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Should I Upgrade to Windows Vista®? |
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June 2007 - Microsoft has launched their next operating system, Windows Vista, with the usual media hype, and you may be asking "Should I consider upgrading my Windows XP or 2000 to Vista instead?" The short answer is "No". Here's why: Windows Vista® has some nice new features, and a slick new look. It has some built-in features that help you manage your multimedia files, and it touts better security than the previous versions. The multimedia tools are very similar to those found in Windows XP Media Centre®, and with legions of hackers around the world targeting Microsoft, security probably won't end up to be that much better than XP. All in all, you won't really find that your daily computer experience is enhanced much by using Vista instead of XP. Its new look requires the latest video display hardware in order to render the new "AeroGlass®" look on your monitor. The new computers currently being sold with Vista loaded have what it takes, but if your video display hardware isn't up to the latest standard, Vista will look just like XP. Vista also needs more memory and a faster computer chip in order to deliver the same speed performance as the earlier operating systems. If your computer is more than a year old, there's a good chance that Windows Vista won't find the resources it needs in order to run at its best. You can still install it, and it will still work, but you won't get the benefit of Vista's new features unless you have a newer computer with lots of memory and a fast processor. Also, if you want to use your older printer, scanner or digital camera with Vista, be wary -your older hardware may not work. Many of the drivers for older hardware are built into Vista, but if they're not, you won't be able to use the hardware. You may find yourself upgrading more than just the operating system. That doesn't mean that you shouldn't get Vista if you're buying a new computer - in fact, just about all the new systems come with Vista. The same caveat applies though - if you're buying a new computer but not a new printer, scanner, etc., check with your computer supplier to make sure that all your hardware will work with the new computer system. If they're not sure, hope for the best, but expect the worst. So take your time if you're considering an upgrade just because you think you "should". But if you're looking for an excuse to buy a new computer system and a bunch of great new toys, Vista is your chance! Click here to listen to Diane Henders talk with Hugh Reilly of ThatRadio.com about Windows Vista just after it was released. (Approx. 8 minutes 30 seconds). By: Diane Henders, Bright Ideas Personalized Learning Inc. For more information or computer training services, please call Bright Ideas Personalized Learning at (403) 692-2255. |
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