PetraW

Hi all,
I have no idea what this all means. But I am about to buy a new laptop (toshiba satellite A300/Y01 - anybody got any input on that one?), and it comes with MS Windows Vista Home Premium. That's the operating system, right?
My current computer has MS Windows Professional XP Version 2002 Service Pack 3.
I am very scared of making the switch as I don't know how much different it will be, and whether I will still be able to work with it like now
Would you recommend to buy the new MS Windows Professional XP version on top of it and install it on the new computer, just so I can keep working like normal, or is Vista ok and not so different?
If I would now what a change in operating system means, I might be a bit more comfy, but as it is....

kev1952

Using XP or Vista is very much a personal choice. I went from XP to Vista about a year ago now and wouldn't even dream of going back to XP (yes, it's that much better). Like most versions of Windows (9x - Vista) you can set up Vista to look and feel like XP if you want. I did when I first installed it but now use the Vista interface as it is easier and certainly better.

You will likely want to transfer your data files from the XP machine to your new Vista machine. This is easily done using a USB Flash drive or a couple of CDs. Just copy the data files to either medium and copy them back on the new machine. There are other methods of doing this but the way I described is very easy to do.

My advice would be to bite the bullet and go for the new machine and Vista. You will be a little confused at first but it won't take you long to get used to it. Good luck with your new machine.

blah789

I'm sorry but I'll have to disagree with kev. I think Vista is a piece of ... and chews up resources like mad. Chances are if you're getting a new computer you won't notice it (they're designed to run with Vista after all...) but if you downgrade to XP, it will literally fly. Here's what the survey says:
http://www.downloadsquad.com/2008/08...ngraded-to-xp/
Downgrading takes a bit of work however. Here's a nice article on the topic:
http://www.computerworld.com/action/...icleId=9040318
First you'll have to have Vista business or ultimate (if they offer home, you could spend a few extra bucks to get business or ultimate, which will grant you xp downgrade rights bundled). Then you have to hunt for drivers. It's a bit of work, but it's doable and the results are very satisfying for those who sucessfully did it.

kev1952

No problem - would be a pretty boring world if we all agreed on everything. I still stand by my earlier post. As for it being a resource hog - it "may" be but if the hardware is of good spec then it will run very sweetly. Most store bought systems have only the bare minimum needed to run Vista and don't do the software justice. Mine runs very smoothly and doesn't tie up either the RAM or the CPU.

Again, my experience of it!