All your Microsoft Vista Questions Answered
As the priciest upgrade that your operating system will have seen to date, it is normal for you to question whether it really is necessary or is it just another expense incurred by keeping up with the Jones’? For those of you who aren’t being referred to as Mr. Vista, or those short of a Vista-sister, making an uninformed decision to get Microsoft Vista might be a big mistake. That’s why Unbeatable has made life easier by answering a few of your Vista queries. XP works well for me, should I upgrade? Apart from a few security problems and the generally boring interface, XP will suffice for most users. However, if you want the latest and most elegant technology on the market – you’ll really want Vista. Will my PC/Laptop support Vista? Most PCs bought before 2005 will require an upgrade to be Vista compatible, if your PC doesn’t support Vista, it is probably worth waiting until you buy a new one. I only use the basic functions on my PC – Is there a less expensive, basic option? Vista’s cheapest package is ‘Home Basic Package’, but it really isn’t worth it’s retail price. In order to get the true Vista experience you’ll need to get the ‘Home Premium Package’, this retails at around £200. Business users will want at least the Business Edition Package, retailing at approximately £150 - £200, this enables users to connect to a corporate server, etc. For larger businesses, and those who require more advanced features, the Business Ultimate Package for around £250 - £330 will be the wisest choice. Is it cheaper to buy a PC with Vista already installed? It is hard to say whether it would be cheaper overall as it depends on your situation and the whole experience that may be ahead of you. Should I ensure my hard drive is clean before I install Vista, or would a simple upgrade of the XP machine do? The easiest way to install Vista is by backing up your data initially before wiping your hard drive. The next step would be to install Vista before uploading all your data back onto the PC. By Lisa Malyon
