I'm in the process of buying a new computer and wondered if anyone is using Windows Vista? If you are or not I'd like to hear the pro's and con's. From what I've heard microsoft isn't going to be supporting XP anymore?

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Deb
Gem's Virtual Office

Just my 2cents but,

I have always built my own computer and have dealt with alot of software. My experience with Vista is limited because I refuse to purchase it until all the bugs are worked out although I have dealt with trying to fix others computers with vista installed- NIGHTMARE.

If possible purchase your new computer with vista but keep your copy of XP and then ask a computer geek you have nearby to please set up a dual boot on your computer so you can have both. Alot of programs will not run in Vista so compatibility is a huge problem. With Dual boot you will have to option of starting your computer under either windows version which makes you able to use all of your older software under XP until Vista becomes more compatible.

Good Luck

FYI: My Stepbrother works for Microsoft in Texas, he got to be a tester for Vista when it was stilled called "longhorn", and even he doesn't use Vista yet.

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Christina Nelson
Vital Office Solutions

I have Vista on my new laptop. I use Vista for most of my software/files and have had minimal problems. I set up my Vista in XP mode so the interface is almost identical and less of a learning curve.

QuickBooks 2005 won't run on Vista but, you can download a program from Microsoft called Virtual PC ("software virtualization solution that allows you to run multiple PC-based operating systems simultaneously on one workstation." - http://www.microsoft.com/windows/pro...c/default.mspx)

You install Virtual PC on Vista and then install XP as the operating system inside Virtual PC. You can then install software in Virtual PC w/XP as your operating system.

After loading QuickBooks inside VPC, I had to drag the backup file from Vista into the VPC window and then "install from backup" the QB files. It's a royal pain but workable (for now).

I have not been able to get VPC to recognize my internet modem (I'm guessing I will have to install modem software inside VPC) and have not yet tried to install a printer to my laptop inside VPC. In order to print from QB, I print as an Adobe pdf and then drag the file onto Vista and print it from there.

Let me know if you have any other questions...

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Lily E. Chambers, CPS
The Virtual Office Goddess, LLC
www.virtualofficegoddess.com

I'm also on Vista (it came with my new laptop) and honestly, I went with it kicking and screaming. I'd been on XP for so long it felt like pulling teeth to switch. I also resisted using Windows Mail (as opposed to Outlook Express which is no longer available) and complained for at least a week that it 'wasn't working properly' It's really fine, and not all that buggy, actually. Now that I'm used to it I don't even notice a difference and actually like Windows Mail just fine.
I navigate my files and folders much easier as well, there are cool little ins and outs on Vista that just make it faster.

When you consider how BIG the software package really is it's understandable that these things are released with the knowledge that there will be bugs and the assumption that patches are coming. There's a big patch meant to come out very soon (I've read).

Note: I'm *not* linked up with any virtual PC programs, just our internal network (we use an external, in-house program for client collaboration and storage of files, etc.)

Tess, you just explained something that's been bugging me for two months. I had no idea it was Vista's fault that I can't use Outlook. I've been blaming HughesNet, my satellite internet connection. Sheesh, what a nincompoop.
Otherwise, I'll add here, I'm doing fine with Vista. I got a special cable for transferring my old XP files, when I bought the computer ... no problems so far.

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Mary H. Ruth/Virtual Writing & Communications
http://www.writingVA.com

Dual Boot.....how does this work? Is it just a different interface but all our files and programs are still there on either side no matter which way we boot up or is it like having two different computers on one?

How do you choose which one to boot up with?

Curious because I have some software that is not compatible with Vista....Adobe Professional and some other things I can't think of right now...it's too late for me right now.

Monique

mommonique,

with a dual-boot system, you normally install each OS on a separate hard drive or partition. When the PC starts up, you are given the option of booting into either system - XP or Vista in this case.

As mentioned earlier in the thread, this is a good solution if you're not ready to switch completely to Vista, or if the makers of your software haven't kept up with Microsoft. Or perhaps like many people you resent having to buy all your software again!

The 'Virtual PC' method can be a lot easier, as you have access to both systems without a restart. You can work in both, open files from either in most cases, and keep XP for as long as you like. The main thing to be aware of is that running 2 operating systems at the same time is very demanding of your computer's resources - don't try it on too old a machine, and have plenty of RAM installed.

Good luck,

William

I have not seen Vista yet... is it totally different? Is Outlook gone? I'm a little confused!
Could someone please explain?

Thank you so much!

I use Vista Business AND Outlook. Perhaps it is Outlook Express that is no longer available but that's not because of Vista, its an Internet Explorer thing to my understanding. I have been using Vista since about a month after it came out and the only problem I had was that HP didn't offer drivers or software for my All-in-one that were compatible with Vista for about three months. Now everything is great. It did take some getting used to and I like my hubby's home version better. It has cool features that the biz edition did not offer.

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Administrative Support Group
Jenifer D

Good answer, Tess.
My new laptop came with Vista, too. Still have XP on the desktop.
I did the kicking and screaming thing, too. But really, once I decided to make myself use the Vista, I didn't have much trouble with it. But it is still a concentrated effort for me to use the Vista instead of XP when I have the choice. Think is has something to do with the "teaching old dogs new tricks" thingy.

Gladys

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EMERALD VA SERVICES
www.emeraldva.ca