*Vista Hardware Requirements*

• CPU: 2.4 GHz Pentium 4 class CPU. Hyper-threading or dual-core CPU's STRONGLY recommended; No celeron or duron processors
• RAM: 2 GB. 3GB STRONGLY recommended
• Video Card: 256MB  supporting DirectX 9.0 STRONGLY recommended, no on-board video card
• Hard Drive: 80GB Serial-ATA or better with at least 20GB free
• Media drives: DVD-ROM, DVD/CD-Writer recommended
• USB: USB 2.0
• Floppy: optional
• Firewire: optional
• Sound Card: optional
• Hardware MUST be supported by the vendor with drivers for Vista

Minimum Requirements to install Vista on an existing Institutional PC:

• The minimum hardware requirements for a NEW Institutional PC Purchase above, plus
• PC MUST pass the Windows Vista Upgrade Advisor or the Microsoft Application Compatibility Toolkit tests without ANY issues
  

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1: Can I obtain Windows Vista from NJIT today?

NJIT faculty and students are able to obtain Windows Vista from NJIT, but only if  their computer meets the minimum requirements  successfully passes the Windows Vista Upgrade Advisor, without ANY problems. If the Upgrade Advisor is successful, Vista can be downloaded from the IST Software Download page. IST is currently testing Windows 7 for administrative use. Windows Vista will not be made available for staff. Staff members should continue to Windows XP until notified otherwise.
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2: Can I install Windows Vista on my computer today?

All users must run the Windows Vista Upgrade Advisor and have 100% green conditions.  The computer  must also meet NJIT's baseline hardware requirements before Windows Vista can be installed.  IST is currently testing Windows 7 for administrative use. Windows Vista will not be made available for staff. Staff members should continue to Windows XP until notified otherwise.
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3: What version of Vista is available?

NJIT has released Microsoft Windows Vista Business 32-bit Edition. Please note: we will not offer general support for 64-bit versions of Vista. It is currently being reviewed in a test-bed environment.
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4: Will Windows XP "upgrade" to Windows Vista?

NJIT will not support "upgrade installations" of Windows Vista. Due to numerous hardware conflicts that may occur, we will only be supporting clean installations of Windows Vista. A clean installation will remove all programs, data, pictures, documents and files.  Prior to Vista being installed on any NJIT computer, we require users to back up their important data on an external medium such as a network hard drive, USB hard drive, USB flash drive, CD/DVDs etc. Data backup is the responsibility of each user.
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5: How much memory (RAM) do I need to run Windows Vista?

 NJIT recommends a minimum of 2-3 GB of RAM due to additional software requirements.  Note that the different versions of Windows Vista have different requirements.  NJIT supports only Windows Vista Business 32-bit edition.
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6: Will my XP programs work under Windows Vista?

Not all Windows XP programs will run under Windows Vista.  Click here for a list of NJIT-licensed software and their compatibility with Vista, or check Microsoft's compatibility webpage for additional information. In addition, make sure you have any and all installation media (Cds, DVDs, Floppy Disks, etc) for any programs you want to install.
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7: Will Office 2003 install and run on Windows Vista?

Yes, Office 2003 will run on Windows Vista.
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8: How much hard drive space do I need to install Windows Vista?

NJIT recommends a minimum 80GB Serial ATA hard disk with at least 20 GB of free space. For steps on how to check your hard disk's space, visit the Windows XP: Hard Drive Capacity website. Remember, installing Vista will overwrite all of the exisiting files on your computer. Note that the different versions of Windows Vista have different requirements.  NJIT supports only Windows Vista Business 32-bit edition.
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9: Where can I find support for Windows Vista?

Basic support can be found here. Additional support can be found at the following Microsoft websites:

• http://support.microsoft.com/windowsvista
• http://msdn.microsoft.com/windowsvista/support/
• http://support.microsoft.com

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10: Must I upgrade my video card to support the new features in Vista?

A new video card may be required to use all the visual effect in Windows Vista.  NJIT strongly recommends at least a 256 MB video card with support for DirectX 10. You can check your computer manufacturer's website for details about your computer model, including video card information.
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11: Can my current PC run Windows Vista?

Check the Minimum Requirements for Vista, and click here for information on using Windows Vista Upgrade Advisor to determine if your current PC can run Windows Vista. NJIT offers support for Windows Vista Business 32-bit edition.
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12: Will NJIT offer any training for Windows Vista?

Yes. IST will offer face-to-face training for employees. There is also much web-based information about Windows Vista. Read more here or visit our web-site for available Windows Vista tutorials and handouts.
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13: How do I fix wireless connectivity issues in Vista?

If you are having trouble connecting or staying connected to a wireless network with your Windows Vista computer, visit Microsoft's Vista Connectivity Support page.
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