All new computers are advertised as coming with Microsoft Vista. It certainly looks very flash and there’s a lot of hype about it. But we’re still using XP Professional. Should we switch?
After five years of development, Vista does come with some new, very good features, but there are also some reasons why you might not want to switch all your systems over right now.

Sounds like a mixed bag. Why the hype, and where’s the catch?
Vista requires higher hardware specifications because of its extensive features and impressive graphics.

My company’s computers just about have the necessary specifications (512Mb RAM). So would upgrading really be necessary if I wanted to switch?
It probably would, because most computers more than six-twelve months old will struggle to cope with Vista’s requirements. And don’t forget that the specifications are the minimum required, so this would hardly mean optimum performance.

I see. So switching means upgrading. But I don’t want to feel like I’m using an out-of-date system.
Don’t worry about that. XP is still a good system, stable, and supported by Microsoft but soon Vista will be pre-installed with all new PCs so you need to be prepared

What are the main strengths of Vista?
The most visible aspect is the graphics, but the biggest advance is in its security features. It includes a much more manageable ‘Security Center’ and it’s far easier to configure your firewall.

What about problems from web browsing, such as spyware?
Vista includes a piece of anti-spyware called Windows Defender. It’s proved very effective.

That’s good. How about the danger of losing data in everyday use?
Vista’s Backup and Restore feature is another big improvement on XP. It’s much easier for users to schedule regular backups using a new wizard.

That’s good. Regular backing up is easy to forget. Any other useful features?
The search facility is much improved. Notice how on XP it takes a while to find a file?

Yes. And I’m about annoyed by that dog!
Well, Vista makes it much quicker, and you can save searches too, which saves a lot of time.

I look forward to that. How about the look of Vista?
The graphics look good and are useful in all sorts of ways. The interface is called Aero…

Tasty!
It is, as long as your PC can handle it. There’s a 3D presentation of multiple program screens for easy scrolling, so you can jump quickly between different applications. Transparent ‘glass’ style windows allow you to see what file or program lies behind another. In general it’s much easier to see and access everything.

That sounds very attractive and could also increase productivity. But I imagine it would be impossible to go back to an older system once you’ve got used to it, so I wouldn’t want my staff to get hooked yet!
That’s worth considering. Another handy feature is that by scrolling over the taskbar you get a ‘live’ preview of any minimised program, and other nice items such as being able to flip 3D.

Anything else?
The networking function is made easier, there are more sidebar gadgets, and there’s a new-look Windows Explorer set up, hiding lots of the cartoony XP icons. You can have a preview here.

It all sounds good, worth switching?
It may not be worth upgrading your existing systems, but later this year, XP will be phased out and new PCs you buy will need to come with Vista preinstalled (unless you have a corporate license for Windows XP).
Not all applications currently work with Vista in the same way as XP, and sometimes an upgrade will be required to ensure compatibility. Before going to Vista you need to ensure that your critical business applications will work properly.

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