by Kan Hodo

Created on: April 25, 2008

Windows Vista, the latest operating system released by Microsoft. So what is new with Vista, other than the new look? Should we use Vista or stay with the older OS, Windows XP? One aspect in Windows Vista that deserve to be noticed is the fact that Vista is developed with security in mind.

In the world where almost every computer in this world are connected each other. Security is a main issue, how could I guarantee that no one mess with my PC? How do I protect my important data or information. With this in mind then Vista is a better option compared to the older version of Windows. However there are some problem with Windows Vista, some problems that need to be considered before we decide to use Windows Vista or stay with Windows XP.

Windows Vista designed to run in the latest PC technology, with 1 GB RAM as minimum requirement, take more than 5 GB space on your hard drives. Could your PC handle it? If you buy your PC or laptop last month then probably you don't need to mind this problem. But if you already have this PC for years with XP installed and now after Microsoft release their new OS you have his urge to try it, then think again. Even with core duo processor, 1 GB RAM and 40 G hard drives you will find that you have a slow performance after few days or after you installed several application.

To run Windows Vista smoothly, you need a high performance PC.

Now perhaps some of us just buy new laptop or PC and have Windows Vista installed already as the part of your purchase. You are satisfied with the performance of your new computer. there is another problem that might occurs, some device doesn't work correctly in Vista. Personally I have this little problem with my new laptop, in my job there are many occasion when I need to use a serial communication RS-232. Since my new laptop don't have a serial communication port, I must use a USB to RS 232 cable. This cable is work just fine in XP but in Vista it doesn't work. As a new OS, there are some device that don't have a driver that work for Vista.

There are also some compatibility issue with old application.

For those who doesn't installed Vista in their computers yet, my advise, if it is not urgent and/or your hardware doesn't meet the minimum requirement then stay with XP. At least until people came up with patches and driver updates for Vista.

How about us who already have vista installed? Should we downgrade our Windows Vista to XP? Vista is new, of course there are some problem, it may take time to learn its features, etc. But with the number of those who use it, soon or later there will be updates, fixes and patches. Nothing to worry about it. Not to mention that some new developed application only work in Vista. So while we wait for patches and updates, instead downgrading Vista to XP, I'd rather installed XP as the 2nd OS.

Anytime you meet problem with Vista you just need to restart your computer and use your XP. It is work fine with me, anytime I need to use my USB to serial cable, I just restart my laptop and run under windows XP.

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