Complete technophobe and vista for first pc?

earthmother

Would you recommend it?

My mum (who has only just learnt how to text, and still can't programme the VCR) is thinking about getting online. We've seen a good deal on a laptop, but it has Vista loaded.

I've never used Vista (still on XP), so I only know what I hear - about it being not so good, full of glitches etc.

So, do you think she, as an absolute beginner, could learn on this system (bearing in mind she won't have the back up from me that she would if on earlier windows systems), or would it be better to find something with 2000/XP loaded?

hendersonb

Get her Vista - its the latest OS, besides xp would be just as hard for her as a first time user. She currently won't be used to xp so vista should be easier for her to pick up. After using XP vista can be a pain as everything is moved about so can be a bit harder to learn as you look in the wrong places for stuff.

Hope this helps

amcluesent

>about it being not so good, full of glitches etc. <

A new install on a laptop should be fine, IMHO the Vista interface is much superior to XP. Just remove all the garbage demo-ware from the laptop and install the anti-virus etc. recommended on this board and ensure there's min. 512MB of RAM so Vista runs decently.

BillScarab

" I've never used Vista (still on XP), so I only know what I hear - about it being not so good, full of glitches etc. "

People keep saying this with very little evidence. If she's never used a computer before it won't matter what Operating System she uses it will still be new to her.

Vista is pretty easy to use, my wife and children had no problems switching from XP to Vista. To be honest I don't think it's that different in every day use.

Personally I would say Vista needs at least 1Gb (1024 Mb) of RAM to run properly.

The only other things I would say are if she has never used a computer before is Linux an option? Or if it's within budget what about some sort of Mac?

sleep2much

Vista if fine, it's just a pretty looking version of xp on the outside, get it.

earthmother

Thanks all

The laptop we're looking at right now only has 512mB RAM, so I take it that may be an issue.

This is the spec - it's an Acer Lifestyle - is it worth £400 (it is her top budget)? Her main uses, along with internet, will probably be things like family trees, charting cross-stitch patterns etc, and possibly some Excel files


Intel Celeron M-520 processor
39.1cm (15.4ins) high bright TFT widescreen
DVD-RW drive (play and record CDs and DVDs)
80Gb hard drive
512Mb RAM memory
Weight 2.9kg
Features:
- Microsoft Vista Home basic operating system
- Intel 943GM graphics card
- Internal WLAN card 802.11 b/g for wireless connection to the internet - with broadband and a wireless router you can use your notebook in any room in the house
- Compatible for wireless internet access via any WLAN point
- Slim, lightweight chassis
- 5-in-1 memory card reader
Supplied with mega software bundle including CD/DVD burning software, digital photo album software, music management software, Adobe reader for document viewing, Microsoft Works for letters and spreadsheets, Norton Internet Security and more.

BillScarab

The second one in this list has the same size screen and hard disk but twice the memory. It also has Vista Home Premium rather than Basic, the Premium version is much better than Basic.

http://www.dmxdimension.com/blogcategory/dell_uk_inspiron_1501.html

Out of all the options with the above the only one I would consider is the 120Gb hard disk for an extra £10.

Personally I'd rather have a Dell than an Acer.

sleep2much

Vista is VERY ram hungry, it will take as much as it can, my PC has 2gb of memory and it's always half full with just the OS, my old laptop has 512mb but I run Vista run on that too, I crank down the "wow is now" Vista eye candy and it's fine.

BillScarab

If you decide to upgrade the memory, don't get it from the manufacturer. It is much cheaper to buy it afterwards from somewhere like Crucial.