Is Windows Vista Right for Me?

There has been a lot of talk about Windows Vista since its release in January. New computers come pre-loaded with Vista and I get quite a few calls asking “should I upgrade?”. I have been running Windows Vista since December 2006 and I will try to be as fair as possible in my evaluation. My computer here at CVAR is a Pentium 4, 3.0 GHz with 1GB of DDR RAM. I am running Windows Vista Business which is the upgrade path for those of you using Windows XP Pro.

After using this operating system for over 3 months, I find no reason whatsoever to upgrade to Vista from XP at this time. Vista is SLOW on an average machine. As I stated, my computer has 1GB of RAM and Vista is SLOW. Not only is the OS slow, but it also has HUGE compatibility problems. Since installing Vista, I cannot print to 2 of my printers because drivers are not available. I also cannot use our fax server because the driver is not Vista compatible. My antivirus no longer works and there will not be an update for a few months. I have received numerous calls from members that have attempted to install WINForms® on Vista and have not been successful because WINForms is not Vista compatible.

Windows Vista IS a good operating system BUT, it is too new to be used effectively for most business professionals. The OS is also VERY demanding on system hardware so if you want to upgrade, make sure you buy lots of RAM and a good video card so your “upgrade” does not become a “downgrade”. I would also recommend a dual core CPU too. If you are buying a new PC, keep in mind the issues I have mentioned above before you settle on a Vista machine. I would personally look for a machine that offers XP pro with a free upgrade to Vista that you can do at a later time.

Vista is the future and we will eventually all be running it, but right now too many drivers for devices just aren’t ready. Also it will take a good running standard office machine that runs XP and is working just fine and turn it into a slug that will frustrate you and have you pulling your hair out trying to get work done. My advice; wait 6 months or so before going to Vista.