Windows Vista has been out for a while now and seems to be doing well among computer owners. But if you have not upgraded to Vista or you have not bought a new computer using Vista, the question is; should your upgrade?

XP is Still Good Enough

Well, if you are using Windows XP and it serves you well, then I say why not wait until you purchase a new computer. Upgrading up to Vista may require hardware upgrades and Vista may have issues with some of your programs and devices such as printers. So why go through that heartache if you don’t have to do so.

If you are interested in upgrading to Vista, the first thing you need to do is download Windows Vista Upgrade Advisor 1.0, and run the program. It is free from Microsoft and the program will tell you if you can run Vista and what versions your computer can run.

You should know that there are four different versions of Vista available to the consumer. The versions are:

• Home Basic. This version has the basics like using the Internet and basic document production. There are some useful parental control features.

• Home Premium. Home Premium has features that will turn your computer into a media hub. The Vista Aero design that looks impressive and is intended to make it easier to navigate through Windows. You will also fine improved organizational tools for documents and media files.

• Vista Business. This business user version. Comes without the media tools. Have built-in protections for malware. Included are tools for data backups.

• Vista Ultimate. Vista Ultimate is a hybrid of Vista Business and Home Premium. Use your computer as a media center. But get the enhanced business features, too.

Have a New Computer?

If you purchased a PC in the last two years, chances are good that you can run Windows Vista. To install and run the core functionality of Windows Vista, you need:

• An 800 MHz processor
• 512 MB of RAM
• 20 GB hard drive with 15 GB of free space

For New Computers

Microsoft makes two distinctions for hardware requirements: Vista Capable and Vista Premium Ready PCs. With new PCs, you will notice the Vista ready labels.

Version Compatibility

A Vista Capable machine must have an 800MHz (or greater) processor. It also needs 512MB RAM and a DirectX9 capable graphics processor.

A Vista Premium Ready PC will have at least a 1 GHz processor and 1GB of RAM. It must have a DirectX9 graphics card with a WDDM driver. It also requires 128MB of graphics memory.

Upgrade vs. Full Package

Computers with Windows XP and Windows 2000 can purchase upgrade versions of Vista instead of full packages. Upgrade version of Vista are much cheaper than full versions.

The Cost of Upgrades

Home Basic Upgrade $109.99

Home Premium Upgrade $158.95

Vista Business Upgrade $198.95

Vista Ultimate Upgrade $259.95

Conclusion

Windows Vista is a good operating system that is an improvement to Windows XP. An upgrade to Vista may include upgrading some hardware including a video card if you want the Vista Aero which is impressive. Before upgrading, check with Microsoft for Vista compatibility with your system. If Windows XP is working for you, you may want to hold off until you upgrade your system or buy a new computer.

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