Windows Vista

[shazzabell]

How do I know my computer is Vista ready? If I purchased an OEM version of Vista, will I get Microsoft updates? And what's the difference between 32 and 64 bit?

[vehelpfulguy]

If your PC is already running Windows XP DO NOT upgrade to Vista.

You only have to look at the updates on this website to see the problems people have had and the advice NOT to upgrade.

I follow an external forum JUST for question about Vista and it is almost completely negative with all sorts of problems.

[vehelpfulguy]

There is a Vista Upgrade Advisor here

http://www.microsoft.com/windows/products/wind owsvista/buyorupgrade/upgradeadvisor.mspx

But it will not tell you about all the programs that will not work after you upgrade, or the hardware drivers that are missing.

Run the upgrade advisor if you like but do NOT upgrade.

[shazzabell]

Thanks vehelpfulguy! Very helpful as usual! I wont be upgrading for a long time.

[vehelpfulguy]

To answer your other questions:

If you install the OEM version you WILL get updates.

32bit v 64bit

The Windows most people have currently got is 32bit, and the CPUs most people have currently got are 32bit.

BUT you can buy 64 bit processors, and install 64 bit Windows.

But I would not recommend it.

64bit Windows requires 64bit drivers, and most hardware does NOT come with 64bit drivers.

In think in 3 or 4 years time most PCs will have 64bit CPUs and run 64bit Windows, but at the moment you are better off sticking with 32bit.

[Androcles]

I would back up what the others have said. I ran the test programme on my fairly powerful laptop and it told me that I could run Vista but the following would not work ever which included the IBM trackpoint mouse (very useful!) and my Firewall for which I pay a subscription.

It then listed 17 other bits of software or hardware which would not work unless I contacted all the providers, found out if they had a driver for it downloaded it and installed it myself with no guarantees anything would work. I estimate if I did it it would take me at least several months to collect everything together and get it working.

In the old days they sold software which was tried and tested with what was out on the market and told us don't worry we have it covered - Now with MS it is "buy our product and if it trashes your investment in other software and hardware - Tuff, we don't give a toss."

And they have the cheek to charge twice the US price. Tell the crooks where to go!!

Rant over!

[shazzabell]

It's crazy! No Vista for me.