Vista or XP for new system?

[Tarmenion]

Hi all,

I am building a new system and can not decide if I should get Vista or XP for OS.

Just now sure and I do Vista don't even know what the difference is between the 4 so I would probably get ultimate.

Could really use some advise.

Thanks

[chuck4456]

You can run the VISTA UPGRADE ADVISOR from the MS website and it will make a recommendation. It will also detail any changes that you may need to make with your system in order to accomodate VISTA. (Personally) I would go with XP for now. There isn't enough overall hardware and software support available with VISTA as of now. You can always upgrade later.

[Statica]

If you're building a new system and are not using it for anything that is mission critical (like running business apps and extremely critical apps) but are a typical home user .. I'd highly recommend going with Vista. It really is a "not going to be disappointed" scenario at least from my experience .. the enhancements are amazing not just from a cosmetic standpoint (like the Aqua interface that has gotten the most press) but from the kernel, filesystem and general user experience! I know that the traditional view has been to wait for the first SP before jumping ship, but if you're going from scratch you wont go wrong with Vista, especially since the first SP is going to be released rather quickly as well.

Addendum: chuck - what do you mean by not enough hardware? It should interest you to know that Vista with at least middle of the road system specs handles hardware better than XP under more circumstances.

[glc]

Why not just buy XP with the free Vista upgrade coupon - use XP for now and watch how Vista plays out?

[chuck4456]

Driver issues. I should have been more specific. I don't think that there is a middle of the road system that can handle VISTA. I've run several scans with MOR systems and always get a grocery list of recommended changes, especially where AUDIO is concerned. Luckily, I don't have that problem, I'm rated for any of them. I think that MICROSOFT is using consumers for a testing ground right now. I would rather see this guy completely happy with his new system and not see him having to spend more money on additional hardware because he bought beneath-the standard stuff to begin with. It's a dice roll for now as far as I'm concerned. It's his call, but you know as well as everybody else, if you plug in XP, it will work from the get-go. I agree with GLC. What's the rush?

[Tarmenion]

Thanks guys.

No rush... just building a new system and was not sure what to use as an OS.

If I buy XP now and upgrade later it will cost me more to do both as oppose to buy just Vista now.

But as GLC mention there is a free upgrade when you buy XP which I was not aware of. Can XP be bought at new egg with free upgrade? If not could you provide a link?

(going to look now for myself)

[Tarmenion]

Ok I found it on new egg but have a few questions before I purchase tonight.

1. What is the difference between Home and Pro, big?

2. Is there a big difference between OEM and Retail? There going to do the same thing aren't they? The prices is a big difference that is for sure (half the price).

You have 2 types of Pro OEM for the same price. ( Can not afford retail so if not worth it will go with home retail)

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...82E16832116175

and

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...82E16832116179

Then you have XP Home retail

Microsoft Windows XP Home with SP2 - Retail

and OEM is $100 cheaper

So.... is it better to get Home retail or XP Pro OEM version? and what is the difference between the 2 XP Pro's I listed?

Thanks for any help on this.

[Statica]

Originally Posted by chuck4456 Driver issues. I should have been more specific. I don't think that there is a middle of the road system that can handle VISTA. I've run several scans with MOR systems and always get a grocery list of recommended changes, especially where AUDIO is concerned. Luckily, I don't have that problem, I'm rated for any of them. I think that MICROSOFT is using consumers for a testing ground right now. I would rather see this guy completely happy with his new system and not see him having to spend more money on additional hardware because he bought beneath-the standard stuff to begin with. It's a dice roll for now as far as I'm concerned. It's his call, but you know as well as everybody else, if you plug in XP, it will work from the get-go. I agree with GLC. What's the rush?

It's a new system, which means that there is no grocery list of recommended changes for anything that's out there (unless the hardware is brought archaic to begin with). Again, I dont know if you've used Vista on newer systems here, but I've yet to see the RTM version complain on ANYTHING that I've run it on, including a number of proprietary systems like laptops. If the OS is meant for an older system, then I wouldnt have said that Vista would be a good idea .. but the architectural advances on Vista make it well worth the effort. It's not just the cost of the OS that needs to be factored in, it is the cost of creating a platform. The accompanying software when bought for a new system will likely need to be upgraded to Vista as well when mfgers put out newer major releases.
I disagree that Vista is an OS you need to disregard just because of assumptions of teething problems .. however the choice of the OS needs to be made with regards with how much money the person (for a home user) is going to shell out to make the platform jump using a new system (again, I stress new system). Not to mention the dicey upgrade path from XP to Vista even with the certificates.
Again, my answer would probably differ if the question was for an old system or for a business system/mission critical system where existing software requirements cause questions of seamless compatibility.

[piff263]

the difference between xp pro 64 and xp pro 32 bit is 64 bit is made for high demaning software such as game developement and far as i now there is less driver support for 64 bit and you need a 64 bit processor
so you would want the 32 bit version.
and for xp home vs xp pro
i haven't found any major diffrences between xp home vs. xp pro
i would go with home edition and save $50

[Tarmenion]

Thank you but how about OEM versus RETAIL? Is there a big difference? I read a couple of reviews that said you should get retail but I am wondering why? and for $100 more? What do you get?

[piff263]

oem is $100 dollars cheaper but i found this article that should explain the diffrence
http://www.microsoft.com/australia/g...cs/whatis.mspx

it says the operating system has to stay on the computer u can't put it on another computer

im not sure about this one but i have hered it and im not sure if it is right
(you can't upgrade oem version of a operating system)
once again im not sure about the last part

[Tarmenion]

Thats odd because on the Pro OEM they give you a free coupon for upgrade.

Can anyone confirm this before I place my order please

[glc]

What the free upgrade does is exchange your product key for a Vista key - you take XP off and you can't reuse it. XP Home OEM is fine as long as the upgrade coupon is valid for the version of Vista you want, same with Pro and MCE.

Funny thing, Chuck - I ran Cnet's Vista compatibility advisor the other day on my 5 year old technology system and everything passed except the video card.

[Tarmenion]

Well.

I decided to go with the XP Pro OEM for 2 reasons.

1. When you upgrade to Vista. Home it cost $50 and Pro does not so either way I will be shelling out $50 now and hang with the better OS until upgrade.

2. People recommend pro more over home for a better operating OS.

Hopefully will not have a problem with OEM only time willl tell.

Thanks again for the help, very much appreciated.

I love PC Mechanic, you guys are always such a big help, maybe one day I can participate in helping others as well.

I am sure I will have more post coming soon when I start building my PC the beginning of next week.

[Statica]

Originally Posted by Tarmenion 1. When you upgrade to Vista. Home it cost $50 and Pro does not so either way I will be shelling out $50 now and hang with the better OS until upgrade. 2. People recommend pro more over home for a better operating OS.

Make sure you're aware that the upgrade path out of XP Pro is limited only to Vista Business and Vista Ultimate. XP Home will allow you an upgrade to any Vista SKU. Make sure that you check the pricing on your upgrade path. All Vista upgrades are not priced the same.

[Tarmenion]

Thanks Statica. Yes, I am aware of this and will most likely do the ultimate when the time comes.