Thinking about upgrading to Vista or getting a new PC?

3-Mar-2007

[aft_lizard]

Well thats it, if I forgot something I am sure somebody will jump on me. And please really I dont feel like arguing today about Mac versus Linux versus MS.

[Citizen Tom Paine]

Not to argue, but in the interest of choices available the dual-processor Macbook really looks competitive to many PCs. In addition, I think, that OSX is a much better operating system considering many factors.IMHO

[The_Victor]

Good info a_l, thanks.

And please really I dont feel like arguing today about Mac versus Linux versus MS.

Like that's going to stop the zealots. They'll look on that request as a challenge.

[Eric in the Ozarks]

When this Dell dies, I'm moving to Mac.

[aft_lizard]

Well for right now OSX is probably better for many reasons, most of which has to do with Apple's hardware and software compatibility restrictions also OSX's currently being newer than XP and having been around awhile tends to make the OS better. But there are many reasons for most people to stick with the PC which can be discussed at a different time.

(don't tell the Apple people I agreed with you, shhh I have a reputation you know)

[aimhigh]

Both PC Magazine and Maximum PC highly recommend against upgrading. Finding drivers that work is nearly impossible in some cases. One article said some versions of XP require specific versions of VISTA to upgrade. Wrong version = wasted, unreturnable purchase.

If you are going to upgrade, get the full version. With an upgrade version, save your XP disk. If you ever have to reinstall, the Vista upgrade requires XP be re-installed first, then the upgrade. Got a little time on your hands?

A software salesman told me the new PCs have Vista versions built specifically around those PCs. Some audio drivers just don't exist yet. NVidia and ATI are having trouble getting their drivers to work correctly. I recommend waiting 6 months.

[aft_lizard]

Your welcome, there are some things I missed I am sure, I will add them later if I remember.

[aft_lizard]

Yep, I actually put that into my post. Also you dont need to even have an OS on your PC to use the upgrade, there is a simple work around. When installing and it asks for your old cd key, ignore it and continue it will continue to install. After its done installing you reboot and do a reinstall and then put in you cd key for your Vista. IIts a little more involved than that but thats essentially what to do.

HEres a more in depth article on it.

http://www.winsupersite.com/showcase/winvista_upgrade_clean.asp

[aft_lizard]

I also forgot to add the songs I downloaded were songs I already have on cd's I already purchased but had not used on Vista.

[twin2]

I bought a new laptop last week that has vista business installed. I have two questions if you (or anyone else) can answer.

First, the computer is an HP pavillion in the dv2000 series (not sure exactly which one). The *&^%$(#! HP registration keeps popping up and won't go away even after I have filled it out and registered. It is driving me nuts! Any cures?

Also, my HP 750 printer from 2002 does not seem compatible with vista. I tried installing it and it says it can't find the correct operating system. Do I need to buy a new printer too?

I just hate change, hate it. Any feedback would be appreciated.

[aft_lizard]

HP has rudimentary Vista drivers available for alot of printers on there homepage, thats where I got mine at, go to www.hp.com and find the link to software and drivers downloads and see if they have the software. As far as for the HP activation issue, I would call them.My activation went through painlessly w/o a hiccup so I just don't know what to tell you.

[Barrett 50BMG]

Thanks, I'm on a Rudy (((PING))) list do you have a Vista ((((PING)))

?

Good article, and it should help some people.

[Barrett 50BMG]

Not to argue, but in the interest of choices available the dual-processor Macbook really looks competitive to many PCs. In addition, I think, that OSX is a much better operating system considering many factors.IMHO

Until you try and access certain websites that use Internet Explorer... then you will need Windows. Then you need to Buy Windows Anyhow. So, Why not just Buy Windows In the first place. OR if you want to play games.

[aft_lizard]

No I dont, I am actually pretty terrible at upkeeping lists and pinging people, however if you wish to create one, sign me up.

[Barrett 50BMG]

I don't even know what (((PING))) IS someone told me about it yesterday. I think you type in (((PING))) or something?

[goldstategop]

If you buy it pre-built you won't have those driver problems. If you get Windows Basic, you have the choice, depending how much memory you can add to your PC, between Windows Premium or Windows Ultimate. For business users, there's Windows Business.

"Show me just what Mohammed brought that was new, and there you will find things only evil and inhuman, such as his command to spread by the sword the faith he preached." - Manuel II Palelologus

[goldstategop]

Wait til new printer drivers are released. Or if you can't wait, try running the printer in compatibility mode.

"Show me just what Mohammed brought that was new, and there you will find things only evil and inhuman, such as his command to spread by the sword the faith he preached." - Manuel II Palelologus

[aft_lizard]

Well an old ping list I kept awhile back was simply a collection of names in the to format
ie: aft_lizard;Barrett 50BMG;somebodyelse;etc....

Then save the ping list either in word or some other place, perhaps your personal page here on Freerepublic.

[Barrett 50BMG]

Vista has the basic print and scan driver for lots of printers already installed, these drivers are perfectly fine and I actually like them better than most of the bloated full fledged "drivers" that the manufactures actually come out with anyhow.

[Barrett 50BMG]

oh ping is like a buddy list, but saying (((PING))) doesn't add you to the list?