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WINDOWS VISTA Starting in February, 2007, Microsoft and computer manufacturers started making the latest Microsoft operating system - Vista - available as an option. Beginning in June, 2008, it will be the only option available in new computers for most manufacturers. Windows Vista, like Windows XP, allows your computer to run and provides for security and other enhancements intended to make your computing experience more productive and enjoyable. However PCT Computer Services is recommending that, unless you are buying a NEW computer, you DO NOT UPGRADE TO VISTA - EVER. The reasons upgrading to Vista is not recommended are many, not the least of which is the cost. There are four varieties of Vista, ranging from the very basic $90.00 upgrade to the Ultimate upgrade at $275.00. There are also operating levels within Vista that allow certain visual things to happen - or not - depending on your system's ability to handle it. Other issues are device drivers not working, programs stopping and systems just not working at all after an upgrade - requiring an expensive and time-consuming overhaul. And you can not 'roll back' an upgrade to Vista. Finally, the cost of upgrading your computer can be quite a chunk of change. Windows states that you need 15 GB of free space on your hard drive to even install Vista, a1 GB processor and 512 MB of RAM, plus a 32 MB video card in order to run Vista. What they do not tell you is that in a system like that, it will run painfully slow and almost all of the best visual features will be disabled. The recommended system requirements based on user experiences are 250 GB free on the hard drive, 3+ GB of RAM, 256+ MB in a dedicated (not integrated) video card and at least a 2.0 GB multi-threaded or multi-core CPU. Upgrading a system that is more than a year old is probably going to be more expensive than merely going out to buy a pre-built Vista computer. But even THAT is not recommended. IT professionals across the country have almost uniformly endorsed a 'wait for SP1' attitude. That is, because of the cost issues with upgrading, device compatibility, program compatibility and a general lack of enthusiasm on the part of business and home users has created an underwhelming interest in the latest and greatest offering from Microsoft. It was thought the service pack would fix the more annoying aspects of Vista, but that hasn't proven true. The average IT professional will still recommend you avoid Vista. The last thing to note is that Microsoft is expected to release Windows 7, the next new operating system, late in 2009. Which means any Vista computer you get today may be obsolete within a year and a half. PCT Computer Services recommends that, unless you are buying a high-end, brand new PC, that you do not upgrade to Vista. And if you are buying a brand-new PC TODAY, that you request Windows XP Professional be installed, instead. You can then upgrade later to Vista when it's had more time to get the bugs and problems worked out. |
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