Quite recently, Microsoft released the official hardware configuration requirements of their Windows Vista OS (Operating System).  The demands are not unreasonable: a mere 800MHz CPU with 512MB of RAM is considered a “Capable” Vista system, and a 1GHz CPU with 1024MB of RAM is considered a “Premium” Vista system.  However, both the “Capable” and the “Premium” system configurations require a DirectX 9-compatible graphics card.  Other suggested hardware is a 40GB hard drive and DVD capability.

Joystiq advises: “If these specs leave you questioning your PC’s prowess, you can download Microsoft’s Vista Upgrade Advisor, which will help you determine the amount of bells and whistles your current system will support. The real question is, will Vista be gaming-ready? Stay tuned for more details on how the latest Vista beta runs today’s games.”