Advantages Of Windows Vista Over XP?

[Vanchatron]

I was just wondering what the advantages of Windows Vista were over XP as I currently have Windows XP installed but am thinking of purchasing Windows Vista (Ultimate Edition).

I've no idea what the benefits of upgrading to Windows Vista are so would appreciate knowing about them.

I use my PC mostly for gaming so would using Windows Vista have any positive impact on my gaming experience?

Also, if I were to install Windows Vista:

A) Would I lose all my data that is installed on Windows XP?

B) If I didn't lose all my data would everything I have installed at the moment be compatible with Vista?

C) If I wanted to uninstall it and revert back to Windows XP would it be possible? I only ask because I bought this PC with Windows XP already installed but I didn't receive a Windows XP installation CD.


Thanks!


HK

[Erik]

Well seeing as how Vista hasn't even been released yet I think you are jumping the gun just a bit here.

Anyway I don't really see any advantage to Vista other than it it the most recent OS, meaning it will have the latest support life. Other than that it is basically XP with more resource hogging graphical features and nagging.

As to your questions:

A. You can (or more acurately will) be able to do an in place upgrade. As is usually the case it is not the preffereed route as it ill just take any existing problems along, and add some new ones.

B. We will need to wait and see what will be compatible and what won't. There is an upgrade advisor that will scan the computer and let you know.

C. No, basically it is a one way street. Once you upgrade there is no turnign back withut a full reformat and reinstall.

[saphalline]

If you're not a high end gamer, don't bother with Vista yet. It's not worth it.

[kpmwrestler]

well, I've tried out vista beta and some nice things have been added such as:

file indexing. it has been tried in win98, but was worthless.

much better security

the system defrags the hard drive in the background if you leave it alone for a certain amount of time, it will automatically start to defrag.

some nice new ways to switch between applications like glass alt-tab and flip3D.

windows side show, which is only available on new laptops, but there is a little tiny lcd screen which will show the time and date without having to power on the laptop!

and of course the aero-glass windows

new side toolbar with clock and you can download new tools to add to it.

here is a nice preview movie: http://youtube.com/watch?v=7Lh-AJS8sC8

[Paul Komski]

Personally speaking and from the past experiences of just about all Microsoft releases (and their upgrades) I would never use their products "in anger" until they had been around for many months. Beta testing is one thing but public release always seems to uncover other bugs and vulnerabilities. Heck SP1 was released for WinXP very very pronto after XP's arrival on the scene.

[bhchin4480]

100% agree with Paul

[FrankSG]

The biggest advantage of Vista is to Microsoft. They are making a lot of money with it. Of course there's nothing wrong with that. But if XP is doing what you want it to do, I wouldn't spend the money to buy Vista. But, that's just my opinion.