Top 5 Reasons To Avoid Windows Vista
Version 0.52 (Updated Mar 2008)

This article lists the five top reasons not to upgrade to Windows Vista.

5. Security

Many people have a misunderstanding that the latest operating system has the best security. Take Windows XP when it was released. Why does Windows XP need to be continuously updated via Automatic Updates?

Microsoft has released many patches for various XP holes with the 2 mega ones being Service Pack 1 and Service Pack 2. Service Pack 3 is coming soon.

Update March 2008: Whole slew of patches are now available via Windows Update for Vista. This just proves the point that security is never 100% perfect.

4. Hardware Compatibility

Hardware vendors are catching up fast with many releasing beta drivers. Till then, you can check your hardware in this list and see whether it is compatible with Windows Vista.

This was a big issue previously and has been lightened thanks to manufacturers rolling out Vista drivers. But it is still a issue with older devices that are not supported by the manufacturers. Like bluetooth and infrared adaptors.

3. Software Compatibility

Examples of software programs are Slysoft's AnyDVD, DivX Converter, ZoneAlarm, WS-FTP,

Games like Sims 2 and Second Life also fail. You can check the full list here.

2. High System Requirements

The recommended system requirements are much higher than XP:

Windows XP (link)	Vista Basic (link)	Vista Premium (link)
Pentium II 300 MHz 128MB RAM 1.5GB HDD Space 800x600 SVGA card	1000MHz 512 MB RAM 15GB HDD space DX9 GPU with 32MB RAM	1000MHz 1 GB RAM 15GB HDD space DX9 GPU with 128MB RAM

This is perfectly all right, since most of us who got our PC 1-3 years ago would most likely fit nicely under Vista Basic requirements.

But that means you will be foregoing performance. Think about it, your current Windows XP system, which far exceeds Windows XP system requirements, is now going to contain another OS that has a higher system requirement.

The bottom line? The upgrade to Vista will make your system slower than with XP.

1. No Features That You Really Need Right Now

You can find a full list of Vista features here.

DirectX 10? You need the latest graphic card and a relatively fast CPU to run games at full native resolution.

Windows Aero? It's just some candy which reduces overall performance. But if you insist, there's Vista Transformation Pack for Windows XP (free).

Instant Search? Get Google Desktop Search (free).

Encrypting File System? Truecrypt. It is free and widely regonized.

Games Explorer? Create a folder in your start menu (Start > double click Programs, New Folder) and move your games to that folder. ESRB ratings? Check Gamespot.com

Internet Explorer 7? Download IE7 for Windows XP

ReadyBoost? Just upgrade your RAM - it's way much faster than using a thumb drive as extra RAM

You get the idea.

Conclusion

Stick with XP for now :)

Last Updated 2nd March 2008.

Errors? Omissions? Need Help? Know something? Post your queries in the Windows Vista Discussion Forum.

This document is Copyright(©) 2001-2008 by G.Ganesh.