Don’t Buy Windows Vista

Why not get a new computer that comes with Windows Vista instead? Unless you have a really tricked-out computer with not much on it, the most painless way to get Vista is to buy a new computer that comes with Vista. This eliminates potential upgrade problems, compatibility issues, and the risk of finding applications you rely on don’t work right after the upgrade.

On your new computer you can take your time installing the applications you need and it won’t be the end of the world if you encounter an incompatibility. In fact, even if you do find problems running applications you may be able to simply adjust the file or shortcut properties to have the program run in compatibility mode. It is even pretty smart about helping you automatically: Vista will ask you “did that install okay?” or “did that run okay?” with the option to reinstall/rerun the application with other settings to help ensure you get it working right.

Just locating all the CD’s downloads and serial numbers for your computer can be a real hassle. The good news here is that this is also an opportunity to do some “house cleaning”. Don’t install the applications you never use and for those you do: go and check for the latest release before you install it on your new system. You may find Vista compatibility as a feature, but even if that is not called out does not mean it won’t work and you’ll very likely see bug fixes as well as new and enhanced features.

Machines shipping with Vista are not going to be the cheapest systems due to the increased requirements, but do you really want the cheapest computer? You don’t hear all the complaints about computers quickly becoming “obsolete” anymore, which always annoyed me anyway—just because it will not be top of the line in a couple of months certainly does not make it obsolete! Cheap systems are fine: I still have notebooks kicking around with “Designed for Windows 98” stickers on them, but I installed Windows 2000 on them long ago and they serve well as internet browsers. However, if you are getting a new system (particularly to enjoy Vista on) you really should not be looking for an entry level system. If it ships with Vista, you can consider it a decent system but as always check the specs and make sure you are getting what you need (and may need in the near future).

If you have just one computer with years of software on it and are thinking about upgrading, you could be in for trouble. If you can, make this the excuse you need to go and get something new and pass your current system on to another family member!