Which Windows for a new PC?

Question

I'm getting a new PC soon and as far as I know it doesn't come with an OS. I've been fine with Windows XP on my old computer but my current system is only an old Athlon and so I will be making the jump to 64-bit dual-core.

The problem is I can't find any stores on the Internet that sell 64-bit versions of Windows XP (I know it exists) and I am unsure about getting Vista due to compatability with games or other programs.

Which OS is better for a new system; Vista or XP, ignoring price as they are similar at the OEM level? And whichever it is, do I have to get the 64-bit version for an AMD Athlon X2 or similar CPU?

Also, I have heard that you need 64-bit if you have a system with more than 2GB ram, is this true?

Answer 1

MS Vista has hardware compatibility issues with many items. and if you are not sure your games will run on Vista, you may have to purchase new games or not play them.

i did a search and found these two and there are many more that sell a x64 windows xp O/S

have fun good luck, hope this helps

Answer 2

I would base the decision re Vista entirely on the RAM you have on the new system. If you are getting 2GB or more RAM on the new system, feel free to use Vista. If not definitely go for WinXP. I dont think you will face any hardware problems or game issues with Windows Vista, since both XP and Vista are already quite stable on those fronts.

Answer 3

If you are familiar with XP, why not stay with it? Microsoft has expanded new XP sales to June 2007, and Dell has just ordered new PC with XP installed - this is due to "popular demand."

Here is some information on Vista which might help you make your decision:
MS Vista – Pros and Cons
http://www.computerworld.com/action/article.do?command=viewArticleBasic&articleId=272182

Compatibility with older programs
Source: jcoates@ tribune.com (a writer for the Chicago Tribune)

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)

Vista – more than you want to know
Source: http://www.theeldergeekvista.com/

I've said it before, I'll say it again. If you're running a system that is already marginal, don't bother moving to Vista, even if it is possible. You'll absolutely hate it within minutes of completing the installation. The idea that Vista will run on 512MB of RAM is a joke. It will crawl and gasp for life on 512MB, but what it won't do is perform in a manner that 95% of users will find acceptable. Dump Vista on a machine with a marginal processor, graphics card, and memory and you'll say "WOW" alright, but it won't be a good WOW - I assure you of that.

Source: Source: http://www.theeldergeekvista.com/


Windows Vista Home Basic - Remember those computers I mentioned earlier that have the unbelievably low come on price points that can't get out of their own way? Chances are they will use Windows Home Basic. You don't want this version. It doesn't contain the Aero Glass interface, you can't burn a DVD video with it and for that matter it doesn't do much of anything else.

Windows Vista Home Premium - For the majority of folks this will be the best choice. It has Aero Glass, Media Center, allows you to burn DVD videos, has SafeDocs for backing up files and a number of other features including Parental Controls which are very useful in a home environment.

Windows Vista Business - Obviously geared more toward business it doesn't contain the Media Center features but does allow it to act as a Remote Desktop host and has MeetingSpace capability as well as the ability to use ShadowCopy for automatic backups. For some reason you can't burn DVD videos with Business, but that's overcome pretty easily.

Answer 4

the dual core processors can run on 32bit and 64bit software. i would recommend getting 32 bit because there arent really any perks for 64 bit processing at this point and time in computers, honestly. some will disagree. i would not get Vista if you have less than 1.5 or 2 gigs of RAM...its a recourse hog. XP is prob the most stable and supportive OS for PC right now.....right now. i say this because Vista is on the up and up. i am dual booting xp pro sp2 and vista home premium and love both. but vista cant run games i want it to, xp doesnt look as cool, vista doesnt support most of my software and devices. i would say go with xp pro or upgrade your RAM and get Vista. vista looks and feel cooler..its just what you want/need to do with your OS. hope this helps, good luck :)

Answer 5

xp vista sucks has to many bugs in the system

Answer 6

I've used xp for years don't see why i should change look up what you need on e bay somebody will be selling it somewhere and go with your stength.

Answer 7

get XP, our new computer had vista and it sucked so bad, i took it off and installed xp

go with that

Answer 8

go for vista ultimate 64 bit.

Answer 9

vista of course..its more better....and it is mor improver than xp....i got vista...so from my view it looks great