How are people getting on with Vista, is it OK?

Wait a while don't get it yet. Like all Window's version's there are still bugs and upgrades that need to make Vista a better OS. In my opinion Vista has so far the best layout of all the Window's versions up to date. Give it 6 more months and then consider getting a new computer with Vista.

I've used Vista for eight months now and it's brilliant. I've had no trouble at all and I think it's a vast improvement over XP, not to mention looking a lot more stylish. XP always had the look of a kiddie's computer, in my opinion!

Those who moan about Vista are likely to have the minimum specs, or have upgraded an XP computer to Vista - which rarely works.

You should have at least 2GB of RAM (though it is sold with only 1GB, but this will run very slow), you need a dual-core processor (preferably Core 2 Duo), and you need pretty good graphics. If you're going for a laptop, it'll no doubt have integrated graphics, which will be fine to run the Vista Aero interface, but not much else. If you're getting a desktop, go for a dedicated graphics card, ie NVidia or ATI.

The only compatibility issues I experienced was with iTunes, but these have long been addressed. People are still experiencing compatibility issues with various software and hardware, but I don't blame Vista - it's been out for a year now, it's about time manufacturers released drivers and software versions that will run on Vista!

The first Vista service pack is due to be released very soon, but I see no reason to wait until after this - if you buy now, you'll just get the service pack in your normal Windows Update anyway.

Security is also worth mentioning - Vista is without a doubt the most secure OS. It has User Account control, anti-phishing and protected mode in IE, and built-in Windows Defender (which isn't actually that brilliant, and I still run SpyBot S&D, but it's good for a freebie!). Some people have disabled User Account control and anti-phishing as they can be slightly annoying from time to time - I wouldn;t recommend that, they've warned me about several sites that I otherwise wouldn't have thought were dodgy.

My advice - just go for Vista. You'll have to do it sooner or later, and I honestly see no reason why you shouldn't do it now.

I had bought a Windows Vista back in November, and have had no major problems so far other than going to a few manufactures websites to update drivers on Digital cameras and printers.

You may find certain software will not run on Window Vista ie Microsoft Office 2003 will not run on Vista, nor games like Far Cry and Call of Duty. But check on manufactures website to find if they can run on Vista.

It is a fast operating system but I cannot see why Microsoft have brought in Vista, when XP was OK

Well when you get a new computer your choices will pretty much be limited to Vista or OSX. If speed is your primary concern then obviously a new computer will be better regardless of what operating system is installed on it. Vista was pretty iffy when it first came out because alot of peripheral devices did not have drivers that were compatible with it. Most of that is fixed now. Warning, if you have a lot of older software that is critical to you then you need to make sure it is compatible with vista. But to answer your question.. for everyday home use vista isnt much diff then xp.. Just remember speed is primarily determined by hardware not the OS

I have had vista from the day it was released, and it has got better!

some things need ironing out still and the service pack 1 for vista has left a lot of computers unusable.

their computers wont even start up now. however, its still in the BETA stage.

i love vista, XP is still good, but i wouldnt go back to it, and windows ME, was always a bad operating system, the "millenium bug" - that was the millenium bug. should never have been released in my opinion.

most functionality of windows since windows 2000 is still in vista... visually its very different and i've only run into a few things that make it drastically different in a functional manner from xp or 2000.

most people on here don't like it...but as i said, the difference is mostly visual. You should probably have 2gb of ram in your new computer and other than that you're ready to go. I've been using vista for over 8 months now with very few problems.

I have used Vista for ages and I like it.

You always get the know it alls saying its full of bugs i happy with xp etc etc, but they are the same ones who moaned when xp took over from 98 2000 etc. They will ALL follow as soon as wifey lets them spend the cash on Vista so go for it now!

There are things you can do to your xp machine to speed it up. I got a new computer with Vista and I hated it. The ONE thing I needed it to do (voice chat) it wouldn't do. (that was before SP1). I installed XP, which was a pain in the *** because all the drivers had to be downloaded. A lot of programs don't work with Vista, especially specialized programs, like SolidWorks. I suggest you work on the xp machine and try to speed it up rather than getting a Vista machine.

everyone says its worse for some reason!

ive had it for a year, to be honest its fine, much better than XP, no problems at all, its so much prettier and does an easier and better job. may take some getting used to but its very user friendly.

i got my computer fixed the other day (lost internet connection) and he was like 'oh. vista' i asked him what was wrong, and he just said it was different to repair because things are in different places.

if you have an hp computer though, theyll fix your problems online for free! :) (a messenger thing)

so good luck

I would recommend upgrade to vista!

It's really much prettier visually and despite everyone's bitching frankly Microsoft have spent a lot of time developing and it shows...

First, I'd defiantly check out whether your PC fits the requirements at http://www.microsoft.com/windows/products/windowsv...

Also it's worth remembering that the cheapest version of Vista (Home basic) doesn't have the fancy graphics.