Which of these systems can support Windows XP?

You need to install a minimally configured Windows XP operating system on a PC. Which one of these configurations will support your requirements?

A) 200 MHz processor, 64 MB RAM, 2.0 GB disk space, SVGA video

B) 233 MHz processor, 64 MB RAM, 1.5 GB disk space, SVGA video

C) 233 MHz processor, 32 MB RAM, 2.0 GB disk space, SVGA video

D) 200 MHz processor, 64 MB RAM, 1.5 GB disk space, SVGA video

The answer: B) 233 MHz processor, 64 MB RAM, 1.5 GB disk space, SVGA video

This answer corresponds to the exact minimum configuration for a Windows XP Professional installation. For the CompTIA A+ exam, it’s useful to know the minimum and recommended installation configurations for both Windows XP and Windows 2000.

The incorrect answers:

A) 200 MHz processor, 64 MB RAM, 2.0 GB disk space, SVGA video
The minimum processor speed for Windows XP is 233 MHz. All of the other specifications meet or exceed (2.0 GB of disk) the minimum requirements.

C) 233 MHz processor, 32 MB RAM, 2.0 GB disk space, SVGA video
Although the processor speed is fast enough, 32 MB of memory isn’t enough for Windows XP.

D) 200 MHz processor, 64 MB RAM, 1.5 GB disk space, SVGA video
The memory and disk space requirements are at the minimum recommended, but the processor speed isn’t quite fast enough.

Want to know more? Watch “Planning a Windows OS Installation.” Before starting the installation of any Windows operating system, there are a list of hardware, software, and application prerequisites that must be considered. In this video, we’ll give you the information you need to plan an upgrade to Windows 2000 and Windows NT, and we’ll show you which options you’ll see as a CompTIA A+ certified professional.