Windows Vista?

[daveygravey]

HI Guys,

I'm going to be building a new system soon... is it worth putting Windows Vista on it? or am I best sticking with XP?

Also if windows Vista, do I buy the 64bit version or the 32bit version???

Cheers,

Dave

[Rik]

I'm not sure I should comment, Dave, as I'm well known for my reluctance to embrace Vista.

Broadly, history has taught me that it's a good idea to wait for SP1 of a Microsoft OS before committing to it. So, if I can, I allow other people to do the beta testing for me. In addition, unless all your peripherals are very recent, you may have problems with getting them to work with Vista, eg some Dymo Labelwriters simply won't work with the new OS and the problem can only be resolved by replacing them.

As to the 32 vs 64 argument, if you can get the drivers you need, 64-bit OS have an advantage over 32-bit. Unfortunately, the if can be a rather large one, so make sure you check out availability before deciding.

[Inactive]

Same as Rik, I know there are members that use it and seem happy with it.

I am not one of them.

[john]

One solution may be to download a copy of the Microsoft Virtual PC which enables you to run different Operating systems on the same machine. We have 64 bit machines at work and run the 32 bit version of XP as a virtual machine. I've not had much experience peronally but it seems to run okay. It has been decided that the 64 bit envionment will not be on the network but the 32 bit virtual machine is.

Someone has been doing trials with Vista on the virtual machine and this appears to work okay too.

Follow this link for more info :

http://www.microsoft.com/windows/products/winfamily/virtualpc/default.mspx

[daveygravey]

Cheers guys for your advice, I'll bear it all in mind

[MoHux]

Put in two HDD and dual-boot. 

Can't help with 32/64 though.

[mrapoc]

I have vista as my main OS now (ultimate...32bit) and its pretty good! I prefer it over Win xp and even the super performer Win server 2k3!

It actually boots a hell of a lot quicker (although shuts down slower)

It manages ram a lot better - clearing up when its not being used

It supports up to 4gb of ram and multiple processors out of the box

Its quite expensive though...

It looks nicer

It sounds worse

Games wise it doesnt seem to hinder performance too bad

Ermmm, security wise it is a hell of a that more secure with permission having to be given to any file changes (unless you activate and run the hidden administrator account)

64bit can be picky but does offer higher performance/less crashes due to intolerance for poorly made drivers...

Good and bad points - i'd go for it

[MoHux]

A very good summation Sam.  I will second that!! 8)

Mo

[Lance]

It supports up to 4gb of ram

As can any 32bit system!

[DorsetBoy]

If you want a very comprehensive list of software that does/maybe/does not work with Vista you could sign up at  PC-CORE .You will need to register to access the full list.It is a new free and friendly support forum that is under deveolpment.

Still cannot see why anyone would pay all that money for Vista........my Linux system can handle 8Gb Ram (and could 2 years back) offers far more than M$ does and is totally free.

[daveygravey]

I'm tempted to give Vista a go... I need to buy an OS so it's either buy XP Pro or buy Vista Ultimate... They are both a similar price. I agree MSoft products are usually rather buggy until at least SP1, but I've not heard that many bad things RE Vista to put me off giving it a go.

[DorsetBoy]

Give it a go then,my friend in Canada is using Ultimate and won't hear a word against it.......we argue over it for hours He is a professional web designer and runs sites,forums and offers hosting etc.
as well as writing software .

He wouldn't have moved if it compromised his business.



(I will wait to see what Vienna brings)

[Inactive]

(I will wait to see what Vienna brings)

No doubt more hardware that is no longer compatible and even greater  memory requirements..