The new Windows Vista operating system(OS) has some nice features. But before you upgrade your system to it, you should check for some possible “hidden” costs. Some tips on things to check before you upgrade.
To begin with, if you bought your current computer in the last couple of years and are currently running Windows XP, there is a good chance you will be able to run Vista. But what version? Vista comes in different editions, or versions, each one more powerful than the other, and, therefore, requires more horsepower to run effectively. To find out, (and, again, only if you are running XP), go to the Windows Vista Upgrade Advisor at www.microsoft.com and follow the instructions on downloading and running the application. It will give you a report on whether or not you can run Vista, what edition you can successfully use, and whether or not it found any compatibility issues with currently installed hardware and/or software.
If you aren’t currently running XP, or you are using XP Enterprise (which cannot use the Advisor software), then you will have to verify everything manually. If that is the case, then you will need to check out the individual requirements for the various versions of Vista. For that information, go to www.microsoft.com
Whether or not you can utilize the Vista Advisor, you will also want to verify the existence of Vista drivers for any currently used hardware (internal, external, and peripherals) and/or software you plan on utilizing with the new OS. While this will entail some extra time sitting in front of the computer doing research, you may find that it is time well spent. It may be that the applications most important to you have built new drivers for Vista, in which case going with Vista will not pose a significant problem. However, if you can’t find Vista drivers (and I’m talking about ones that have been tested and are in production – not simply Beta versions), then it becomes a financial issue as to whether or not you want to invest the money to replace the software/hardware with a newer, Vista compatible, version – if that is even available. For instance, as recent as June 2007, one popular software for authoring/copying CD’s and DVD’s did not have Vista drivers for their most recently released software edition; and had no estimated time frame for releasing one.
Software in particular is behind the curve when it comes to compatibility. Older software (and each application is different) may not even install under Vista. While some of it may install, but does not have any updated drivers available for use with Vista – basically rendering it useless. Hardware can also be an issue, but probably will not pose as much of an issue as the software does. Both of these, of course, can be replaced with newer versions, but at what cost?
If you are going to purchase a new computer, chances are Vista comes pre-installed on the system and will therefore work with any hardware and/or software that is currently installed on the new computer. If, however, after performing the research mentioned above you find that your currently used application is not compatible, and you still need to buy a new computer, tell the salesperson you will buy the computer, but only if they replace the Vista OS with XP. More and more retailers are finding that this is a service they must provide in order to sell computers. If they refuse to do it, or want to charge you for doing it, then find a vendor or store that will do it free of charge – they are out there and growing in numbers.
Windows Vista has some very nice features over its predecessors; but most are simply “nice to haves”. Whether or not they are worth the investment you may need to make is strictly a dollar and cents decision.
To Vista or Not To Vista...... - To learn more about this author, visit Bob Unruh's Website.
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Bob Unruh
(Visit Bob's Website)
Bob Unruh, owner of the San Diego based
Creative Computer Consultants ( www.ccconsul
tants.biz ), has been providing
technology consulting and solutions for
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international book stores, accountants,
ranchers, engineering firms, churches, and
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