Microsoft Unveils 'XP Ready' Program

Microsoft announced yesterday the official minimum requirements to run Windows XP when it arrives this October. The new operating system demands a 233MHz processor, 64 megabytes of RAM minimum, and 1.5 gigabytes of hard drive space. However, using only 64MB of RAM will diminish performance and disable certain features in the OS, including 'fast switching' between users. To take full advantage of XP, a 300MHz processor and 128MB of RAM are recommended. Computers that run either Windows 2000 or Me can be easily upgraded to Redmond's latest offering. Microsoft posted a more detailed wish list for OEMs last month.

By comparison, XP predecessor Windows 2000 required a 133MHz processor, and recommended 64MB of memory.

Popular OEMs such as Compaq, Dell, Gateway, and Hewlett-Packard have already begun to sell XP ready PCs to customers. Microsoft has posted a full list of supporting manufacturers at the Windows XP Web site.