a powerful graphics card with DirectX 9 support and at least 128MB of graphics memory. Most graphics cards purchased in 2005 and later will support this. If your graphics card does not support DirectX 9, your system will run in 2-D mode and get the look of Windows 2000.

Upgrade Your System Resources
Although Vista can run on older systems, the resources needed for satisfactory performance just aren’t available. PCs running Vista require more memory than Windows XP. The extra memory allows you to effectively run and display live views of multiple applications and to take advantage of Vista’s new explorers, real time thumbnail views of each open application and 3-D task switching features.

It is important you have at least 1GB of system memory, but 2GB is a safer bet. If you have an older PC that just meets the minimum requirements to run Vista, you are going to essentially experience sluggish performance; because your system’s standard resources will be taken up by Vista.

Boost Launch Time
In addition to graphics cards and memory upgrades, companies like PNY Technologies offer USB flash drives to boost your system’s Vista performance. Simply plugging in a ReadyBoost-capable USB flash drive allows you to launch new applications quickly — especially when there are already several applications running. It essentially pre-loads the data that is already stored on the hard disk drive into the flash drive, so that when it’s needed, it can be accessed faster than from the hard drive. Make sure your flash drive is one to three times the amount of RAM installed in your system to take advantage of Vista’s ReadyBoost acceleration.

Elevate Your Vista Experience
When coupled with a few simple upgrades, your PC will take full advantage of Vista’s Home Premium capabilities. Plug in at least 1GB of additional RAM, a graphics card with 128MB of graphics memory and DirectX 9 support, and a ReadyBoost USB flash drive to elevate your Vista experience. For more information, visit www.pny.com/vista.

Courtesy of ARA Content

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