New PC: Windows Vista or XP?

[vi5]

I'm getting a new PC soon and can get either one. I know Vista's launch was incredibly buggy but not sure if they've resolved a lot of them. But XP is older so the support will probably be going away soon I would assume.

I've looked into it and am not interested in a Mac, so the Apple Superfancs can spare themselves having to give that speech. And I'm not savvy enough to do anything with Linux or freeware or open source or whatever other hackery things anyone might suggest.

Thanks in advance.

[Coyote_Bandit]

1. I had to buy

a new PC in September. I went from XP Pro to Vista Home Premium. I have to say that I still prefer XP but I have not had any real problems with Vista. The most obvious downsides of Vista are the memory and space requirements. It also seems to be inordinately slow especially at start up. Also, depending on what other software you are running you may find some copatibility issues.

Happy shopping.

[CatholicEdHead]

2. XP Pro if possible but it is hard to find

Maybe Dell or some other mail-order. Otherwise try to go Vista Ultimate if you end up with it.

[Rosemary2205]

3. Vista seems to have a lot of issues with other software and peripherals.

Everything from Quicken to digital cameras seem to have trouble working with Vista.

I'm getting ready to buy and have been told by our IT guy at work that for a casual user like me, Vista is not worth the headaches. Go Dell and buy XP premium or pro. It will be much easier to use.

[vi5]

4. I am buying a Dell

and on some packages they give you the option, although I'm not sure for Premium or Pro. I'd prefer to just stay with XP but worried that new applications might not work with it in a year or two.

[Rosemary2205]

5. Just for the record

I just bought "Paintshop Pro" made for XP and it worked fine on my Win 98. Most new programs you'll buy seem to care more about how many Rams you have that what system. My digital camera software won't go in because it needs more rams than my old PC has.

And yes, I know I sound like an idiot. When it comes to computers I really am. I don't know all the right words, just what works and what doesn't.

IMHO if the software industry decides to get behind Vista then you MIGHT have trouble down the road with XP - but I don't see that happening any time soon because almost every business in America is running XP.

[SKKY]

6. I think you would be very surprised at the usability of Ubuntu...

...but since you've written of Linux, I would go ahead and get Vista. It has some issues, but not any more or less than XP when it rolled out. You'll be fine.

[leeroysphitz]

7. Vista? Talk about BUGS.

I had a friend who nearly DIED when Vista accidentally caused his computer to spontaneously generate swarms of fire ants...

I'm just fooling around but since you asked for recommendations, vi5, I'll make one. Go with XP PRO if that is an option. Compatibility won't be an issue for a good while (and depending on what your software needs are it may never be one.)

I hear all the Linux and Mac fans out there but XP has proven to be, for me, a great, stable, and reliable system and I have no plans to switch unless and until I have no other choice.

Good luck! :)

[TreasonousBastard]

8. I'd go with XP Pro...

and only Pro, and only plain vanilla pure Microsoft without a lot of vendor's "enhancements." I'd say run away from that Media Center Edition everyone tries to throw at you, but it may have its uses. I suspect that most of the relatively few complaints about XP come from people with the crap that Compaq and others throw in there. That stuff tends to get in the way more than help.

My XP Pro has been remarkably stable with lots of great stuff built in and I don't worry at all about future software incompatibility-- I would worry more about Vista incompatibility with the stuff I have. The XP base is big enough that it will be supported for years.

[Akoto]

9. I purchased a new computer with Vista recently.

So far, I have been pleased with the performance. I've only encountered one bug I've been unable to fix, and it's a minor one that's temporarily corrected with two clicks.

Granted, I use the computer as a gaming machine. My experiences may not be as broad as those of others.

[Neshanic]

10. As a Vista warrior I think you really should go Vista.

I Beta tested Vista, and it was a nightmare. Now I have Vista Ultimate on both the laptop and the main, and it runs smoothly and clean. As mentioned above it does take an inordinate amount of time to start and stop. I use some programs that maybe others do not in Vista , mainly AutoCad 2008. Not a single issue. Also Adobe Acrobat 8 and the Adobe InDesign suite runs very smooth. If you are not using any of these programs, you should run nicely, and with Office 2007, you should not have any problems.

I have had an issue with a large older 11x17 HP printer, but downloaded a new driver, and also have a large format 24x36 HP plotter. That runs smoothly.

The amazing thing about Vista is that when I plug into releatively new printers anywhere, it works, within 30 seconds it finds the printer then prints. Also the way the file icons are, filing huge masses of files is very easy and nice.

All in all, you are going to have to go to Vista anyway, so you might as well get it now. Key though is get a machine with a BIG hard drive, and the most memory you can afford.

[vi5]

11. Here's what I'm leaning towards and what I need..

I'm leaning towards a dell with an Intel dual core processor, 2 gigs of DDR RAM, and a 500 gig internal hard drive and an upgraded Video card (Radeon or NVIDIA).

My most used programs are Firefox (web browsing) itunes (music), and whatever photo program I happen to be using (on my current comp it's either PhotoFiltre for editing or JASC Paint Shop Pro for organizing, etc.). I also use Pinnacle Studio to upload stuff from my digital camcorder.

Do you think Vista is the way to go?

[Neshanic]

12. That's enough horsepower for sure.

It will not give you any issues on that front, but Vista take a little time to get used to from XP. My itunes runs well with Vista. Your other programs I do not use, so I can't make a call on that.

The big Radeon card is needed. Mine a 512 runs well with it.

There are many reasons people stay with XP, but Vista is the future, so you may as well jump in now.

Just my opinion. I bought a new laptop two weeks after Vista and upgraded the Vanilla Vista to the Ultimate.