Windows Vista

shortys94

Hi

Im not very good regarding the information of each os. I currently have windows xp service pack 2 on my computerd and i was reading on www.joystiq.com that the last free download for windows vista is coming and i was wondering whether i am eligible to upgrade, what does it involve and whats the point in upgrading, can it be done on any ol computer.

Thanks

ressem

The windows vista that you'd be installing is
1 not the finished version
2 has an expiry date of about a year typically.
3 may cause problems with patches and service packs in the future.
4 May cause issues with other software, drivers in future.
5 Upgrading may break stuff

For gamers, it'll reputedly result in slower performance relative to XP, due to the demands of the GUI.


Leaving it to the testers unless you have a computer doing nothing that you can erase, or try running it in a vmware virtual machine if curious.

Involves getting an activation key and downloading. RC2 was meant to be out today but bugs were found and was recalled. New RC2 build should be out again soon
http://www.microsoft.com/windowsvista/

Capt'n Midnight

6. Even if you get it working reliably, you may not be able to upgrade to the retail version and have to install a clean version.
7. you can't downgrade to XP afterwards, so would either have to setup dual boot (ie. reinstall all apps again) or wipe it and do a clean install of XP to get back to where you are.

Expiry date is 1st July - it's in another Vista thread.

Generally speaking you are better off doing a clean install than upgrading windows. Also as a general rule Service Packs from Microsoft are free, but major new features require you to purchase a new copy of the software. eg win95 vs. win95 OSR2 with fat32/USB , win98 vs. win98se

KELTICKNIGHTT

so which versions to to be better for gaming systems,is all the vista versions no good

seamus

KELTICKNIGHTT wrote:

so which versions to to be better for gaming systems,is all the vista versions no good

Vista is not a finished Operating System yet. What you're asking is a bit like saying, "I want to buy a 2008 Renault Megane, but it's not quite finished yet. There are a few wires hanging out of the dash, and some electronics issues with the engine. Would I be better off sticking with my existing car, or replacing it with this Megane?".

If your primary use of a PC is gaming, then stick with XP until Vista is at least 8-12 months old.

KELTICKNIGHTT

USE for both
wouldnt be getting it till mid next year to see if probs which usually is
wondering which version is microsoft recommending for gaming systems as there good few versions

Laguna

They said the "Ultimate" edition was designed for gamers specifically... whatever that means.

KELTICKNIGHTT

talked to few others on other forums,the say the same,the ulimate version was designed for gamers,the problem with vista is lack of good drivers and software,probly change when its out few weeks