Vista's Upgrade Quagmire
Making the Switch from Windows XP not a Simple Task
Microsoft forgot to put backwards compatibility in the box when it rolled out its new Vista operating system earlier this year.
Hungry PC users have found themselves mired in a dilemma as they covet Microsoft's new Vista operating system. Should they make the leap now or wait until all the "bugs" are exterminated?
Reasons to upgrade seem to be endless: an awesome graphical interface, increased security to protect your PC and multimedia capabilities that leave its predecessors in the dust. But there was one thing its creators forgot to put in the box - - backwards compatibility.
First of all, Vista was designed to run on newer 32 or 64-bit systems, which means many PC users will have to bite the bullet and part with their favorite sound cards, video cards and other items they’ve been reluctant to replace.
A test upgrade revealed a list of incompatibilities that would dwarf your weekly shopping list, including printers, audio converters, CD/DVD burning software and other "stuff" installed on the test PC Vista didn't like.
Obviously a lot of the incompatibilities aren't microsoft's problem and it's up to the hardware manufacturer to provide Vista compatible drivers (which can often be found posted on their Web sites. But those that have older hardware may find they're left out in the cold.
This leaves four choices:
--- Upgrade to Vista and pray that drivers for printers, scanners, etc. are available on the Net.
--- Perform a “clean” install of Vista then reinstall your programs and hope to find Vista drivers for your hardware on the Net.
--- Purchase a new PC and new hardware.
--- Stick with Windows XP.
Microsoft will check your PC before you install the new operating system. A quick trip to http://www.microsoft.com/windows/products/windowsvista/default.mspx will give you a chance to download the Windows Vista Advisor. Also, Microsoft has posted a list of the most common compatibility issues at http://support.microsoft.com/kb/929427.
A word to the wise: Look before you leap. Make sure you can take full advantage of Vista before making the switch, or you may find yourself caught in updgade Hell.
