The mixed reviews are
in. Some say Windows Vista is a homerun, others say it’s just a recharged, beefed up or glossed over XP. Many simply
point out that this is just Microsoft (and their hardware partners) product life cycling and marketing at play
here to get consumers to upgrade their hardware and software (...as I write this on my PIII Windows 2000 machine that was
so valiantly saved from the junk heap and upgraded...runs great!).
To run Vista with your “existing
XP or 2000 capable system”, chances are you will need hardware and software upgrades in order for Vista to run
well. Before you upgrade, check to see if your existing system and peripheral devices are Vista capable by running
the upgrade advisor:
Vista Upgrade Advisor
Vista System requirements
Choose a version of Vista
Windows Vista Help and How to’s
Vista Solution Center
If you have a supported operating system (security updates,
hotfixes and paid support is provided) like Windows 2000 Professional or XP Professional or Home edition and
it works for you – keep it. XP and even 2000 are proven and reliable operating systems.
Check
the Microsoft Support Lifecycle Index for more information on support for your product(s): Microsoft Support Lifecycle Index
If you are currently using Windows 95, 98, NT or Millennium and you are accessing the
Internet with these tired old systems, you are hopelessly confused or completely uncaring or unaware about your online
security and the protection of your corporate or personal data as these operating systems are no longer supported by Microsoft.
