XP vs Vista

superstar_2

Looking to get a new laptop too, so wondering this. I realise that Vista have a different office programme files, i.e. the word file is known as .docx and the powerpoint is different too. That would make a problem for me to transfer anything or even to do a presentation at the uni where they are still on XP. I may be completely out of the radar, so can someone enlighten me here?

Thanks.

Mobeer

I think you are getting confused between the operating system (XP or Vista) and the applications you are using. For example if you use Word 2003 then it saves files as .doc files on either operating system. If you use Word 2007 then it saves files as .docx on either operating system.

Sput2001

Mobeer wrote: »

I think you are getting confused between the operating system (XP or Vista) and the applications you are using. For example if you use Word 2003 then it saves files as .doc files on either operating system. If you use Word 2007 then it saves files as .docx on either operating system.

Indeed, the file extensions change is between Office 2003 and Office 2007. It's nothing to do with the version of Windows.

You can download a free compatibility pack from MS which will allow you to open Word 2007's ".docx" files in Word 2003 (and earlier).

Also, Word 2007 will also let you save files as a ".doc" if you go with the "Save As Word 97-2003 Document" option, so it's not as if they're mutually incompatible. The other Office programs have similar options to save as previous versions too, so you won't be stuck.

superstar_2

Thanks, that makes more sense.

Is Vista better than XP as an operating system then?

DCFC79

superstar wrote: »

Thanks, that makes more sense.

Is Vista better than XP as an operating system then?

depends on who you ask, some people will say xp is better and others will say vista is better, ive only just installed vista and it seems ok to be honest, vista can be a bit over protective at times

penrhyn

Vista is being replaced by Windows 7 in October so if you are buying a new PC make sure it has a free upgrade path.

[Deleted User]

superstar wrote: »

Thanks, that makes more sense.

Is Vista better than XP as an operating system then?

Yes, it's a much better operating system. Although Windows 7 is better still.

moonrakerz

anewhope wrote: »

Yes, it's a much better operating system. Although Windows 7 is better still.

You are joking aren't you ? Did you hear that from Bill gates himself ?
They have just about sorted out all the bugs and holes in XP, have nowhere near even identified all of those in Vista and now they're flogging W7 - good one !

Marty_J

superstar wrote: »

Thanks, that makes more sense.

Is Vista better than XP as an operating system then?

Technically yes, it's much better and much more secure.

In practicality though, there are many who would say it's a big pain in the backside.

[Deleted User]

moonrakerz wrote: »

You are joking aren't you ? Did you hear that from Bill gates himself ?
They have just about sorted out all the bugs and holes in XP, have nowhere near even identified all of those in Vista and now they're flogging W7 - good one !

No, I just have a very sound understanding of the Windows architecture and how the changes that were made from XP to Vista contributed to Vista being far more secure than XP.

superscaper

anewhope wrote: »

No, I just have a very sound understanding of the Windows architecture and how the changes that were made from XP to Vista contributed to Vista being far more secure than XP.

Have to agree, just spent ages earlier in the week at work trying to make a program we're selling Vista compatible and there's all sorts of security hoops you have to jump through whereas XP was pretty much no questions asked allows you to do anything. Bit of a pain from a development point of view but Vista as far as I can tell genuinely is built from the ground up to be much more secure.