.....-- Processor: You need a processor that runs at 2 gigahertz or better. (In this case, I'll tell you that the minimum set by Microsoft is 800 megahertz - that may be enough to power Vista, but it would be a painful experience.)
-- Graphics: Here's an area where it will really pay to go first class. All recent versions of Windows are demanding when it comes to graphics, but Vista is positively hungry. Get a video card with at least 128 megabytes of memory and make sure that it supports DirectX 9 technology. The packaging will tell you whether it meets the DirectX requirement.
-- Hard disk: Microsoft specifies, as a minimum, 40 gigabytes with 15 gigabytes free. You'd be miserable with that little storage space. So make sure you have an 80-gigabyte hard disk with more than 40 gigabytes free.
-- RAM memory: You'll enjoy Vista more with 1 gigabyte of RAM. It's pretty much the standard these days. You can get by with half that - 512 megabytes. But this is another area where the bare minimum just won't be satisfactory. In fact, Gartner folks said that 2 gigabytes was needed for those who want top performance.
-- Other: It's official. Vista will only come on a DVD. So it's a no-brainer that your computer will need a DVD drive. It's hard to find a new computer without a DVD drive. But if your machine is a bit older, you may need to add one. You'll have no trouble finding add-on DVD drives for less than $100. While Vista doesn't require that the DVD drive be capable of writing to discs as well as reading them, I recommend that you get one that does both....
