Vista...Now or Later?

[Fran]

Now using Windows XP, IE7, OE6 on one newish HP notebook that is wirelessly
networked to an older Compaq notebook.

I just received my Vista upgrade discs. I have been reading through
hundreds of posts about problems, concerns and issues that new Vista users
are facing. With this in mind I am wondering if it would be wise for me (a
not-so-computer-savvy person) to wait until most of the Vista bugs are
worked out. I don't I have the abiltiy to work through fixes on my own and
I am concerned about losing lots of necessary computer time, as well my hair
turning gray over this!

The question is whether or not to install Vista now or later? Which way
will be most beneficial? All opinions are welcome. Thanks in advance for
your advice. Fran

 

[R. McCarty]

Waiting is certainly an option, I'd recommend you purchase an imaging
program ( specifically Acronis True Image Home 10.0 ). Take a verified
image of your current setup. Then upgrade to Vista. If things don't work
out as you expect you can use the image to restore your PC to it's state
before the Vista upgrade.
Basically, there are 3 areas of concern with Vista:
1.) 3rd-Party Applications and peripherals and their compatibility
2.) Learning curve to become comfortable using Vista
3.) Ability to cope with the Quirks and Anomalies that a new OS
presents and not "Blow a Fuse" when things don't work 100%.

 

[Jeffrey S. Sparks]

How old is your laptop? If you're not sure about your capabilities then it
would be advisable to find someone (either a professional you pay or someone
you know and trust) to help you with the upgrade. Make sure you have
drivers for all of your devices and make sure they are Vista drivers.

Backup your laptop before attempting the upgrade so you have a way to go
back incase you have problems.



Jeff

 

[Justin]

Waiting is certainly an option, I'd recommend you purchase an imaging
program ( specifically Acronis True Image Home 10.0 ). Take a verified
image of your current setup. Then upgrade to Vista. If things don't work
out as you expect you can use the image to restore your PC to it's state
before the Vista upgrade.
Basically, there are 3 areas of concern with Vista:
1.) 3rd-Party Applications and peripherals and their compatibility
2.) Learning curve to become comfortable using Vista
3.) Ability to cope with the Quirks and Anomalies that a new OS
presents and not "Blow a Fuse" when things don't work 100%.

Much agreed. Backup EVERYTHING.

What is the exact model of the notebook? Maybe we can help you research
others that already attempted Vista with your model.

 

[Jon]

Now using Windows XP, IE7, OE6 on one newish HP notebook that is
wirelessly networked to an older Compaq notebook.

I just received my Vista upgrade discs. I have been reading through
hundreds of posts about problems, concerns and issues that new Vista users
are facing. With this in mind I am wondering if it would be wise for me
(a not-so-computer-savvy person) to wait until most of the Vista bugs are
worked out. I don't I have the abiltiy to work through fixes on my own
and I am concerned about losing lots of necessary computer time, as well
my hair turning gray over this!

The question is whether or not to install Vista now or later? Which way
will be most beneficial? All opinions are welcome. Thanks in advance for
your advice. Fran

If your main concern is to have everything working completely smoothly
out-of-the-box, then it would probably be better to wait. To get the most
out of Vista at the moment, you'll need a fairly high level of computer
understanding, and / or a willingness to learn.

Whenever you install, there will still be many new things to learn to get
the most out of the new operating system, regardless of your level of
computing knowledge. The main area probably being security. So a good book
/ guide will prove invaluable.

 

[JoAnn Paules]

If Win XP is working for you, I would suggest sitting tight. The only reason
I'm running it is because I just bought a new computer. My former system
works but it's 7 years old - I was overdue for an upgrade.

 

[ray]

Now using Windows XP, IE7, OE6 on one newish HP notebook that is wirelessly
networked to an older Compaq notebook.

I just received my Vista upgrade discs. I have been reading through
hundreds of posts about problems, concerns and issues that new Vista users
are facing. With this in mind I am wondering if it would be wise for me (a
not-so-computer-savvy person) to wait until most of the Vista bugs are
worked out. I don't I have the abiltiy to work through fixes on my own and
I am concerned about losing lots of necessary computer time, as well my hair
turning gray over this!

The question is whether or not to install Vista now or later? Which way
will be most beneficial? All opinions are welcome. Thanks in advance for
your advice. Fran

I would advise you wait for at least SP1 - preferably SP2.

 

[Mike Hall - MS MVP]

Fran

Some hardware and software will never be fully supported for one reason or
another.. you may have to buy a new printer or a new version of software
regardless of whether you wait or go for it now.. check out as much as you
can.. if you find that you could get away with running Vista now, most of
your important stuff still working, then go for it.. if you have any doubts,
stay with XP for a while longer..

Now using Windows XP, IE7, OE6 on one newish HP notebook that is
wirelessly networked to an older Compaq notebook.

I just received my Vista upgrade discs. I have been reading through
hundreds of posts about problems, concerns and issues that new Vista users
are facing. With this in mind I am wondering if it would be wise for me
(a not-so-computer-savvy person) to wait until most of the Vista bugs are
worked out. I don't I have the abiltiy to work through fixes on my own
and I am concerned about losing lots of necessary computer time, as well
my hair turning gray over this!

The question is whether or not to install Vista now or later? Which way
will be most beneficial? All opinions are welcome. Thanks in advance for
your advice. Fran

--


Mike Hall
MS MVP Windows Shell/User
http://msmvps.com/blogs/mikehall/

 

[John Barnes]

If you like chasing your tail, go for it. If not, this is one of many
similar replies I have gotten trying to get Vista up and running

Greetings!

We do not expect to have VA11A drivers for Vista until May 1st at the very
earliest. Other hardware should work OK. Remember, a Microsoft operating
system is not really trustworthy until the first Service Pack comes out. If
you have any more questions, please reply to this email.

 

[Dale White V64]

I going with the wait as long as possible group. If you're happy with XP and
want to avoid potential headaches, then certainly wait. If you're known for
running with scissors at time, then I'd say wait 2 more months or whenever
you can afford to have a down system and then make the dive.

I would say Vista is fairly different and there will be a learning curve and
getting use to the way Vista does things over XP. I'll admit up front that I
don't care much for Vista, so I'm a little bias

 

[Hugh Wyn Griffith]

Don't even think of it on a notebook -- unless it's a throwaway <g> --
unless you establish that the notebook manufacturer has on-line all the
VISTA version files you need for the specialized features of notebooks.

Likewise don't do it unless you are certain that anything you plug into
the notebook and that uses drivers or software on the notebook has the
necessary VISTA files available -- and that they are full function not
just basic partially featured drivers.

Many people are having problems with printers, especially all-in-ones,
and with scanners.

 

[Lang Murphy]

Fran,

I like Vista... and I would recommend that you file that upgrade DVD for
later use.

Your hair is not gray already? What's your phone number?

Just kidding...

Lang