Bits & Bytes; A Bit More

February, 2007

The Geek Speak-Free Guide to Windows Vista

After years of hype, the wait is over (even if the hype isn't) -- Windows Vista is finally here.  If you're thinking about taking the plunge, here's what you need to know.

Upgrade vs. Full Version

In moving to Windows Vista, you have two choices (three, if you consider sticking with XP ;-) .  An upgrade installs over your existing Windows version and changes many, but not all, of the operating system files. It also leaves your programs and personal files in tact.  The full version installs a totally new OS and deletes everything on your computer in the process.  Data files that you want to keep must be backed up first and programs you want to use will have to be reinstalled (which means you'll have to have the installation disks on hand).  In wiping out everything on your hard disk, the full installation also gets rid of hinky little problems as well as any lurking viruses and enables you to start over with a clean slate.  When you check out the retail prices of Windows Vista (below), you might think the upgrade is the way to go. After all, it's at least $100 less. Not necessarily so.

Microsoft has never done upgrades well. Ever since Windows 95, upgraded PCs have been more prone to a wide variety of problems.  Computers are like snowflakes -- no two are alike.  The idea that one upgrade will work on all PCs has been proved false time and again.  "One size fits all" never does.

If you want to keep your data files and have your programs work correctly, hiring a computer professional to load the full version of Windows is probably the way to go (that's not self-serving, just honest ;-) .  When you compare the cost of doing so to the ongoing repair of an upgraded system, the $100 savings just doesn't add up.

Add the Cost of Hardware and Software

The goodies you get with Vista come at a price in terms of the hardware required to run them. The new Aero interface -- where programs and files seem to float on your screen -- is pretty cool, but don't plan to run it unless you have at least 2GB of system memory (RAM) and a big honkin' video card.  If you try it with too little oomph, you won't be happy with your PC's performance.

Most computers today have between 512MB (½ GB) and 1GB of RAM.  That means a memory upgrade to at least 2GB, costing about $100-200, will be needed for Vista.  An appropriate video adapter can run $100 and up. Way up!

Also, some of the software you now have -- particularly anti-virus programs -- won't run on the new OS.  Vista comes with it's own protective software (Windows Defender), but if you'd prefer a better program, or if you just like what you use now, you'll have to buy Vista-capable versions.

Over all, Vista has such increased hardware requirements for smooth operation that you may be better off buying a new PC that's built to run it.

If you're not sure whether your current computer has the guts to run Vista, give us a call and we'll be glad to help you determine if it does and, if not, what it will take. As always, advice is free.

 
Which Vista?

Apparently, Microsoft decided that the names they gave to the various Windows versions (Windows 2000 Professional, Windows XP Home Edition, Windows XP Professional Edition, Windows 2003 Server...), as well as the many incarnations of MS Office (some of which are also called XP and/or Professional), were not confusing enough.  So Vista is available in five -- count 'em, FIVE -- versions.  In order to alleviate some of the confusion (even we can't weed out all of it) here they are:
 

Lastly...

It bears repeating that we don't recommend upgrading to Vista -- or even buying a new PC with Vista on it -- until some of the major bugs have been worked out (6 months to a year).  Windows XP has become a pretty stable platform and support for it is not going to fall off any time soon.  We will, of course, continue to provide service for all versions of Windows for years to come.

Still have questions?  Call or e-mail us.