There have been a lot of blogs surfacing recently about making the switch to Windows Vista, or Windows VISTA OR XP, or Will XP Still Be Around....and comments surfacing like: Xp isn't going to be supported...you have to go to Vista...
Well I'm gonna lay out the facts regarding Vista, XP, and some other pertinent info!
Quick Facts:
- Windows XP was released in October of 2001, since then it has undergone 2 service packs, and hundreds of patches, making it the most widely used Microsoft Operating System to date. The majority of software works with windows XP (except for some really old software, that was designed for DOS or 95....even then some of it works in XP)
- Windows XP is STILL available in stores for purchase until JUNE 2008 (and who knows, that date could be extended)
- Windows XP is STILL available on new DESKTOPS and LAPTOPS which are available ONLINE (Dell, HP, Lenovo, etc.) or through Independent computer shops whom build computers... They will continue to be available for quite some time.
Now onto a big issue on many peoples minds...I might also add that retail store employees have been known to falsify this information (saying XP is already unsupported and such):
Windows XP Support will be available to HOME USERS until 2010, and Enterprise and Business Users through April 2014. Now these are the dates that are being circulated. I might also add, that history shows that Microsoft OFTEN extends these dates. One example: Windows 98. Windows 98 was released June of 1998 and was supposed to have support end in JULY 2004, HOWEVER this date was then expanded to JULY 2006, due to such heavy useage of the Operating System. (Mind you, XP has a stronger usage than 98, so we are more than likely going to see an extension of support for XP)
Why would you choose XP (released almost 7 years ago) versus Vista (released 1 year ago)?
There are many reasons why, but here are the main reasons:
- XP is widely supported in the IT industry (software and hardware manufacturers) It is still hard to find Vista Experts
- Users prefer the XP Operating System. It's what they have used for years, and have grown comfortable to it
- SOFTWARE INCOMPATIBILITY WITH VISTA...yes this is still a HUGE issue, and the main reason why I just ordered my new laptop with XP. There are still TONS of software that cannot run on Windows Vista.
- XP is still the industry standard for Operating Systems.
Things to Consider when buying a new computer with Vista:
- Does my OFFICE fully support VISTA?
- Will the printers/scanners/accessories that I use on my XP machine work in VISTA?
- Will ALL of my software work correctly in VISTA?
- Does my VPN Software (software used to remotely connect to your office) work correctly in Vista (alot of vpn software currently doesn't work in VISTA)
- Will all of the OFFICE EQUIPMENT work in VISTA? (Just because the office supports it, doesnt mean that your favorite printer in YOUR private office will work with VISTA!)
These are all major items that need to be looked at!
I personally feel that VISTA is GREAT for the home user, but currently is not up to par with business users yet. Give it some time, and it will be there! Remember: XP IS STILL BEING SUPPORTED, and WILL BE SUPPORTED FOR YEARS TO COME, and that you can still BUY a computer with XP on it, if need be.
Should you have any questions regarding making the switch to windows Vista, or need support with your computer, feel free to contact us at "The Real Estate Tech Desk"
This Blog will also be updated on my website www.defpc.net! Go directly to the Windows Vista Page.
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I haven't made the switch to Vista either because of software incompatibility. Besides, XP works, and works well. I'd be afraid to switch my laptop to Vista even though it's pretty powerful since I've heard horror stories about "Vista Compatible" laptops SOLD with Vista basic that cannot run the latest service pack.