The development time for Windows Vista was much longer than any other operation system such as Windows 95, 98, 2000, and Windows XP in Microsoft´s history. The interesting part is that Windows XP is the most used operation system ever. In the last 6 years, every single hardware and software developer and producer has been concentrating on Windows XP. Anyone in the computer industry could not imagine such big operation system like Vista.

Year ago, Microsoft released the newest operation system “Vista”. There are still millions of Windows XP users, who have many questions about Windows Vista. They are not sure for a big upgrade from XP to Vista because they have heard Vista’s hardware and software compatibility problems and they do not want to make their life harder than before.

I have some answers to the questions such as:

1-    What brings Vista for me?

2-    Running Vista on my PC?

3-    What Vista version is the right one for me?

4-    Is it a good idea to purchase Windows Vista 64-bit?

5-    What should I know for Vista installation?

1-What brings Vista for me?

Vista brings you much more that what Windows XP still is missing:

More security:

Microsoft has improved defense against viruses and protecting against attacks from Internet. So you have more security under Windows Vista than Windows XP.

New program sections:

Vista requires no additional software and applications for many tasks. For example you can burn CDs, and DVDs, manage your calendar appointments and make a complete backup from your system with Vista, which XP was not able to do that.

Simplified Operation:

Using and operating Vista is very easy for new Microsoft’s users and beginners, but it will be difficult for people who have been working with previous Windows operations systems such as 98 and XP.

2-Can I run Windows Vista on my old or new PC?

If your PC is older, you should test your computer with “Windows Vista Upgrade Advisor”. You can download Vista Advisor her by Article Inspector. After you install and run this small application, you can see if your computer is Vista ready or not. But do not forget:

Before you run the Upgrade Advisor, be sure to plug in any USB devices or other devices such as printers, external hard drives, or scanners that are regularly used with the PC you're evaluating. Buy a new PC, look for the words "Vista Capable". This ensures that Vista runs. Microsoft Website

If you want to buy a new computer, you should look for the special logo which is showing you, if that computer is “Vista Capable”. If you see the logo saying “Vista Capable”, then you can be sure you can run Vista on that computer.

3-Which Vista version is the right one for me?

I already have written an article about Vista 64 and 32-bit and all Windows Vista’s versions in detail and you can read it in this page: Windows Vista: Versions and their Features at a Glance

Vista is available in specially five versions:

Home Basic: Vista Home Basic is the cheapest Vista edition and it comes with less features and functionality. You will miss security, system backup and the new Aero Transparent Interface.

Home Premium: This version is designed especially for home users. It offers almost the essential features by Vista. This includes the audio, video and photo features and the program for burning DVDs and CDs.

Vista Business: This version of Windows Vista is for work and businesses because you can make network with Vista Business. Vista Business does not support any Video and Music features.

Enterprise: This version is only available for big companies and it must be purchased directly from Microsoft.

Ultimate: Vista Ultimate is the most expensive and most powerful version. Security and networking features are much larger and better than any other Vista editions.  

If your PC has Windows 2000 or XP, you should use Vista Upgrade version because it is much cheaper.

4-Is it a good idea to purchase Windows Vista 64-bit?

First of all you should know that Microsoft is offering Free Windows Vista 64-bit. If you own a retail version of any Windows Vista 32-bit, then you can order Vista 64-bit for free. You just have to pay for shipping fees and it is around $15. You can order your free Windows Vista 64-bit here.

Windows Vista 64-bit is only for the professional work such as design, Multimedia, CAD rendering. Only people who is looking for high performance, more security, stability, and reliability, then they should run Windows Vista on their computers.

For Windows Vista 64-bit you need more memory, more hard drive and a Processor (CPU) which supports the 64-bit extension. You need 64-bit drivers, because 32-bit drivers won´t work on Vista 64-bit. In my previous articles I talked already about Windows Vista-64 bit. If you are interested, then you can read it here. Is it time for Windows Vista 64-bit?

5-What should I know for Vista installation?

That depends on what you have done so far on your Windows XP computer and which data you want to keep. There are the following possibilities:

All new with Vista: With this simple method you adopt from the old Windows and delete your partition and make a new partition. Before you start to do that, you have to burn all your important files such as music, videos, photos, and any other files you will need them. This method is the best way to start a better operation system with Vista. (Recommended)

From Windows XP to Vista upgrade (“upgrade"): In this method replaces Windows XP with Vista. With this method you will be able to use all your files but it is no guarantee for that, that you can run all your drivers and applications.  

Running Windows Vista and XP parallel on one computer:  with this method you keep your old Windows and install Vista in an additional partition. Advantage for this method: You can continue using your programs and applications under XP. This method is the best solution for someone, who is not sure for running Windows Vista forever. Or who still did not decided for Vista, because you delete your Vista partition any time to want.

The changeover to a new operating system such Windows Vista is not easy and it is not an easy decision. You may be shy for upgrading to Windows Vista. You have these questions in your mind if your hardware and software will work under Windows Vista.

Hardware: The most of hardware run under Windows Vista. The good news is you do not have to replace you entire hardware. Unfortunately, the good test results are only for the 32-bit version of Vista. With Vista 64-bit version failed more than twice of hardware.

Software: there are many problems with applications under Vista. Every third application and software does not run under Windows Vista. Many backup programs would not cooperate with Vista and Windows Vista does not support all antivirus and security software either.

Comforting: The most common office programs such as Word, Excel and Outlook are able to be used under Windows Vista.

Adaptation is not easy

Although, many programs and most hardware ultimately cooperate with Vista. It is not always too easy but it is possible. Sometimes, an update of the manufacturer can help.

Waiting for the driver

Windows Vista was the biggest development and update in Microsoft’s history. It was a shock for hardware and software manufacturers and the best way is to wait for new drivers and software.