[Note this is an update to a prior post: "Windows Vista Coming Soon - Should I Be Considering It?]
Windows Vista has been shipping. If you have bought, or plan to buy a new Windows-based personal computer (PC), chances are it will come with a version of Windows Vista already installed. 
If you are in the proces on deciding whether or not to upgrade your current system, a great deal of consideration needs to take place before taking on an upgrade to Vista. Some of the important points that you need to consider are highlighted in my prior post (click here to read).
As I stated previously, "Ultimately, a decision to upgrade to Windows Vista, if not otherwise included as part of a new system purchase, will be based mainly on a desire to benefit from the enhanced software/hardware security and networking features, Vista friendly Office 2007 release, and to take better advantage of the processing power of the upcoming multi-CPU and 64-bit computer systems."
Once you have purchased and are using a version of Windows Vista, then you will be more concerned with putting it to good use and maximizing it's performance.
I have been running Vista Ultimate, which includes all features from the other versions. From my current experience I can make the following suggestions:
1. Memory - to run Windows Vista effectively, while you can run the basic versions in 512MB of main memory (RAM), you should install at least 1.5GB of RAM. (Current cost: under $200).
2. Some of the Vista versions, such as the home edition, come with the Windows Media Center, which allows you, among other things, to play DVD movies. Without it, you either need to upgrade to a version that does (usually more than $100), or you will need to buy a 3rd party software add-on that will allow you to play DVD movies (usually under $50, but as low as under $20 for just basic DVD control features). I went with the Windows Vista upgrade path -- but, if I had it to do over again, and I did not need any of the other multimedia features provided by Windows Media Center, I would go with the 3rd party solution.
3. While the Windows Aero display capability/user interface has some neat features and is great eye candy, the current version has minimal practical benefits that result in any real productivity enhancements. I'm regularly switching between Vista and XP systems, don't miss Aero when in XP, though enjoy I it when in Vista. However, you will need the minimum of 1.5GB of RAM to run Windows Aero comfortably. And you will need a graphics card that has been Vista certified.
Here are some resources for maximizing Vista performance and your experience with it:
FoxNews: Windows Vista -- How To Maximize Performance
Vista - Tips, Tricks and Tweaks
Windows Vista Tips
Microsoft Windows Vista Home Page
CNET Online Course: Windows Vista Basics
See also my prior post: Microsoft Windows Vista and Office 2007
Visit my web site for real estate services and support: LawrenceYerkes.com
and visit Besthomes-NJ.com to find the latest New Jersey Real Estate property listings (Residential, Commercial, Multi-Family, Farm, Land).
Copyright 2006 by Timon, Inc. All Rights Reserved. Windows Vista Start Logo Trademark of Microsoft Corporation.
I attend the MS Event in Charlotte back in January. While I do like a lot of the new features, I don't plan to install the program until December or January. As always, I prefer to give Microsoft the chance to work out the major kinks and crash problems before I install it.
At the even, I was fortunate to be one of the individuals to receive a free copy of Office 2007 and Groove 2007. The issues I have experienced so far are minor yet, the program is very impressive. Plus, I was able to walk away from the event with $749+ worth of software at a cost of $0.00. I'm thrilled!
Lawrence,
I have been experiencing some issues with Vista firsthand. I just bought a new computer for the office and Vista is not compatible with my MLS program from FNIS, Paragon 3. Also, I just purchased a USB wireless adapter from DLink, and come to find out it is not VISTA compatible, and they will not be providing a driver for VISTA. Unfortunately, no matter how good VISTA is, if nothing else is compatible with it at this time, it will not be of much use. I think people are well advised to wait a couple of months to let the dust settle.
Carolyn, congratulations on receiving the free MS Office software. Fortunately you can run Office 2007 and Groove 2007 in Windows XP with SP2 with no problems that I've experienced and then install it in Vista when you are ready. [See my prior post link for more information about the different applications that make up Office 2007 and related releases.]
Stefan, I've also encountered compatibility problems, or less than optimum versions of hardware drivers and application programs. It's very important to make sure equipment and software explicitly states that it is "Vista Certified". Many of the vendors are still scrambling to provide updates that are optimized for Vista.
Lawrence - I have been considering pod-casting my radio show and I understand that Vista has built in tools for this purpose. Is this just marketing spin or are unique features for producing quality audio and tools to up-link?
Thank you for the post, I have not really looked into the virtues of Vista yet. I typically wait until one or two revisions.
