Operating Systems: XP Versus Vista

It has been almost two years since the release of  Windows Vista and things are beginning to settle down.  I am asked on a regular basis for my opinion on Microsoft’s newest operating system.  I would have to say that my opinion varies, depending on who’s asking.

For everyday home and small business users, my answer is to go ahead and make the jump.  As a rule, you are not going to run into any insurmountable problems.  When Vista was first released, there were many software and hardware developers that were not prepared for the release of the new OS.  Application software and hardware drivers need to interact with the operating system in a particular way, as defined by the OS.  Programs may install okay on Vista, but when the programs begins to process information, it may quit responding or create system errors that will shut the system down.

 My best advice for home and very small business users is to go ahead and make the jump.  In January 2009, Microsoft is pulling the plug on all sales of Windows XP Home, XP Professional and Media Center and you will not be able to purchase anything other than Vista. 

The new operating system has many advantages along with a few concerns.  The concern I hear about the most is over User Account Control (UAC).  This is a security component built into the OS that was designed to prevent unauthorized changes to the system.  Any time an installation is detected, whether its software or virus, the OS pops up asking whether you know what the process is and asks your permission to complete the tasks.  To me as an administrator over a system, it can be irritating, but to the end user, it creates flags that caution them and hopefully creates questions in their mind as to whether they should proceed or not.

If you fall in this class of user and are ready to make the leap, the best advice that I can offer is that you take the time to research any software that you need.  Make sure that the software that you own will work on this platform.  I would especially take a look at anything that was purchased less than a year ago.  Software and hardware vendors offer an array of information about compatibility with Vista.

 As for larger businesses, I’m going to recommend that you have the hardware and software requirements evaluated by Geeks of Nevada or any other qualified consultant.  Many business specific applications are not ready for the new OS.  There are factors across the entire network that have to be considered and careful planning needs to be completed prior to the installation of any Vista workstation.

One thing that you should be aware of is that the Vista Business or Vista Ultimate offers downgrade rights to Windows XP, without the purchase of an additional license.  However, I do offer a word of caution.  Much of the new hardware on the market does not have standardized drivers available for it.  Name brand manufactures do not provide the drivers for hardware that are required to run the system.  If you plan on downgrading the OS, check the availability of the drivers prior to the downgrade or have your consultant plan the downgrade for you.

We have also seen several small businesses purchase workstations with Windows Vista at a local electronics stores only to find out that they can’t join the machine to their domain with the OS on the machine.  The minimum level of Vista OS is “Vista Business”.  Any other purchase will require an upgrade to the business or ultimate level of the operating system.

For more information on the retirement of Windows XP, please visit http://www.microsoft.com/windows/windows-xp/future.aspx

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