Verify Graphics Card Specs

If your PC is a few years old (or newer), the graphics card (see Figure 1.18 for an example) will most likely be compatible with all the Windows Vista editions; however, you should check just to make sure. The only item you should be worried about looking up (from the Graphics section of Table 1.1, shown earlier) is the amount of graphics memory, as the other items should be up to spec if the memory requirement is satisfied.
Here’s how to check the graphics memory in Windows XP:
1. Right-click on the desktop and select Properties.
2. Select the Settings tab.
3. Click the Advanced button.
4. Select the Adapter tab.
5. Refer to the Memory Size, as shown in Figure 1.19.
If the graphics card isn’t up to spec, you can upgrade:
Along with the specifications mentioned earlier in Table 1.1, consider other optional features, such as High-Definition (HD) capabilities, TV in/out, and S-video outputs.
Investigate your PC’s connection types, such as if you have AGP, PCI, or PCI Express.
You can use online tools, such as InSPECS (www.powerleap.com), which will scan your system and give hardware recommendations that are compatible with your particular system; using this method eliminates manually inspecting your PC and figuring out all the specifics of your system.