When is the right time to upgrade to Vista?

By Pamela S. Stevens

Vista has finally launched. If you have purchased a computer recently you may be considering using your Vista express upgrade. Or, you may be considering purchasing Vista. But when is the right time to upgrade to Vista?

First of all, Vista is replacing XP. Soon you will not be able to purchase XP anywhere and eventually Microsoft will discontinue support for its XP versions, but that will not be overnight.

Here are a few possible situations you may find yourself in.

You own a computer and are considering purchasing Vista.

In this case you will want to carefully consider whether your system can easily run Vista. Microsoft does offer a diagnostic tool on their Vista site that can test your system and will tell you which version you can run. However, keep in mind that some of the advanced visual elements included in Vista will not run on lower end systems. So just because the diagnostic relates that you can run Vista basic, it does not necessarily mean it can run Aero or other advanced components of Vista.

Recommendation:

If you have a system with less than 1GB of RAM, an upgrade is not suggested. Additionally, if you do have a GB of RAM, but like to run RAM intensive programs like dynamic games or video editors you may not want to over tax your system by adding Vista. If you have 2GBs of RAM you may want to consider upgrading when you feel that Microsoft has worked the bugs out.

You have recently purchased a computer that comes with a Vista upgrade.

In this situation you may be a bit pressed for time, since your upgrade is likely not an open ended option. Check with your manufacturer regarding the exact terms of your upgrade. Most express upgrades will cost you about $10–$65, which is well below the full asking price, which is about $160 for Vista Home Premium. However, as mentioned above, if you have less than a GB of RAM you may want to wait until you buy your next computer.

Recommendation:

If your system has 2 GBs of RAM or more and you are excited about testing out Vista, back up your data and try it. Keep in mind that the Vista Home Basic upgrade does not include the Media Center.

You are considering buying a new computer.

If you are looking to buy a new computer, most manufactures have already switched over to offering Vista options. However, just because it comes with Vista preinstalled doesn’t mean it runs best on that configuration. Although basic computing and file organization will run on a lower end system, the gorgeous Vista effects require good components. If you have come to enjoy Media Center XP you will want the Vista Home Premium version. Those that just want basic computing without the multimedia elements can get along with Vista Home Basic.

Recommendations:

If you are thinking about buying a new computer, it may seem extreme but look for a system with a Core 2 Duo E6300 or an Athlon 64 X2 dual core or better and shoot for 2 GBs of RAM or more. Add to this a decent graphics card like a NVIDIA GeForce 7300LE with TurboCaching or better. Really, what is the point of having Vista if you cannot run it to its full potential?

You are in charge of purchasing computers for your company.

In this situation, collaboration is going to dictate when you have to switch over. Right now XP Pro is the most widely used and the most stable OS available for business communication. Eventually, as new computers replace old ones Vista will take over.

Recommendations:

Don’t worry about immediately upgrading, most people are going to want to hang on to an OS they trust till they are comfortable with moving over. As you purchase new machines Vista will slowly become the standard for your company. If you are a small company you can get away with Vista Business. Large enterprises with international business will want the Vista Enterprise version. Few people really need the Vista Ultimate version, unless they plan on using their computer for business and entertainment.

In conclusion, there is no need to rush to download Vista. If your computer came with an upgrade consider the terms of the upgrade. If you are buying a new computer, choose the right version for your needs and don’t under buy on your computer. Lastly, XP Pro users, there is no need to worry; Vista is not going to slow down you operations anytime soon.

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