why vista?

magoogy

why is vista better than xp?

what does it mean to uninstall vista off your laptop and claim the licence fee? can you do that and then install xp? where do i find xp?

thanks

gremlin666_2

Vista is streets ahead of XP its alot more secure than XP too. To purchase XP which costs just as much as vista seems a strange thing to do. XP also will not be supported by Microsoft after 2009 aswell. Its down to your own choice if you've only read about Vista you'll think its bad but if you try it you just might like it.

economiser

I've seen folk complaining about compatibility of old software and hardware with Vista? Is there anyway of checking what is and what is not compatible. I don't want to upgrade windows and then find I need new equipment and other software upgrades.

durham_girl

I was just going to ask this question! Any opinions?

matty2767

often the software that isnt compatible will just require at downloadable patch from the vendors website. eg acrobat reader.

just check if the version you have is vista compatible.

there is also a hardware checker from the MS website. i am of the opinion that slightly older hardware is more vista friendly as my pc is about 5yrs old and it all works fine.

sco0ter

You could always try the upgrade advisor first to see what it says

http://www.microsoft.com/windows/products/windowsvista/buyorupgrade/upgradeadvisor.mspx?wt_svl=20406a&mg_id=20406b

Conor_3

Indeed. The problem some have seems to be mainly those wanting to run a new OS on an old system or those expecting an application they first used several years ago to work.

I've only come across one thing that wouldn't work and that's Colin McRae Rally 2005 because the installer has a fit about it not being a recognised version of Windows.

magoogy

thanks - i will advise my son to get the vista and try it - using the link to update if he has any problems with his software - he really is only worried about itunes but im sure there wont be a problem with that.....

just read lots of negative about it rather than positive so was undecided.....

thanks

rainbowtrout

I'm not a big fan of vista for the following reasons:

A) it's a resource hogger and takes up 512mb RAM even when you don't have aero on. 1gb is just about enough to run vista to a good standard.
Vista basic is a a rip-off (all the best features are stripped out) upgrade to at least home premium if you can.
C) not sure how long vista will last before being superseded by another new gimmick from bill gates. The five years between xp and vista is the longest Microsoft has ever gone before releasing a new OS and rumours are MS want a new OS released every 3/4 years rather than 5 to maximise profits.

However compatibility is getting better with hardware and software problems being sorted out. Note if you are using adobe CS2 however this will not be vista compatible, you have to upgrade to CS3.

Conor_3

rainbowtrout wrote: »

I'm not a big fan of vista for the following reasons:

A) it's a resource hogger and takes up 512mb RAM even when you don't have aero on. 1gb is just about enough to run vista to a good standard.
Vista basic is a a rip-off (all the best features are stripped out) upgrade to at least home premium if you can.
C) not sure how long vista will last before being superseded by another new gimmick from bill gates. The five years between xp and vista is the longest Microsoft has ever gone before releasing a new OS and rumours are MS want a new OS released every 3/4 years rather than 5 to maximise profits.

A) A lot of that is "Superfetch" which preloads applications into RAM so they start faster. The RAM is released if needed.
Spot on.
C) Pundits reckon 3 years. XP has support from MS until 2009, then basic support (serious security issues only) for a couple of years after that.