Windows Vista Recommended System Requirements

Windows Vista recommended system requirements
• 1GHz 32-bit (x86) or 64-bit (x64) processor
• 1GB of system memory
• Support for DirectX9 graphics with a WDDM driver, 128MB of graphics memory (minimum) Pixel Shader 2.0 and 32bits per pixel
• 40GB of hard drive capacity with 15GB free space
• DVD-ROM Drive
• Audio output capability
• Internet access capability
Better Configuration
• Any Dual Core Intel or AMD CPU
• 1 GB RAM
• Video Card: 256MB Graphics Memory with DX9
• DVD-Rom Drive
• Hard Drive: 250GB
Best Configuration
• Any 64-bit capable Dual Core Intel or AMD CPU
• 2 GB RAM
• Video Card: 512MB Graphics Memory with DX10
• PCIe X16 Slot (for DX10 card)
• Dual Layer DVD Burner
• Hard Drive: 250GB

Best Configuration For Business Workstations With Windows XP

Few things to go over before we continue:
Windows XP (32-bit) can only support 3GB of Ram. There are some 'tweaks' that trigger Windows to distribute usage to more than 3GB, however this is not recommended as it does not function efficiently.
If your computer doesn't have tons of RAM, this is the first thing that should be updated. Go to crucial website and run the memory scan. This will scan you computer motherboard and tell you how much RAM you have and how much you CAN have and will offer the best RAM possible (plus crucial has the best quality memory and a lifetime warranty)
Moving on -
First thing that comes to mind is memory or RAM. When you think of memory, you need to think of paging files.
Paging File
The paging file (Pagefile.sys) is a hidden file on your computer's hard disk that Windows XP uses as if it were RAM. That being said, ensuring it's proportional to the amount of memory you have is important.
Right Click My Computer > Properties > Advanced > Performance > Settings > Advanced > Virtual Memory
Click Change
Once inside, you will see 3 options, Custom Size, System Manages size or no paging.
Click custom and for Initial Size, you want to put the number of the RECOMMENDED (for me it's 3067) and for Maximum you want to double that number (6134). This creates a 6.134 GB file hidden in windows that will act ad an additional 6GB of RAM if needed when your computer is in need of some resources.
Visual Effects
After clicking OK there is another TAB that says "VISUAL EFFECTS". The default settings are always "Let Windows choose what's best for my computer"
Windows doesn't know what's best at all. I personally click "Adjust for best performance" however, the draw back is Windows no longer will have the fancy blue task bar, but this will remove additional memory usage when opening your computer, files, folders, etc. Click OK and close.
System Restore
I personally do not believe in System Restore. If you have a virus infection, 9 out of 10 times they replicate into the volume and when you launch a restore, you re-infect your workstation.
Disabling this feature allows windows to stop indexing files and running additional tasks in the background.
MSConfig
The System Configuration Utility is every novice user's glory, however if the user is not careful, can damage their Operating System useless.
Click on START > Run: Type in msconfig and click OK.
Once the utility opens, click the Startup tab only.
You will see a decently long Startup Item checklist which is all the applications that run when your computer starts up. (If you ever wondered why your computer takes forever to start up, here you go)
Go through the list and carefully read each item and determine which item's can be unchecked. (google if your friend)
For me, I uncheck winampa, realplay, qttask, jusched, and 50 more. (Be careful to NOT uncheck drivers for your audio, network, video, etc)
Once done, click OK and it will ask to restart computer (do as needed)
Spyware/Virus Removal
To be brief, there are 3-4 products I recommend for quick spyware/adware/malware/virus removals.
Super Anti-Spyware
Spybot Seek & Destroy
Symantec Antivirus 10
Hijack this
3 of the 4 are free. Symantec is a small A/V that runs well and doesn't hog tons of resources.
Super Antispyware should be run on 1 times deals, update, configure preferences to kill memory threats and close browsers and then full complete scan.
Spybot, similar to the others. Run and go
Hijack this is for expert users only
Disk Defragment
Run Defragment on your drive letter C:
This is my small guide for tweaking workstations for the best performance possible. You can't always recommend to "format" or "purchase a new machine" when customers wish to be froogle with their funds. Aside from what I mentioned, any advertised software to "tweak" registries and computers are utterly useless as they're just trying to make money off the lack of confidence or knowledge.
I hope this helps at least 1 person and if you're from New York, these settings only work best when you contact Transitions IT and ask our engineers to work on your workstations.