James
I've seen some stupid things with the OS so far though...Like my buddy that said he couldn't use wireless with Vista and needed a hard connection to the Internet...
Scott
I purchased a new Computer in December of 2006. I had XP Professional installed. The upgrade to Vista is included and I can pick up the discs whenever I want. I am reluctant however because XP runs really well. Is there a compelling reason for my to change to Vista ?
Interesting...My computer cord made it necessary that I send my computer in for repairs, so I've been using a new computer with Vista (that I bought my father just 2 weeks ago). So far, I haven't run into anything negative. yes, I've had to call Top Producer to help me get it up and running, but that took all of about 10 minutes. Everything else has worked just fine. Wireless Internet, no problem. E-mail, no problem.
Of course, now that i've said that - i've probably jinxed myself and it will crash any moment. :o)
Thanks all for your comments and feedback.
If your Vista came installed on your new computer, then the hardware should work fine. You may still have issues with legacy software, but I've been able to work out most issues except for a few exceptions. If your system was built to met minimum Vista requirements, then you may need to upgrade memory (RAM) for optimum results.
If you are currently running Windows XP with SP2, then according to Microsoft, they will be supporting it at least until 2009. Also, in my previous related post (Windows Vista Coming Soon - Should I Be Considering It) see the section "When Will I HAVE to Upgrade?" (And the comment I added on 12/1/06).
Here in the Quad-Cities (Iowa-Illinois) we have been warned about not upgrading to Windows VISTA until we get the "All Clear" from the QCARA (area board) that our MLS System (run by Paragon) is 100% compatible with it.. WE have been promised that this should occur sometime this month, but most of us have been holding off on up-grading our computers until we are sure that it will work with our MLS...
It may be a good idea to speak with your local REALTOR Board before updating any computer with teh LATEST technology.....
just a thought....
Lawrence, I just bought a new laptop at the end of January and it came with an upgrade to Vista. I haven't installed it because I'm afraid I might be getting in over my head. Your blog has given me further reason to reexamine the upgrade. Thanks!
VAL ALLOCCO
Lawrence,
I bought the Ultimate Edition since it was on the retail stores Best BUy , full complete one, guess what? I have not installed yet until Microsoft gets enough patches, fixes of this buggy OS, my wife and some people use it and believe me, it will give you headaches in many stuff. even until these days, microsoft is getting a lot of patches for the XP PRO / CORP, just imagine all the road that is missing the Vista. Vista as its name is, V I S T A , NO MORE THAN THAT :)
great blog
Did You Know?
Regarding Windows Vista upgrades...
If you purchase an upgrade version of Windows Vista, you don't have to have a version of Windows already installed. You can do a "clean install" of your upgrade copy of Vista. Here's how:
CNet: How to "clean install" an upgrade copy of Vista
WindowsSecrets also discusses the various aspects of this in more detail. (It also discusses how to extend the Vista activation deadline)
Got Vista, Love it! A few glitches but nothing major. Love being ahead of the cutting edge, even if it puts me behind at times, I don't mind being the pioneer. Windows Vista is working great for me!
Well, if you do not use a lot of softwware or software that could be compatible with vista, that's fine, but there are still some incompatibility issues these days and even still drivers are not fully developed for all hardware, I still have some hardware that I am missing drivers to be developed for this vista :)
but I believe that we need to think in switching to vista to get along with it, later on in the near future just it will be vista and if we do not start from now, we will be very new in this OS>
BTW, I've just added a short post about Running Legacy Software in Windows Vista and Windows XP.
If you've decided, or will soon take the plunge, to run Windows Vista, CNET online is now offering a free online Windows Vista Basics course...
"The classroom is now open for our Windows Vista Basics online course. Is the security better than Windows XP? What happened to Media Center XP?..."
http://windows-vista-basics.classes.cnet.com/
Huge discounts are available for home purchases of Windows software through Microsoft if you work for the military, civilian employees or contractors working for the U.S. government. Check out the following...
Home Use Program (HUP) - "The Home Use Program is only available to employees of Microsoft® Volume Licensing Software Assurance customers. Only employees who received eligibility notification directly from their employers are authorized to use this site."
Employee Purchase Program (EPP) - "The Employee Purchase program is available to employees of companies that hold Microsoft® licenses. All software purchased from this site is for personal use only."
The purpose is to allow employess working for organizations with Microsoft volume-licensing agreements to work at home using the same tools available at work.