Personal Computer Tutor
Windows Vista
Friend should you upgrade?
Microsoft's New Vista Operating System
 
Windows Vista Vista Versions
January 30, 2007 - Today, Microsoft released a Windows Vista to replace Windows XP as the operating system that will run most new computers.  With a launch this size there is bound to be a lot of hype surrounding the new operating system so I thought it would be helpful if I gave you some general guidelines about whether to upgrade or not.

Vista Editions:
Home Basic $100
Home Premium $160
Business $200
Ultimate $260

 
Windows XP Windows XP
If you are thinking about upgrading the first thing you should know is that Windows XP is an excellent operating system.  For the vast majority of users XP has been very stable and works well.  If you upgrade your Windows XP computer to Vista you are going to notice a slow down in performance.  As with every new version of a software program Vista takes a lot more horse power to run than XP.  Also, remember the domino effect.  When you upgrade the operating system some other software you are currently using might stop working and will also require an upgrade.  Some upgrades will be free, some you will have to pay for, which will add to the total cost of the upgrade.

Bottom line: If you are currently using Windows XP, the added bells and whistles in Vista are not worth the performance hit your computer will take.

Windows ME &98 Windows ME
If your computer is still using Windows ME or Windows 98 don't even think about trying to upgrade it to Windows Vista.  The hardware in your computer is too old and not powerful enough to run Vista.  Besides that, you can not upgrade these versions of Windows to Vista.  You would have to erase the hard drive and perform a clean install.
 
Bottom line: If you are still using Windows ME or Windows 98 it is time to consider getting a new computer (unless of course you are perfectly happy with it in which case you would not be reading this).  Wait at least a few months for any glaring problems with Vista to be worked out and then buy yourself a new computer.
 
Buy A New Computer With Vista Pre-installed Vista Computer
The best way to get Windows Vista is when you get a new computer.  A new computer will come pre-installed with Vista and the manufacturer will make sure that Vista runs correctly on it.
 
Bottom line: Save your money and put it towards a new computer and get Windows Vista pre-installed by the manufacturer.
 
100 Reasons You'll Be Speechless
Flip 3D
Microsoft's words, not mine.  I know, I know, pretty cool looking, but remember how much horse power is required to run graphics like this.  If you still want to upgrade make sure your computer meets (or better yet, exceeds):

  • 1 GHz processor (CPU).

  • 1 GB of system memory (RAM).

  • Support for DirectX 9 graphics with a WDDM driver, 128 MB of graphics memory (minimum). 

Yes graphics cards have RAM memory too and yours will need a lot to run Vista's fancy graphics.  And BTW, Windows Aero, Windows Flip 3D navigation and other features are only in Vista Home Premium edition or higher, not in Vista Home Basic (see Windows Vista Footnotes).

Windows Vista Upgrade Advisor
Conclusion Vista Gadgets
Remember the old adage in the computer world, "If it ain't broke, don't fix it". (I guess that applies in other worlds too.)  If you are currently running Windows XP and you have no compelling need for a feature in Windows Vista then leave well enough alone.

If on the other hand after reading Microsoft's "
100 Reasons You'll Be Speechless" there is some feature in Vista that you must have and your computer has the horsepower to run it, then by all means run right out and get a copy of Vista Home Premium or higher (And I'll be waiting for your call for help after you install it.  Just kidding!)

I hope this helps sort out whether you should think about upgrading or not.  Me, I'm saving up for a new computer.  (We'll see how long that lasts.)

Claude

 
Personal Computer Tutor
Claude Kerno
719.527.4317
[email protected]
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