Windows XP or Vista???

[Golden Gate Geckos]

I am going to get a new PC, and have used Windows XP for a few years. I have heard some not-so-good stuff about Windows Vista. Can you help me with some info between the two?

 

[leolover2]

I said XP. I have heard some bad things about vista having problems and that Microsoft released it to early without fixing the bugs in it. I think vista will be good soon once the can fix the bugs. Then again some people use it and have no problems at all.

 

[David Loftin]

If you MUST go with Windows.. Go with XP. I would personally recommend nixing the Microsoft.. and going with a Mac.. When we next hang out I will bring my new laptop with us and you can play around on it. Its awesome...

 

[Golden Gate Geckos]

Everybody tells me to go with a Mac, but ALL my software and everything in my saved files is MS based.

 

[PacHerp]

I know I've been teasing you about getting a Mac... but seriously, I'd say go with XP.... working with Vista is a complete nightmare at this point.

 

[David Loftin]

I am guessing you are talking about Microsoft Office? Well.. Microsoft Office is also made for Mac's... And there is also this really cool program called Open Office.. which can open all of those files.. But it is free. [Yey Linux ].. And Linux is also another way you can go as well... Over the past couple of years they have come a long way to make it more usable for the standard person [non tech geek].

Edit: Also.. Quickbooks is also made for the Mac OS as well.

 

[PaulSage]

My "newest" computer came with Vista. I absolutely hated it--slow, full of bugs and glitches and it wasn't compatible with a lot of software and hardware installations. It crashed after three months. I got one of my older computers rebuilt and had XP put on it.

 

[PacHerp]

Marcia... if you so decide... give me a call, I used to work for Apple, and I might be able to work something out for you. It just depends on what software you have that is Windows based... we might be able to work that over to the Mac platform if you decide that is something you want to do.

 

[Ccrashca069]

No to Mac and Vista, Yeah to Linix and Xp. Open office is a cool free program. Its a huge download but it will allow you to open all your Office documents. I just have had alot of bad experiences with Macs. Also for the record with a Mac there are almost as many viruses . So the Mac / Pc with Mac being more secure is BS. If you want a computer very Secure go Linix. It used to be like Dos but like David said it is more user friendly now.

 

[Golden Gate Geckos]

I'm not talking about just Office... I'm referring to all my husband's 4,000+ Family Tree Maker program history files, graphics software & files, and literally every other software program we use and their subsequent files. I also use Outlook for my email, and have saved every single GGG sales and correspondence email for every gecko I have ever sold.

Besides, I really don't want to learn how to use a completely different OS or computer format.

 

[David Loftin]

The family tree thing.. I don't know about. Graphics files are meant to be cross platform supportable. And.. Outlook is on Mac as well.

If you are not up with hopping on a different os go with XP. What are you currently working on?

 

[Ccrashca069]

My mom uses a Family tree program but I think it is only for Windows. The only way to see if it will work with any other Operating system would to email the company that makes the Family tree program. I believe Dell still lets you pick which Windows (XP/ Vista) you want installed. I would pick XP. Microsoft made an anouncement they will countinue to suport XP for a couple more years. I think they realized people don't want to switch to Vista.

On a side note I wonder if Vista will be anouther flop like Windows Me? lmao

 

[eyelids]

XP... Get a good anti-virus program and set your 'puter up to only run system critical services and/or services ok'd by you... I download tons of stuff and am all over the 'net and NEVER have problems... Sadly I forget exactly how I did it... :main_laugh:

 

[Golden Gate Geckos]

I currently have a Dell running on XP, and have been happy with it.

I'm having a problem that cannot be identified by either Microsoft, Dell, or a tech spending 4+ hours on my computer trying to figure it out. I cannot download Windows Updates! I keep getting BITS errors. I have removed and re-installed Windows 3X with the same issue.

Sooooo... if I replace the hard drive, upgrade my memory and processor, and get a better monitor, I will be spending as much as it would take to replace the whole 3 year old computer. Dell has a special going on right now for $300 off any computer over $999.00, and free shipping.

 

[dprince]

We have Vista, and it's a huge PITA. The only advantage is, if you can get something to work on Vista, it'll work on just about anything.

Personally, I'd go with XP.

 

[ataber]

Id go with XP and then upgrade to vista when its more stable(assuming that happens)....

 

[OhioGecko]

Marcia,

There are several factors to consider when buying a new computer and Vista.
1. Is all the software you use compatible with Vista?
2. If it is not can you get an updated version, and if so is it free or more $?

If you can't use your software on Vista, upgrade the software, or it is to expensive to upgrade then I would stay with XP.

Vista is incompatible with some older programs, but all the new programs do work with it. And all future programming will be made to work on Vista, not XP.

Vista has been out for 18 months (estimated). In a year do you still want to be using XP, how about 2 years?

My personal opinion is Vista is great, but it is sold with 512mb and 1Gb which neither is sufficient. Vista runs good on 2GB and great on 4GB. Memory is very cheap right now.

Be careful of when people say it is full of bugs and problems, most can not tell you the issues, they just heard it from someone else. The only two issues I have seen is:

1. Older programs and hardware not compatible.
2. Trying to run Vista on less than 2GB memory.

 

[MSMD]

I voted XP. All of the experience I have had with Vista has been a major pain. If you're familiar, comfortable, and happy with XP, I'd stay with it. I have.

 

[Bridget1569]

PC or Mac.... that's a huge debate...as big as Xbox or Playstation LOL

I have zero experience with Mac but here's my take on PC
I bought a new pc 2 months ago that came with Vista. I deffinatly can't say I love it but I'm getting used to it. It does look pretty nifty but I do find it much more volnerable to worm and virus attacks. It came with Nortons but that failed me two days out of the box. It took several hours to clear it all up. I wiped out Nortons and replaced it with CA Security Center (I've used that for several years now) and so far so good. CA has stopped quite a few nasties so far. I also used Ad Aware daily.
I haven't run into any "bugs" or instability issues with the OS itself; although I've had severl friends who do lots of downloading with torrents and different P2P programs that have had tons of unspecified problems.

All in all I would say it's pretty good, it just takes some getting used to if you're an experienced XP person.

just my 2 cents

 

[eyelids]

If you're familiar, comfortable, and happy with XP, I'd stay with it. I have.

:main_thumbsup: