Buying a new computer: Windows XP or Windows Vista?

Microsoft's XP over Vista. Why?

Vista has been an embarrassment since release, Service Pack 1 (SP1) is scheduled for release next month (?) to cure some 700 ailments. Microsoft is accelerating the development and release of Windows 7 for a late 2008, or early 2009 release. Vista's operating stability is suspect and the security feature are very anal retentive.

Vista requires certain hardware to work with the operating system (sound-video) cards etc.

XP is stable, it functions it does not crash like Vista. XP's end of life cycle(supported by Microsoft )has been pushed out by Microsoft until 2012. You need a past for your PC running XP you can purchase off the shelf from any computer store (except later model Dell's) I have a my own hi tech, hi performance home built PC which I would never put Vista on, and it's all Vista compliant; I'd rather install Linux than Vista.

Microsoft knows Vista is a flop, just like ME was.

Microsoft is no longer selling XP. Following the release of Windows 7 later this month, MS will be phasing out all support for XP. Next time a bug or security hole is found, MS will NOT patch it and all PCs running XP will be wide open to hackers and viruses. Software makers are no longer rdesigning software that works with XP, and most hardware vendors no longer ship XP drivers. By this time next year you will not be able to purchase anything that will tun on XP. It is a dead OS, let it die. Do not try to make a zombie out of it. The reason your computer can not see more than 3.3 gb of RAM may NOT because of the version of Windows you are using, but because it only has a 32 bit processor. Memory is dividing to equal size "chunks" so that the computer can tell where on the memory chip to look for information. A 32 bit processor can only hold a number up to 32 bits (or digits) in length. This means the largest number the computer can hold will only take it to the memory at 3.3 gb. It can not hold a number for 3.4 or more gb. There is no patch that will fix this because it is a physical limitation of the processor itself. If your computer has a 64 bit processor, than you can load the 64 bit version of either Vista or the new Windows 7 and access all the memory (up to 16 tb or 1600 gb). Order the PC with Vista. Microsoft is offering a free download to Windows 7 to anyone who purchase a computer after Aug of this year. Try Vista and see how it works. If you decide you can not stand Vista, then UPGRADE to Windows 7 rather than downgrade to a dead XP.

Vista Pros

- Much Better looking

- More User friendly

- Safer / more secure

Vista Cons

- Requires more hardware power to work normally (i.o.w slow)

- if you are used to XP it is quite difficult to adapt

- Security often causes users' inconvenience

- more people would rather wait for future windows release (windows 7?)

XP Pros

Besides the opposites of all the above cons, XP can cope with vista's pros with additional either freeware or commercial software. all it needs is just some efforts to find the suitable ones.

and what might interest you is that XP has already had so much games which are compatible with / especially designed for, though they may work as well with vista.

Both Softwares are good.

Vista is still new and requires a little more work to be as stable as XP.

Vista may require new Software. In other words the software you had for XP may not work on Vista.

Vista is new and has many more feature than XP, but like I said still need some bugs worked out.

Always remember the Proffessional version will always be more stable than the Home Version.

I looks like Vista is here to stay. I would get Vista and save yourself some money. Eventually your going to have to upgrade XP to Vista. MS will patch Vista and get the rest of the bugs out however that is going to take a while. So either Run with XP that works and plan on upgrading to Vista. or just go with Vista in the beginning.

Vista -

PROS-Sleeker, more user freindly; easy to understanf the computer if you not a tech person; faster at times; better help (most people dont look in to this, but it's really helpful.)

CONS-Less stable, more bugs; TOO MUCH SECURITY! Don't get me wrong, security is great, but it wont turn off!!!

XP-

PROS- Way more is known about it, more info; fast if there is no junk on it; reliable; very compatible with most software.

CONS-More games coming out for PC's are required to have Vista; not as sleek and innovative anymore.

SO- If it's for work or business, XP, but if its for games and general use, Vista.

Vista.. the only pro is Direct X 10 is only available on Vista.

XP is still better, faster and stable. Vista needs the specification is quite high

i like vista xp still has too many problems vista is easy to learn your way around>make sure you get as much ram as you can

Well... I like vista. I like the new explorer and tabs.. I have one window open with 3 tabs... if that makes any sense... I know I have used both of those... and Vista is this newer one..... and it fine:)