If you are anxious to know if your current PC configuration is good enough to run Windows Vista, Microsoft has a free software to help you.
The Windows Vista Upgrade Advisor is a 4MB software for Windows XP that tells you if your PC hardware is fit enough for an an upgrade to Windows Vista.
Buy Windows XP PC or wait for Windows Vista ?
When you run the Upgrade Advisor, it will scan your XP computer and generate a report of any known system and device compatibility issues. It also scans the hardware devices attached to your computer that do not have Windows Vista device drivers.
The Vista Advisor program will also recommend which version of Windows Vista to buy and provides suggestions about what, if any, hardware updates may be necessary to install and run the appropriate edition and features of Windows Vista.
Downlaod Windows Vista Upgrade Advisor
Before you run the Upgrade Advisor, be sure to plug in any USB or other attachable peripheral devices (such as printers, external hard drives, or scanners) that are regularly used with the PC that you're evaluating.
Free Windows Vista Coupon for XP Buyers
The Windows Vista Upgrade Advisor works with 32-bit versions of Windows XP and Windows Vista. It will not work with Windows 98, Windows 2000, or Windows XP Professional x64 Edition.
The end result is a Vista Upgrade report that explains which edition of Windows Vista to buy and provides suggestions about what, if any, hardware updates may be necessary to install and run the appropriate edition and features of Windows Vista.