[Friend2U]

In looking at new computers on the internet, I've noticed that some of them come with the option of Vista OR a downgrade to Windows XP.

What do some of you recommend when purchasing a new computer. I have been very happy with Windows XP. I don't mind change, but understand the Vista has had a lot of difficulties from what I read and hear.

Opinions???? Thanks!

[southie]

Microsoft will be soon like with Windows 98,
be discontinuing updates, fixes, and all the
support on XP soon.

So if one is to go to XP - you are putting yourself
at risk. There is not that much difference between
XP and Vista / Vista Home Premium / Vista Ultimate
although the option to enable the Classic Mode
(Old Win 98 fashion which I adore so much) is
very much exactly that - just like Win 98 only
with extra functionality and features.

I wouldn't downgrade at all. Vista offers more
than XP, while many stores are selling them out
cheap - it's quite tempting when one looks at
all the specs in comparison with Vista - the price
tag itself is alluring. Don't fall for it; because if
you do head for the XP ....

QUESTION:

What are you going to do when Microsoft stops
the supports and updates?

Something to think about right there.

[southie]

Regarding to Vista, people who do not know what
they are doing is what is making its rounds of
scary tales from the crypt....

The major source of issue with Vista is "WHICH ONE
SHOULD I BUY?" Since there is Vista, Vista Home
Premium, and Vista Ultimate. Majority of the
folks purchases Home Premium whilst the Ultimate
are aimed to the Professionals. THEN there's the
options on top of it:

1) Are you a gamer? Then memory, graphics, GB
would be your concern

2) Are you just a casual user? Then the standard
model that is normally equipped would suit you fine.

3) Are you heavy on programs / or into photos and
graphics - then memory, graphics, and plus at least
4 or more GB (you can always use Flash Drive or
Flash Card - for all of mine are 16 GB Flash and they
are there permanently, and I do use an 8 GB Flash
to transfer files from one computer to the other if
I need to and some files are stored in there).

4) Are you "geeky" and into SQL? Then you don't
need me to post or answer that one.



~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Now what's the difference or rather the pros and
cons with XP and Vista. Actually, to a first timer,
it can seem to be intimidating at first - since it
seems so surreal and different; but it offers more
and there's no comparison betwixt the two - but
I can give you an example:

If you looked at XP Windows Update, you would
be overwhelmed with the long list of updates
where it is absolutely ridiculous. Moreover, with
Vista on the other hand - several advantages
which Microsoft does and you can do:

1) Microsoft has the ability to remove a bad
update with an update and take it out of your
computer (unlike with XP that gets stuck in
there and ends up with "hotfixes")

2) Vista - if you decide you want to REMOVE
a program, and Microsoft knows there's updates
on XXXXXX program - that gets removed, it's
no longer hogging up and compiling in your
Windows Updates!



3) Vista allows you a wide range of personalization
and customization; plus you can tweak and fix and
tailor everything to your needs, and even more
so - it works so wonderfully with HD / Blu-Ray;
many come with NOW with FREE Win 7 upgrade.

+++++++++++++++++++++++++

What you need to do is sit down and consider
the options of what do you use the computer for?
examples would be:

Online Bill Pay / Banking / Financial / etc
Online Chat / Email / Forums
Photos
Printing
Writing / Blogs / Diary
Games
Music
(and so on)

After you come to the bottom line of the majors
and minors of what you use on the computer
plus the programs you have on others will work
with Vista because Vista comes with Compatibility
by default - so you get to be able to use a lot of
programs so if your "beloved Paint Shop Pro 7.04
Program with the patch you have downloaded
and kept" - it will work on Vista!

If you love your Microsoft Works 6 or 7 - Surprise,
Windows Update will update it to 9.



But I love my MS Office 2003 - by all means,
install it on Vista - you wouldn't believe all the
programs I have on - many which goes way
back to Windows 95! I have Atari (Game) -
Asteroids, Centipede, Pong, etc; which is a
Windows 95 ... and I use my original first
Microsoft Sidewinder handheld console.

That is just to show you how flexible this Vista
is. And I've been through Win 7, and it's even
better.

Moreover I must add that graphics are far better
on Vista (especially with those who have visual
problems or health-related problems that causes
problems because of flicker rate) - the HD and
HD / Blu-Ray - you just cannot beat it - as implied
the personalization and customization will keep you
busy for hours.

I could go on and on, but then I would spoil all
the surprises ... if Vista was that bad - I would have
been back on my XP in a heartbeat but I haven't
instead I had given it to my son and his fiancee
unfortunately she broke it (don't ask or go there).

The CHOICE is yours and I hope you elect and opt
for the wisest one! Remember as the saying goes
"You get what you pay for ..."

[Friend2U]

Thank you Southie. This has been very helpful. I appreciate your time with this.

[Koala77]

I have XP on my desktop Friend but Vista on my new laptop. I expected all sorts of hassles with Vista going on what I'd read, but to be honest I've had no concerns at all. The change over was quite smooth. I believe that most of the initial problems with Vista have now been ironed out now anyway.

I would go Vista on a new computer.

Do you have XP installation disks for the computer you're using at the moment? If so, you could always use them to have XP installed later should you not like Vista for some reason. Besides...... as Southie said, why buy an old product that will soon have no updates or service available?

[TwoKidsTwoCats]

Just so you know, Microsoft is coming out with Windows 7 sometime in October. If you don't want to wait for it to come with a new computer, just buy one with Vista that offers free upgrade when Windows 7 rolls out.

My hubby is running Windows 7 beta version on his computer and likes it. He is a programmer/gamer/heavy Office products user. I have Vista Ultimate on my computer and it recently upgraded with service pack 2. It looks alot like the Windows 7, but I'm not sure of all the things it fixed.