Is it worth it from XP

  • Thread starter Thread starter Brian Taylor
  • Start date Start date
Unless you have a special need, there is really not a big advantage to
Vista at this time for most people. On the down side any change of
operating systems means setting this up the way you like, learning the new
ways of doing the same old things, finding new fun things and finding that
some old fun things are no longer there. On the other hand if you are
buying a new computer and don't have any programs that might have serious
problems with Vista, I certainly would not buy a new machine with XP today.
You could just end up buying Vista later.
 
Is it worth it upgrading from XP. I might need a new computer.
Click to expand...



My view is that you're going about this backward. A change of
operating system should be driven by need, not just because
there is a new version available. Are you having a problem with
Windows XP that you expect Vista to solve? Do you have or expect to
get new hardware or software that is supported in Vista, but not in
XP? Is there some new feature in Vista that you need or yearn for?
Does your job require you have skills in Vista? Are you a computer
hobbyist who enjoys playing with whatever is newest?

If the answer to one or more of those questions is yes (and your
hardware is adequate for Vista), then you should get Vista. Otherwise
most people should stick with what they have. There is *always* a
learning curve and a potential for problems when you take a step as
big as this one, regardless of how wonderful whatever you're
contemplating moving to is. Sooner or later you'll have to upgrade (to
Vista or its successor) because you'll want support for hardware or
software that you can't get in XP, but don't rush it.

If you were contemplating buying a new computer (and you say that you
might), I would unhesitatingly recommend Vista, but I think upgrading
to anything new (Vista or anything else) should only be done when
there's a compelling reason to do so.
 
Brian Taylor said:
Is it worth it upgrading from XP. I might need a new computer.
Click to expand...

If you're going to buy a new computer I would go with Vista. However,
there are many editions of Vista available and the different editions have
different software and capabilities to some degree. In any event, you should
research the issue, especially regarding the necessary hardware needed to
properly run Vista and the compatibility with the software you wish to add.

C.B.
 
I would also recommended Vista, if you are buying a new machine.

However, take a look at your peripherals - printer, for example. If it is
recent it will probably have Vista-compatible software/drivers, but check
first.

What about your software? Don't have rosy expectations that 2-3 year old
versions of your software will work. Check with the software maker first.

These may represent additional costs to upgrading to Vista.
 
I would also recommended Vista, if you are buying a new machine.

However, take a look at your peripherals - printer, for example. If it is
recent it will probably have Vista-compatible software/drivers, but check
first.
Click to expand...

The Vista Upgrade advisor said my scanner wouldn't work (it and
my printer are about the same age - about 4 yeas old. I found a
Vista Twain version on the mfr's website and it works fine.
What about your software? Don't have rosy expectations that 2-3 year old
versions of your software will work. Check with the software maker first.
Click to expand...

"2-3 year old versions" should hardly be a problem in most cases.

I'm using TEN year old software. The only software I couldn't
carry over from my XP installation was Nero 6 OEM.
 
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