Memory sizes of Microsoft Windows Operating Systems

0.6Windows and PAE

Windows Vista Starter Fact Sheet

http://www.microsoft.com/presspass/newsroom/windows/factsheets/WinVistaStarterFS.mspx

1Windows Vista Starter Fact Sheet

1.1The Microsoft Windows operating system remains at the center of the ongoing evolution of the personal computer, enabling users to do more than they ever imagined.

The Microsoft Windows operating system remains at the center of the ongoing evolution of the personal computer, enabling users to do more than they ever imagined. Despite the many advances, millions of individuals still have not experienced even the most basic benefits of the PC or accessed the world of social and economic benefits that computing technology can make possible.

Microsoft Unlimited Potential is the company’s commitment to enabling sustained social and economic opportunity for the next 5 billion people, a commitment that requires a focus on providing relevant, accessible and affordable technologies for underserved people everywhere.

In an effort to provide a more affordable and simple introduction to personal computing, and as a result of ongoing collaborations with international governments to improve citizens’ access to technology, Microsoft Corp. developed Windows Starter, an operating system designed for first-time PC owners in emerging technology markets. Windows XP Starter Edition was first released in Thailand in 2004 and has been subsequently released for use in 139 countries and in 24 languages. Since the release, more than 2 million families have experienced a PC for the first time with a Windows Starter-based PC.

With the global release of the Windows Vista operating system, Microsoft introduced Windows Vista Starter, the next generation of the Windows Starter family. Windows Vista Starter is also designed for first-time PC owners in developing markets, but it improves the user experience through the technological advances of Windows Vista.

Windows Vista Starter Features

Windows Vista Starter provides individuals in developing technology markets and their families with the basic computing benefits they want with security and reliability features at an affordable price. Windows Vista Starter includes tools and tutorials to make it easier for those less familiar with computers to learn to use a PC, and runs on affordable entry-level hardware. Benefits of Windows Vista Starter include the following:

Windows Vista Starter ships on low-cost PCs sold by original equipment manufacturers (OEMs) and Microsoft OEM distributors and will be available in English in all developing technology markets. These markets constitute lower- and middle-income countries as defined by the World Bank. Windows Vista Starter will be released in 70 languages and more than 139 countries.

Windows Vista Starter is the most affordable Windows desktop operating system available. Specific pricing information is available to participating PC OEMs and Microsoft OEM distributors.

Windows Vista Starter is designed for low-cost, entry-level PCs running value-based processors only. Please see the current and complete list of processors valid for Windows Vista Starter located under System Requirements here: http://www.microsoft.com/windows/products/windowsvista/editions/starter/default.mspx.

Windows Vista Starter has the following system requirements:

•	800MHz processor (1GHz or higher processor recommended)
•	A minimum of 384 MB and a maximum of 1 GB of RAM (512 MB recommended)
•	15 GB of hard disk space (250 GB maximum)
•	Super VGA 800 x 600 resolution video adapter

Recommended system requirements:

•	CD-ROM or DVD drive
•	Monitor, keyboard and Microsoft mouse or compatible pointing device
•	Support for DirectX 9 graphics and 32 MB of graphics memory
•	Internet access (fees may apply)
•	Audio output capability

For customer stories and video footage of families using Windows Starter:

Visit http://www.microsoft.com/presspass/presskits/starter-edition/map.

Microsoft is dividing the Vista product line into seven discrete editions (nine if you include European-based N editions)--Vista Starter, Home Basic, Home Premium, Home N, Professional, Professional N, Small Business, Enterprise, and Ultimate Editions--and will differentiate them with various features. Part of that differentiation will involve the number and type of processors and the amount of RAM the products will support.