Help
OK, I'm all about new and exciting things and such, and maybe a bit gullable too. lol. I have a Dell 4600 pc running XP home edition SP2. Intel Pentium 4 cpu 2.80GHz, 512 RAM, 80GB hard drive. Is it worth it? Can my system handle it? Any input appreciated. Thanks in advance!
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Upgrade To Vista? Should I or should I not?
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#2
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Posted 04 January 2008 - 08:04 AM
Can it handle it? Probably. Will you like it? NO!!!
Try running the Windows Vista Upgrade Advisor to see what it advises: http://www.microsoft.com/windows/products/...adeadvisor.mspx
You'll need more RAM definitely, maybe a new video card, maybe a new/additional hard drive, a Vista upgrade, etc - and when you finish buying all of that you'll have less of a computer than if you had purchased a new one that has Vista already installed.
Finally, do you have any other hardware/peripherals that you like to use? Does it have Vista compatible drivers? It'd really suck if you got a new Vista system and couldn't use your printer, TV card, camera, etc. Check to ensure there are Vista drivers for your hardware before upgrading - otherwise you'll end up having to buy all new peripherals.
Oops! I forgot about your programs - do they all have Vista versions or can they be made to work with Vista? Having to buy new, expensive software will also impact your decision to upgrade.
After having said all of the above - I love Vista and have been using it for a couple of years now. Once you're all setup and working it's great (and less trouble than XP).
Try running the Windows Vista Upgrade Advisor to see what it advises: http://www.microsoft.com/windows/products/...adeadvisor.mspx
You'll need more RAM definitely, maybe a new video card, maybe a new/additional hard drive, a Vista upgrade, etc - and when you finish buying all of that you'll have less of a computer than if you had purchased a new one that has Vista already installed.
Finally, do you have any other hardware/peripherals that you like to use? Does it have Vista compatible drivers? It'd really suck if you got a new Vista system and couldn't use your printer, TV card, camera, etc. Check to ensure there are Vista drivers for your hardware before upgrading - otherwise you'll end up having to buy all new peripherals.
Oops! I forgot about your programs - do they all have Vista versions or can they be made to work with Vista? Having to buy new, expensive software will also impact your decision to upgrade.
After having said all of the above - I love Vista and have been using it for a couple of years now. Once you're all setup and working it's great (and less trouble than XP).
This post has been edited by usasma: 04 January 2008 - 08:06 AM
- John
**If you need a more detailed explanation, please ask for it. I have the Knack. **
**If you need a more detailed explanation, please ask for it. I have the Knack. **
#3
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Posted 04 January 2008 - 01:36 PM
I would advise you to hold off. Vista is not a fun thing to learn.
#4
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Posted 04 January 2008 - 02:02 PM
When I upgraded to Vista, I had to buy extra RAM and a Video card. Next, I went through my system with a fine tooth comb and looked in Device Manager to see what was installed on my system. I went to each website and got they latest Vista compatible driver. Finally, I did the same for all my software that was for XP.....I needed a Vista compatible version.
Once I got all that, I re-installed clean with Vista HP.
Without all the updates, Vista is rather unstable. If you wish to upgrade, make sure you get all the latest Windows Updates INCLUDING the "Reliability Updates". Note, that many of the Reliability updates did NOT make it through Windows update, so you will have to do this manually. However, once you are up-to-date, Vista should run very well.
BUT, I would highly recommend you wait until Service Pack 1 is out. It is currently in Release Candidate phase and due to ship in the coming months. SP1 is a cumulative rollup of all the previous updates and reliability enhancements.
Cheers.
Once I got all that, I re-installed clean with Vista HP.
Without all the updates, Vista is rather unstable. If you wish to upgrade, make sure you get all the latest Windows Updates INCLUDING the "Reliability Updates". Note, that many of the Reliability updates did NOT make it through Windows update, so you will have to do this manually. However, once you are up-to-date, Vista should run very well.
BUT, I would highly recommend you wait until Service Pack 1 is out. It is currently in Release Candidate phase and due to ship in the coming months. SP1 is a cumulative rollup of all the previous updates and reliability enhancements.
Cheers.
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