Upgrading to Microsoft Vista?
Back on July 26, 2006, I posted my reasons why I will be upgrading to Microsoft's Office 2007, but will probably hold off upgrading my operating system from Windows XP to the new Vista release unless it already comes pre-loaded on a new laptop or desktop. Good old Tech Republic just came out with a great set of TOP 10s concerning Vista ... 10 reasons to upgrade and 10 reasons not to upgrade.
And now we pause for a commercial interruption. YES, open source operating systems such as Linux and office suites such as Open Office are great. I love 'em. I also love Macintosh. I love people who love Macintosh. My first computer was a MAC SE30, OK? Satisfied?
For the 90% of the world who slavishly follow Microsoft into the Information Age out of fear, laziness or because that's what all our clients use, we have to keep up on all these upgrades. So here goes - why should you (or why shouldn't you) upgrade to the new Windows Vista operating system, according to TechRepublic.com:
WHY YOU SHOULD UPGRADE
1. Vista allows you to boost performance without having to buy new hardware by using plug-in removable memory similar to a thumb drive using your USB port. Kind of like a Vitamin B-12 shot when you need it to run programs that are memory hogs.
2. It has the coolest "Aero Glass" user interface that makes your desktop and navigation tools fun and easy to use with a see-through look to it.
3. Part of the new look and feel is an integrated Sidebar and Search feature that frees you from having to use your browser every time you look for a file, read a blog or check your stock quotes.
4. It has a new dashboard function to check on your operating system reliability and performance. Up until now, this has only been available to computer technicians. It will warn you when you are getting into trouble and why.
5. The new security features result from a radically changed technical environment. Vista-compatible software will blend into this environment and provide similar security safeguards.
6. The new operating standards (using Group Policy Objects) will support lots more 3rd-party software products.
7. Vista allows laptop users to easily encrypt data to make the computer unusable to anyone without a typed-in or USB start-up key.
8. Networking will become much easier with a whole new set of diagnostic tools. If you need assistance from your help desk, the technician can use these tools to help troubleshooting.
9. Since it's the newest operating system on the block, Vista will have manufacturer's tech support available longer than others.
10. New games using DirectX 10 technology will only find it in Vista. The performance is supposed to be six times better than DirectX 9.
WHY YOU SHOULDN'T UPGRADE
1. Just because Vista will have manufacturer's tech support for a longer time doesn't mean Windows XP will be abandoned, so what's the hurry to upgrade?
2. Even though many of the Vista features and functions are fun and cool, there is still an extensive learning curve to make the switch to effectively use the new operating system.
3. If you like a lot of your current programs and software, forget it. Many of them will not work on Vista and it will be some time before they come out with compatible versions.
4. Microsoft decided to use a technology called DRM to run entertainment programs such as DVDs. Those in the know say this will cripple Vista as an entertainment device.
5. Vista is a power hog and will leave a trail of laptop batteries in its wake. If you use laptops a lot while traveling, this will be a problem.
6. While Vista earns bragging rights for its vastly improved search feature and sidebar functionality, you can purchase or download these tools for free from other sources and keep your present operating system. And once again, the cool Aero Glass transparent interface is a direct rip off of Mac's 5-year old OS X.
7. Vista costs a lot and their screwy, multi-tiered pricing structure can't hide this fact.
8. The gamers breathlessly awaiting DirectX 10 to boost gaming performance will still have to buy a new video card that supports it (and it ain't cheap).
9. You'd better look at your current computer horsepower before you upgrade. You will need a 1 GHz processor, 1 GB of RAM, and a DirectX 9-capable video card. Although this will allow you to operate Vista, you'll need a lot more to make it sing. And the cool Aero Glass interface requires DirectX 9-capability, which means older desktops and laptops can't use it.
10. For gamers looking for breakneck performance, sure DirectX 10 is a huge boost, but Vista's Aero Glass feature will drag down game performance. There is differing opinion whether the performance gain from DirectX 10 is actually better or worse than the previous version when this is factored in.
So ... I am waiting for Vista to come pre-loaded on a new desktop or laptop before I take the plunge.
Chris Crawford
www.justiceserved.com
Comments
My philosophy with upgrades is pretty much, if it ain't broke, don't try and fix it.
Besides, it seems every time something first comes out there's umpteen thousand bugs in it. Why not wait for them to iron the bugs out before jumping into something new.
Posted by: Fred Mangels | February 3, 2007 02:51 PM
This is the old "never buy version 1" rule. Not a bad philosophy, Fred.
Probably the deal breaker for me is that people forget how they lost all their favorite software when Win95 and Win98 first hit the streets. It takes awhile for these programs to come out with compatible versions.
So at the least, people should wait until their favorite programs come out in Vista format. Even so, why buy all your current programs back when you already own 'em?
CHRIS
Posted by: Chris Crawford | February 3, 2007 03:15 PM