Windows Vista Service Pack 1 released – is it time to switch?

Microsoft has released Service Pack 1 for Windows Vista, which includes all previously released security and reliability updates plus some additional enhancements. I installed Service Pack 1 last week and noticed that Vista seems much faster, though I no longer had sound after installing the update. After I re-installed the sound drivers, I was able to hear my sound again. If you have a computer with Windows Vista, I recommend installing the update when prompted. Be prepared to spend about 1 hour updating to Service Pack 1.

If you currently have a computer with Windows XP is it time to upgrade or switch to Vista? If you purchased a computer in the past few years, I do not recommend upgrading to Windows Vista. There are no compelling reasons to upgrade. If you have an older computer and want to get a newer, faster computer – you have an option of getting a new computer with XP or Vista, but just for a little while longer. After June 30, Windows XP will no longer be available from Microsoft. Currently a few manufacturer’s such as HP and Dell still offer a few new computer models with Windows XP, but they are only available by special order – you won’t find XP in “big box” stores.

If you are computer savvy and don’t mind change, I now think Windows Vista is not a bad choice when purchasing a new computer in most cases. If you rely upon pre-2007 peripherals such as scanners or printers, or older programs, you could have some compatibility issues or they may just not work. Be prepared to buy new hardware and/or software as well. But if most of what you do is internet, e-mail and word processing, you shouldn’t have any troubles with Vista after the initial “getting used to it” phase.

If you’re considering the purchase of a new computer, we can help you choose which version of Windows would be better considering your needs. We can also acquire a new computer for you, set it up, and transfer the files from your old computer.