choose between Windows XP, Vista, and Windows 7

You’ve heard about the bad press Windows the Vista operating system has received. So should you upgrade from XP? Should you buy a new computer with Vista? Should you get rid of Vista? Should you hold out for Windows 7? Here are some things to consider in making your decision.

Instructions

1. Step 1

   Should you be considering keeping or getting XP? This applies if:
   – You have an XP machine now and you are thinking of upgrading.
   – You are buying a new custom-built computer with an option to chose XP.
   – You a buying a used XP computer.
   
   
   Is it possible you might want to consider dumping Vista for XP? This applies if:
   – Vista is operating badly and seriously affecting your ability to use your computer.
   – You have programs or printers that are important to you that will not run on Vista.

   Consider whether you probably should not be getting rid of Vista. This applies if you have a Vista machine that is operating without serious difficulties.

   Should you wait for Windows 7? This could be the case if you have either XP and Vista and it is operating without serious difficulties.

2. Step 2

   Assess the pros and cons of Vista. They include:
   Pros– Advanced diagnostics. Relatively more immune to viruses than XP.

   Cons– Unstable and prone to crashes. Difficult or impossible to use with some software, printers, and routers. Difficult to configure file sharing, networks, and multiplayer gaming.

3. Step 3

   Assess the pros and cons of XP.
   Pros– Easy to configure file sharing, multiplayer gaming, networks, and printers. Stable and reliable if kept up to date.
   Cons– More vulnerable to viruses and hackers, even with a good anti-virus program. Microsoft wants to phase out XP and will eventually cut back its support for this operating system.

4. Step 4

   Assess pros and cons of Vista 7. Since this program is in beta testing right now and will not be sold until August 2009, you cannot conclusively assess Windows 7 at this time. Initial reviews have been positive — much better that Vista. Windows 7 will also have an XP mode.

5. Step 5

   Make your decision.
   – All things considered, if you have an XP machine, stick with it and wait for Windows 7. Even when Windows 7 is issued, note that although it will have an “XP mode”, early reviews suggest that this will only work in top of the line computers. If you have software that requires XP, carefully research Windows 7 and XP mode before upgrading. You also should wait at least a few months until Microsoft works out the bugs.

   – Some companies may charge a fee to put XP instead of Vista on a custom-built computer. This is worth the cost given Vista’s problems.

   – You can easily buy XP online to install on a home-built machine or to downgrade from Vista. Try sites like Amazon or Ebay.

   – A drastic move is to remove Vista and install XP. A better move probably is to wait for Windows 7. See article below on downgrading to XP.
   
   
   – You can experiment with Windows 7 by downloading the beta version from the Microsoft website. See link below.