Microsoft has released the second test version of the new version of Windows, also launching a preview version for the public. But those spending US$19.95 for the preview may be forced to buy additional memory or upgrade their processor to run the software.
Microsoft's Web site recommends a minimum 300MHz Pentium II processor and 128MB of RAM to run the Windows XP beta, up from a 133MHz processor and 64MB of memory for Windows 2000. Although many PCs come with 128MB now, machines sold a year ago, especially budget PCs, typically came with much less memory.
Analysts warn that the requirements could force many early adopters to buy new PCs to run the new commercial-consumer operating system. At the least, many will have to beef up their PC's memory. While the system requirements could change before Windows XP's release later this year, analysts say they would more likely go up than down.
According to market researcher Metafacts 58 percent of desktops and 60 percent of notebooks in use in the United States have 64MB of memory. Systems packing 128MB or more account for only 21 percent of desktops and 19 percent of notebooks.
The problem is further exacerbated by Microsoft's history of understating the actual system requirements required for new operating systems, say analysts. Last year's Windows 2000 release, for example, necessitated massive memory upgrades and compelled many companies to replace systems before switching from Windows 95, 98 or NT. Based on Microsoft's recommendations, only a small number of PCs should have required an upgrade.
"Microsoft tends to downplay what you need, and the reason they are doing that is investors," said ARS analyst Matt Sargent. "We went through this whole thing with Windows 95, where they looked at the installed base and said the requirements are very low."
Lower system requirements increase the pool of those using existing Windows versions who will consider upgrading to the new operating system, something Microsoft wants to strongly communicate to the financial community, Sargent said. "They're trying to increase the potential installed base for upgrades."
