Windows help: Should I upgrade to Windows Vista?

Do I need Microsoft Windows Vista?

Windows Vista will ship with several new features and enhancements such as:

• Better networking
• Better sound
• A new look and feel
• New file searching capabilities
• Better security (so says Microsoft)
• Better/easier installation methods for new software
• Several technical upgrades from Windows XP under the hood

Windows Vista has some nice features, but does that mean I need to upgrade?

Many advanced users will run right out and upgrade to Windows Vista just because it's the latest and greatest from Microsoft. For the average Windows user however, jumping on the upgrade to Windows Vista bandwagon might not be a good idea. Historically, major Windows upgrades from Microsoft have always brought with them several problems and issues. Many of these problems are easily overcome by advanced Windows users, but they can cause real problems for the average home PC user.

Memories of past Microsoft upgrades

Virtually every upgrade of Microsoft Windows, from Windows For Workgroups in 1992, all the way up to Windows XP Service Pack 2 (2004) have had the following issues:

• Hardware Incompatibility:
  Will your printer work with Windows Vista? What about the network adaptor card that connects you to the internet? If not, you may have to purchase new hardware, or wait until the manufacturer releases updated drivers for Windows Vista
• Software compatibility:
  Will your current software run in Windows Vista? Microsoft has been pretty good about backward compatibility with major Windows upgrades, but there are always some programs that just will not run after a major Windows upgrade.
• Can your PC handle Windows Vista?:
  Every version of Windows gets bigger and heavier meaning, your PC might run Windows XP or Windows 98 just fine, but Windows Vista might slow it down to a crawl, or fill up the hard drive.
• Can you handle the changes in Vista?:
  Windows Vista has a whole new look and feel, more features and new goodies. This means that you will have to learn how to use those new features! If you upgraded from Windows 95/98/ME to Windows XP, you probably know how frustrating it can be to find things that Microsoft moves around and hides each time they make a Windows upgrade.

Wise men say: Never buy version 1 of any software

Unless you like to be on the bleeding edge of technology or are a Windows expert (and if you're on the GrownUpGeek's website, you probably are neither) it is probably a good idea to wait a while before upgrading to Windows Vista. Waiting for Windows Vista Service Pack 1 will give Microsoft time to fix all the issues that the cutting-edge people run into, saving you from the pain frustration of some of the issues mentioned above. If you're buying a new PC and have the option of Windows XP or Windows Vista, opt for Windows XP - it's the safer choice. If you're buying a new PC and you have no choice but Windows Vista chances are the PC manufacturer has already verified that Windows Vista will run properly with all their hardware - so you will probably be OK.

Wait for Windows Vista Service Pack 1

If you aren't up to all the potential issues and problems with the first release of Windows Vista, wait for Microsoft to release Windows Vista Service Pack 1 which will address all the early adaptor issues, and save yourself the frustration and hassle of a new, mostly untested operating system.

Links and more info:

Microsoft's Windows Vista web site:Microsoft.com/vista
The GrownUpGeek's tips for buying a new PC: Buying a new PC