How-to: Windows Vista

Are you ready for the newest Microsoft system? Is it time to upgrade, or should you stick with good, old tried--and after 5+ years--mostly true?

From the few articles I've read, it can't be said that Windows Vista isn't all that bad, especially if you like playing with gadgets (widgets), Live Icons, a cool transparent interface and other graphic features. Vista offers a shiny, new look called Windows Aero, with a sidebar of gadgets and updated searching features. Vista also offers some new security features, including updated firewall protections and a User Account Control (UAC).

However, other articles and posts claim that Windows Vista is all eye candy and obnoxious functionality (one post named the UAC as Sir Obnoxious Naggy McNag). You definitely want to be sure that your computer hardware and peripherals (printers, scanners, etc.) will be up to the Vista challenge. The new Aero interface requires a higher end graphics card, Vista likes lots of memory (1 GB is best), and many companies have not yet made available drivers to make older hardware work with Vista. Another detractor from Vista's dazzle is the cost. Like Windows XP, there are various packages ranging from Home Basic upgrade ($99) to Ultimate ($399). And if you want all the cool stuff, of course, you're going to have to pay the price.

The best suggestion from these articles is to consider the state and age of your hardware and software for this decision (check out Windows Vista Upgrade Advisor). As Brian Harris in Law.com's Does the Cost Weigh Down Vista's Dazzle? states,

"[i]f you're happy with your current computer's functionality, speed and applications, then now isn't the time to move to a new operating environment. But if you have a computer that is getting long in the tooth, this may be the perfect opportunity (or excuse) to get a new machine loaded with Vista."

You can be on the cutting edge of technology, if you're really good at balancing. But sometimes it cuts too deep and becomes bleeding edge technology.

Articles & Blog Posts
Pros and cons of Windows Vista - Future Tense, Public Radio
Wait! Don't Buy Microsoft Windows Vista - PC World
Windows Vista: 15 Reasons to Switch - PC World
Does the Cost Weigh Down Vista's Dazzle? - Law.com
Can Your Law Firm Live Without Vista? - Law.com
The Most Annoying Things About Windows Vista - Yahoo! News
Don't be misled by these 10 Windows Vista myths - TechRepublic.com
Windows Vista Tip: Disable annoying "Need your permission to continue-" prompts - Lifehacker.com