Gerald--
However, we would have to qualify this answer and say that not all software
that works on XP is going to work on Vista.
This link should help you:
Windows Vista RTM Software Compatibility List
http://www.iexbeta.com/wiki/index.php/Windows_Vista_Software_Compatibility_List
You may have to consult the software maker's website or box. There are
also websites that try to keep track of compatibility as well. Most of your
software will work well on Vista, but there are a panoply of exceptions and
a lot of them have been discussed on this newsgroup. For example, if you
have Windows One Care and it's not 1.5, then it's not going to work on
Vista. I haven't had any of my software that doesn't work on Vista with the
exception of having to update Perfect Disk, and One Care, and I have Nero 6+
working perfectly on it.
I could name you a number of drivers (they're software) that don't work on
Vista after it's gone on sale.
CH