Q: How can I tell if my machine will run Windows Vista?

A: The new operating system from Microsoft, Windows Vista, has specific hardware requirements. Not surprisingly, your computer will need to be fairly modern to run this demanding OS. The enhanced functionality (such as the 3D Aero Glass graphics) is snazzy, but this enhanced functionality comes at a price.

Microsoft has created two distinct hardware classifications for PC manufacturers to use for their new systems. A PC can be either "Vista Capable" or "Premium Ready." The standard Vista Capable machines have more scaled down hardware requirements than the Premium Ready machines.

Other than being cheaper and a bit slower than the Premium Ready machines, the biggest difference between the two systems is that Vista Capable machines can't use the new Aero Glass graphics.

Analyze your machine for upgrade readiness. Download the Windows Upgrade Advisor utility from Microsoft. This software will examine your computer and provide you with a summary of what versions of Windows Vista the computer is capable of running. Note that the Upgrade Advisor only indicates whether the PC will run Windows Vista. It does not indicate which requirements the PC doesn't meet.

Check the CPU. You only need an 800MHz computer to be Vista Capable and 1GHz to be Premium Ready.

Make sure you have enough memory. Vista Capable machines require 512MB, whereas Premium Ready will require 1GB of system RAM.

Evaluate your graphics adapter. If you are looking forward to the 3D Aero Glass graphics, you will need to make sure that your graphics adapter is DirectX 9 capable. WDDM (a Windows display driver model for writing drivers) compatibility is also recommended. To be considered Premium Ready, the graphics adapter must have a minimum of 128MB of video RAM. Vista Capable cards require only 64 MB of video RAM. Unless you plan on using the Aero Glass graphics, there is no reason to upgrade your existing video adapter if it's Vista Capable.

Verify that you have sufficient hard drive space. To install Windows Vista, the hard drive must be at least 40 GB in size and have a minimum of 15 GB of free space.

Make sure you have a DVD drive. Windows Vista ships on a DVD, so to install the new operating system, the computer must have a DVD drive. This is another requirement that should be fairly easy to meet, since DVD drives have become commonplace or require only a fairly inexpensive upgrade.

Sort out the versions. What version of Vista should you run? Find out next week.!

April Miller Cripliver of Chesterton holds a doctorate in management information systems and is a computer hardware and software consultant. E-mail your computer questions to april@cripliver.com, and be sure to specify your operating system and other pertinent PC information with your query. The opinions above are solely hers.