• Windows Virtual PC is eligible to operate on desktop or laptop computers.computer image by michele goglio from Fotolia.com
  
  Windows Virtual PC is an upgraded operating system developed by the Microsoft Corporation. This is the 1.0 version and downloads at 30.4 to 60.9 megabytes (MB). This system is unique in that it allows users to maintain more than one operating system all on the same computer, while using virtual machines. The Microsoft Corporation attests that this system increases efficiency, support and development when migrating to different virtual systems. Before using Windows Virtual PC, individual computers should have the necessary requirements.
  
  

Host Operating System

• The host operating system is the system that Windows Virtual PC will operate with. Computers should at least have Windows Server 2003, Windows Vista Enterprise, Windows Vista Business, Windows Vista Ultimate, Windows XP Professional or Windows XP Tablet PC Edition. Windows 7 and all of its components may also be compatible with Windows Virtual PC depending on specifications of the hardware. For example, for the computer to be compatible with Windows 7, service packs may need to be installed. The computer should have enough hard disk space to handle the service packs and Windows Virtual PC installment.
  
  

Hardware

• There must be adequate hardware in order for the Virtual PC to run proficiently. Microsoft requires the hardware to be 1 GHz (Gigahertz), with a 64-bit processor. There should be 2GB (Gigabytes) of RAM for operation of this system. RAM is more of a recommendation; however, it is better to have too much memory as oppose to too little, as too little would result in having to acquire additional memory in the long run.
  
  

Disk Space

• Appropriate disk space ensures that Windows Virtual PC operates at the proper speed. Microsoft recommends that there should be at least 15GB of hard disk space per each virtual Windows environment. The virtual environment may or may not take up the entire 15GB. Since multiple virtual environments can run on this system, an insignificant amount of disk space could slow the application down and not allow it to run to its full potential.