Windows Vista
Thoughts on changing operating systems
I was dragged kicking and screaming from Windows 98 to Windows XP. After
upgrading to XP I became so frustrated by the lack of support for some of
my software and hardware that I reverted to 98 several times. This is not
the fault of Microsoft - with regard to hardware in particular, it's the
fault of the manufacturers. Often they just don't bother to write drivers
for your printer or scanner, so they can't be installed in the new Operating
System.
In the end I was won over by new features: support for hibernation; support for very large files and larger hard drives; the Thumbnails View in Windows Explorer; just to name a few. Even so, I still use the Windows 98 Classic desktop settings and Control Panel view - I only change to the over-the-top XP graphics when I need to use it for web pictures on this site.
Change in Windows is not always an improvement. There's often a much heavier price than just the cost of the disk.
Vista is pleasing on the eye
Now it starts all over again. I have Windows Vista installed on two computers and I am impressed.
The immediate impression is that, unlike the garish default settings
for XP, Vista is visually attractive. Microsoft's graphic design people
have done an excellent job. Of course, just like a new car, after a while
the new standard becomes the norm and you probably won't notice all this
beauty.
The changes to the way just about everything is done are more substantial than in past upgrades. Vista will take more time to learn than previous new versions. The same applies to Microsoft Office 2007.
Most pundits are advising consumers who wish to try Vista to wait for some months before switching. Perhaps when the first service pack is released to deal with the inevitable bugs. Or when the early adopters have given it the seal of approval.
How does all this affect you?
Buying new?
If you don't want to pay for a PC powerful enough to run Vista satisfactorily, make sure you purchase before Microsoft pull the plug on Windows XP.
It's already hard to find new PCs running XP, so if you don't want Vista you may be in trouble. Installing XP on a new PC may not be possible. XP drivers may not be available for all components of a new machine.
Upgrading?
If you have a computer which is sufficiently highly specified to enable you to run Windows Vista effectively and you have a legitimate copy of a previous version of Windows, you can purchase an Upgrade copy of Vista at a significantly reduced price.
If you purchase a new disk drive or any other significant piece of hardware you may be able to buy an OEM copy of Vista in the same transaction - again at a much reduced price. Bear in mind though, that an OEM version will probably be tied to the first PC it's installed on. You probably won't be able to reinstall it on a different machine. Not without bending the truth during the re-activation process anyway.
Windows Vista Upgrade Advisor
On your current PC, you can download, install and run the Windows Vista Upgrade Advisor from here: http://www.microsoft.com/windowsvista/getready/upgradeadvisor/default.mspx. This small utility will tell you whether or not your hardware and software will have compatibility problems. The Advisor only works with Windows XP 32 bit version (which is what most people have).
It will not work with XP 64 bit version or with older versions of Windows. It's highly likely that if your PC is pre-XP then your hardware will not be capable of running Vista.
Versions
Vista comes in a number of versions. It's more complicated than the XP Home, Professional and Media editions. The DVD will include all versions. You will be have a code (the Product Key) to release the version you've paid for and, if you wish, you'll be able to upgrade later by paying extra and receiving a new code to access the upgrade from your original DVD.
This online upgrade service is not available in all countries. Not in mine – go figure.
A detailed comparison of the versions available is here: Windows Vista comparison.
The Problems
If you're upgrading, chances are you'll have some problems. Typically you'll have a printer or scanner for which no Vista drivers are available. Some of your programs won't be compatible – especially utilities like those that come with printers and digital cameras.
Hardware needed
As usual, Microsoft are a little hopeful when it comes to advising on this. The minimum stated requirements for running Windows XP (233 MHz processor and 64MB of RAM - yeah, right!) were totally inadequate for 99% of users.
For Vista I recommend 2GB of RAM, a 256MB video graphics card and at least a 2GHz processor (CPU). Any less than this and you will notice a significant loss of speed and some of the visual effects that you are paying for may not be available. With any PC of lower specifications I recommend sticking with XP which has matured into a very good operating system and will be supported my Microsoft for several years yet.
