Windows XP or Vista?

Question

I am in the process of purchasing a new Dell computer, however I am undecided, and do not know whether or not to choose Vista.
I have heard some unpleasant things about it.
If it helps, the Dell has a dual core processor, 2gb RAM, and a 350gb hard drive.
Would this set-up allow for a fast running of Vista?

Answer 1

That set-up should run Vista just fine. I have Vista on both my home computer and work computer and have had no problems with it. They just announced Service Pack 1 will be out for Vista in January so that should reduce any bugs that are present dramatically. If you stick with Windows XP that's fine too just know that if you do want to upgrade to Vista at some point it's going to cost you about $150 to do that.

Answer 2

Don't buy a dell first of all, it's a regret.

And it's not about what your computer has, or speed. It's that Vista isn't ready, they should have waited another year to put that crap out. But they did the same thing with XP. Vista is out there, they are adding new patches and crap, but it still doesn't compair to XP, YET!

Your choice, I have the Vista CD, but i'm waiting till Microsoft comes out with a new Service Pack.

Answer 3

Regardless of your computer's memory, XP will take up less of it and therefore run faster.

Right now Vista has a lot of compatibility issues with various hardware and software.

The only thing that Vista has on XP is better graphics, which is to say that it is prettier, and if you are using a widescreen monitor , that is better supported. It this is particularly important to you, perhaps you should choose Vista. Otherwise, I would go with XP.

Answer 4

vista should run fine with any dual core, and 2gb....but the real concern is....how willing are you to learn something all over again. Vista is nice, but its very diffrent from XP...so if you're used to XP...I'd say stay with XP...but if you dont wanna feel left out 3,5,7 years from now...i suggust go with vista. BUT my best advice is go with both. You can split your hard drive in two and choose which OS you want to use...get Vista from dell...and buy XP from pricewatch.com and use XP for your comfort...and swich to vista every now and then to get familar with it so when the industry swicthes over in acouple of years towards vista

Answer 5

Wasn't aware you could still get XP. If you can, you may want to opt for it. You can upgrade to Vista later on. 2gb RAM will certainly run Vista, but check out this information before you buy:

MS Vista – Pros and Cons
http://www.computerworld.com/action/article.do?command=viewArticleBasic&articleId=272182


AIM
http://www.aim.com/help_faq/starting_out/getstarted.adp?aolp=

Examine the various versions of Vista
Source: http://www.microsoft.com/windows/products/windowsvista/editions/default.mspx

Can your computer be upgraded to Vista?

Whether your PC can be updated depends on when you purchased your computer.
Here are some general rules of thumb to get you started.
If your PC was purchased between Oct. 26, 2006 and Mar. 15, 2007 then you are eligible for the FREE Express Upgrade to Windows Vista.**
If your PC isn't "Windows Vista Capable*" use the Microsoft Windows Vista Upgrade Advisor to get a recommendation for the edition of Windows Vista that is right for you.
If your PC is more than 1 year old - check first with the Microsoft Windows Vista Advisor Tool.
The Windows Vista Upgrade Advisor will help you to determine if your Windows XP-based PC can run Windows Vista.

Microsoft Windows Vista Advisor Tool
http://www.microsoft.com/windows/products/windowsvista/buyorupgrade/upgradeadvisor.mspx

Link to Vista versions and their capabilities: http://hpshopping.edgesuite.net/www.shopping.hp.com/shopping/html/popup/vista_features.html?aoid=39158


Compatibility with older programs

There is no trouble loading earlier versions of MS Office such as Office 2003 on computers running the Vista operating system.

On the downside, there are vexing compatibility issues because Microsoft added so many bells and whistles to Office 2007 that they can be contained only in a new file type such as .docx in Word.

Unfortunately, .docx files cannot be read by the earlier versions of Office, so Microsoft offers a compatibility pack that can be downloaded to let Office 2000/XP/2003 view Office 2007 documents but with a number of features of 2007 absent.

Go to www.support.microsoft.com and use the search term “Office 2007 compatibility.”

Source: jcoates@ tribune.com (a writer for the Chicago Tribune)

Answer 6

Vista is superior to XP in every way, always was, always will be.

XP is history.

The sooner more people come to their senses and realise that there will a lot less arguments amongst us Windows users.

Dont listen to the 'we hate vista' or ' support XP til the end of time' brigades.

Many havnt even used Vista, let alone qualify to comment on it.

Answer 7

The DELL conf. sure does let smooth running of VISTA..

But why pay extra for VISTA operating system when Ubuntu OS is completely free of charge and compared to VISTA it's much faster and reliable.

I just don't like the fact that you have to pay for something just because Microsoft Made it look a BIT nice then the others..

Answer 8

Yes, it would run fast. But in my experience, Vista does not inherently run well, and that's the kicker. I would recommend staying with Windows XP Home / Pro for right now. At least until all the driver issues have been sorted.

Answer 9

I bought a computer for my wife from Dell, I ordered it with XP media center edition but it shipped with Vista. UGH!!!!! I would rather have had XP, BUT Dell wouldn't give me the disks to install the O/S, so I left it the way it was.... I hate it.

Luckily, my wife uses the thing and I don't have to. I just have to support it. (and my stomach turns every time she asks me to fix something on it)

Short answer: XP

Answer 10

My puter is XP & Hubby's is Vista I don't like the vista at all not sure if you choose the puter it's fine but if I ever get a new one & it has vista on it I'll get it changed ASAP.
That's My Opinion..Good Luck