Which OS is better for my computer?

Question

I have an Acer Aspire L310 miniature desktop computer and it has a pre-installed Windows Vista Home Premium. Vista is a great OS and it runs smoothly on my computer. But the games aren't. Vista's way of using too much memory and the known compatibility issues may have been causing it. I was thinking of installing Windows XP with an unused serial number, but I'm not sure if it will make the games faster.

My specs:
Windows Vista Home Premium
250 Hard Disk Space
1 GB RAM (I can still upgrade this up to 2 GB)
Intel Core 2 Duo
Intel 946GZ Graphics Card
DVD-RW drive

What do you think is better to do? Keep Vista, install XP or just upgrade my computer with more memory and/or a compatible external graphics card (if there is one)? Plus, the game I commonly play is GTA: Vice City with Back to the Future 0.2d mod. I hope this little info also helps.

Answer 1

Actuall, most programs are now all Vista capable if you people who answered his question would read boxes they say Microsoft vista now supported under system requirements, all the software I used on XP works on my Vista OS, Oh and btw, for the memory hog of vista you can download this thing that will allow you to turn off all of Vista's hogging memory apps.
Keep, Vista it will probably become standard in a yearor so, since Microsoft almost is ready to release SP1 for vista, I suggest intsalling XP and keep vista by using the OS dual boot configuration. 1GB is not enough for vista or XP anymore, you need at least 2GB and if you definetley should get at least a medium performance graphics card, or you coulsd spend an extra $100 and get a card that will last maybe 2 years for high end gaming, Intel graphics Gpus suck go with Nvidia or Ati it's all about your preference.
make sure you have a PCI express x16 slot available it's usually a long thin black express slot or its the same description but blue.
I'm sorry to say there is no external graphics card and even if there was one you'd be paying out of your rear end, I heard that once the are released in 2009 they are going to be about $1500.

Answer 2

Hi, I would really suggest that u stay with Windows Vista. Upgrade ur ram to 2gb though and it will boost the performance a lot. Windows Vista is a lot more stable and secure than Windows Xp. If u start using Windows Xp then u will be exposing ur self to possibly new problems. Just wait a little while and all the new games will start coming out for Windows Vista. Most new programs and hardware will all be for Vista soon. If it works good then there is no need to replace it. Just upgrade ur ram. I hope I helped.
Good Luck!

Answer 3

First, I recommend you check if there is a new driver for your graphics card. Drivers are periodically updated by the maker. Usually the updates fix problems with compatiability.

If you are using an older game, check to see if it is compatiable with Windows Vista. Many software programs, which work on Windows XP, do not work on Windows Vista.

If, after trying the 2 earlier recommendations, you still experience problems, I recommend upgrading your graphics card.

I would recommend against restoring Windows XP, Windows Vista is the future. Already software and hardware makers are making updates to their products to utilize the new advancements found in Windows Vista.

Answer 4

For gaming purposes XP is better. It took along time for XP to be good for games and it's going to take vista a while too...

Id still upgrade my hardware for when i do go to vista....

Answer 5

You may want to try a new graphics card.