Tech Lab
BY PAMELA BIR
Should You Upgrade to Microsoft Vista?
 When this issue's article was first discussed several months ago, we didn't realize it would be quite so timely. We thought an article on Microsoft's new operating system (OS), Vista, would be valuable as new computers are being shipped with the new software.
But my recent experience with computer glitches, freezes, error messages and hours spent with my hardware guru made the issue one of more urgency. Generally when Microsoft issues new software, I stay away for six months to a year. Microsoft is notorious for putting out buggy software and letting eager users beta-test. Not me! I want software that is working. It seems now I have no choice. Right?
Before we evaluate the options, let's find out more about this new OS.
What Is Vista?
Microsoft has come out with its first new OS since 2001. The look, the navigation, almost everything is different, so you will definitely have a learning curve. Our computing world has changed, and the new OS is addressing the changes.
1. Security. The Microsoft OS has been a notorious target for viruses, Trojans and other assorted vandals. Vista includes better protection and more manageable security. This will cut back on your need for add-on software, which is an advantage, because the more software you have on your computer, the higher the odds of conflicts between programs. Some may cry antitrust or monopoly, but I look at it as a better program that does more for me. It reduces both my costs (less software to buy) and my IT time (less to manage and fewer conflicts).
Another aspect of security that is greatly improved in Vista is the ability to do automatic and complete system backups—files, programs and application settings. (Wish I would have had that last week.)
2. Organization. My first computer had a 40 MB hard drive. Now I have 40 MB documents, 15 MB graphics and 150 MB videos. We save more files, more e-mails, more music, more contact information. Vista has included new tools to make locating a particular file easier with the new Aero view and with file previews. Search capabilities are also greatly expanded. You can search from almost any page to find any type of file.
Sometimes the sheer volume of "stuff" is overwhelming. Vista is structured to simplify your day by bringing all e-mails, voice mails and instant messages together in one in-box. By organizing your data better, you become much more productive.
3. Mobility. Since Vista syncs more types of data, you have better access to your files when you're out of the office. You don't have to miss important messages or face a mountain of paperwork when you return.
Cell phones, smart phones, PDAs, tablets and laptops let us carry our information with us. But who has the time to keep two address books up to date? We want the information to sync from Outlook to the PDA. We want phone numbers on the cell phone to be updated. Vista provides a special Mobility area to set up access for multiple devices and locations.
4. Collaboration. As the world shrinks, more often we collaborate with team members who are not in our office, or even in our country. Microsoft has offered NetMeeting for some time, but its functionality has been improved, and the Windows Meeting Space has added new collaboration tools.
Now or Later?
I think my example could help you in deciding if and when to upgrade. These were my options.
Option 1. Keep working on this **@# laptop. I've got $800 of technical support time into it already. That's not including my own time. I've not only worked on the machine following the expert's instructions, it's cost me hours—no, days—of lost work: time I couldn't get the machine to work and time when I was so frustrated that I couldn't face sitting in front of the blasted machine a second longer.
—Current machine that still isn't working, $800 so far with minimum of $180 to come.
—No way of knowing if the machine can be repaired,
so it might take another $180 or it might take who knows
how much.
Option 2. Buy a new laptop, but buy an older model with
the older OS and software. All I would have to do is transfer
my files. There would be no learning curve to figure out
the new OS and new Office Suite.
—New laptop with Windows XP, $1,200 to $1,800.
—Current machine that still isn't working, $800 so far
with minimum of $180 to come.
Pros: No learning curve. Back to work very quickly.
Cons: Will need to upgrade in six to 12 months as more of my clients get new OS and new software. Older machine might not have the processor (power) needed to upgrade to the new OS, so I'll have to buy a new computer. When I upgrade my smart phone in six months, the software on it will be set for the new OS. As a consultant, I should be at the leading edge of new software.
Option 3. Buy a new laptop with the new OS.
—New laptop with Vista, $1,400 to $1,800.
—Current machine that still isn't working, $800 so far with minimum of $180 to come.
Pros: I'm at the leading edge of software that I consult on. Won't need to upgrade for 18 to 24 months.
Cons: Learning curve with new software. (But all of that learning is fodder for Sources+Design articles!) Some of my peripherals (printers, smart phone, Internet router, etc.) will need tweaking to get them to work with the new OS.
The Decision
While the computer with the familiar OS would be the most comfortable for the immediate future, the more powerful laptop with the new OS is a better return on my money long term. With only a $200 to $600 difference between old and new hardware and software, it just doesn't make sense to buy older equipment and software. You already know that hardware and software is out of date in six to 12 months and obsolete in 18. Why rush to obsolescence?
Your answer for a networked computer might be different. You can network Vista and Windows XP computers, but that's going to bring up a new set of questions.
I stand by my recommendation to wait six to nine months to upgrade to the new OS to give other lucky souls the chance to de-bug Vista. However, if there is a need to buy new hardware, I feel you'll be pleasantly surprised at the new features. Be prepared for the learning curve and for de-bugging issues. The hue and cry about installing Vista hasn't been nearly as widespread as it was when Windows XP was launched. Maybe Microsoft is doing a better job testing before the release. Take advantage of the new features to improve your productivity. Hardware and software should always be a tool to make your life better. They aren't an end in themselves.
There are four versions of Vista. Check carefully to get the features you need. Buy the best version you can afford so you have room to grow. Just because you don't need a feature today doesn't mean you won't
need it next week.
Visiting Vista
See a list of all the new Vista features:
www.microsoft.com/windows/products/windowsvista/features/default.mspx
Look at Vista from the small-business perspective:
www.microsoft.com/smallbusiness/products/windows-vista/default.aspx
Compare the Vista versions:
www.microsoft.com/smallbusiness/products/windows-vista/default.aspx#Evaluate
Pamela Bir is principal of Your Computer Lady, a Phoenix, Arizona–based firm that handles PowerPoint presentations, Spanish translations, Web site development and maintenance, marketing literature and more. For more information, visit www.YourComputerLady.com or reach her at Pamela@YourComputerLady.com.
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