Which operating system is better? Windows XP or Windows Vista?

Question

I am buying a new computer from Dell. I have the option of Windos XP or Vista. I have heard some unpleasant things regarding Vista's compatiblity with other softwares. But the computer companies really push (promote) Vista. Can you tell me the pros and cons of Vista? Which one should I get?

Answer 1

Computer companies are in agreement with Microsoft to push Vista. Dell had so many complaints it broke its agreement with Microsoft.



Depending on your system's configurations, Windows Vista can provide:



* Great features like Windows Media Center help you manage video, audio and TV all from your Dell PC with a tuner

* New security options such as Parental Controls and integrated Anti-Spyware help protect your family when accessing your personal data or information from the Internet

* New tools such as integrated search help enable you to get work done fast. Windows VistaTM can allow you to easily organize and find your photos, videos, music and documents

* The cool interface of Windows Aero2 designed to make your computer experience dynamic and fun



My advice is to use XP until Vista matures, after they get the bugs out Vista is definitely the choice.

Answer 2

Well, buying new from Dell, you've got half of the Vista problem licked- hardware compatibility.

You're going to need at least a gig of ram and an actual video card instead of "on-board" graphics to really start enjoying it. If they're installing it, they're ensuring compatibility with drivers, etc, and a well put together Vista system should keep you satisfied for years.



XP has been around more than long enough to have worked out all the kinks, tons of compatible software and hardware, and established support around every corner. I just built a new system for myself and didn't give XP a second thought- I can always upgrade later. I couldn't go back easily if I didn't like Vista's performance.



The short of it: Go XP.

If you can wait a year for Vista to unwrinkle itself, and the software/hardware/driver base to grow, do so. If you're getting ready to click "submit" on your order page, go with the tried and true XP.



Whatever your choice, enjoy your new system!

Answer 3

I just switched to Windows Vista recently and my main concern was whether or not I could install all the programs I used to use on Windows XP. So far I have not had any problems. Programs I use:



7-zip (for .zip and .rar files)

CCCP codec pack (to watch divx/xvid movies)

uTorrent (to download BT files)

Nero 7 (burner)

PowerISO (virtualize CDs)

Office 2007 (well, everybody needs this....)

BSPlayer (for watching videos)

AIM6 ad-hack (to remove AIM ads, etc.)

Skype

Symantec Anti-Virus

Firefox

PHP Designer

Wampserver

etc. etc.



All of these programs are Vista ready. What else do you need?



Vista is the latest OS and eveybody is moving quickly and porting software to Vista. It's inevitable. If you buy XP now you are seriously losing the advantage of getting Vista through Dell because Dell heavily subsidizes the OS for you. If you decide a year from now you want Vista, you will have to pay full price for Vista which will come at a huge cost. If you get your PC built with Vista now, you will receive the benefit of getting it bundled by the manufacturer (in this case, Dell).

Answer 4

Now forgetting about money cost, Vista would be better. XP is really old and so I would advise Vista. It has a LOT more features then XP and thought it may have some bugs...they wouldn't be that bad. Get Vista now, if you get Vista maybe a couple years from now, then possibly the newest version will be out and that would really suck.

Answer 5

Windows vista is clearly better than windows xp,as in spite of super graphics and stuff windows vista runs really smooth and doesn't crash that often if at all!.However since windows vista is fairly new in the market so it obviously has compatibility with some major software(which is expected to be fixed soon);but the same thing happened when windows xp came out after windows 2000.

windows vista versions-

1)Home Basic - with basic windows vista features like parental controls(excluding flip 3d effects) this version is quite similar to xp,this version is cheaper than the rest but i don't recommend it.

2)Home Premium- the vista edition for windows xp media center edition(with improved windows media center),it has flip 3d affects and all the features available in windows vista except bit-locker.I recommend this one.

3)business - this version is great for office purposes as it supports hardware failure prevention features beside the ones in home premium(except windows media center);or you can say the upgrade to windows xp pro.

4)ultimate - this version has all the features of windows vista with bit-locker; and is truly the best of the best.

Answer 6

Vista Pros:

It has a cool interface.

It has good security.



Vista Cons:

You need the best computer on the market to run it.

It isn't compatible with most printers and other hardware.



If I were buying, I would choose Vista. The updates to hardware will come soon.

Answer 7

I would grab the windows XP. Windows Vista just came out and is going to have alot of bugs. If you want vista, I would reccomend waiting until at least the first patch comes out.

Answer 8

Vista has some bugs to be worked out still, but they are actually a rare occurrence. Vista is better at blocking malware and other destructive items from accessing your computer.

Answer 9

If you want stuff to run, buy XP. Vista is buggy as hell right now.



If you want a really cool interface and won't do anything but play Solitaire, get Vista.



BTW, I have a buddy who works at Microsoft, and he laughed at me when I told him I bought Vista. He thinks it's junk, and advises against buying it until Service Pack 1 is released.

Answer 10

While Vista is probably better now and long term, it remains to be largely unstable and have heaps of problems. I would recommend you go for Windows XP, especially if you use a lot of non standard programs (other than internet browsers and office applications)



HTH

Answer 11

XP

too many hardware / software problem under Vista

many call Vista a beta release it's so buggy