Which Microsoft Operating System?

shamrock838

New Member
Which Microsoft Operating System? :

I’m shopping for a new desktop computer to complement my circa 2006 Dell Latitude D-820. My current desktop is a circa 1998 Gateway Pentium II (450 MHz) operating under MS Windows XP Professional.

I’m retired with a home office setup and have decided on the Dell Vostro 420 Tower as my new desktop. I’m currently checking out the many available options on http://configure.us.dell.com. First on the list is which Operating System (OS) to choose.

As an XP Pro user I’ve heard negative reports about unresolved bugs in MS Vista Operating System, e.g. that I should wait until Vista is more reliable (less “buggy”). So I’m undecided as to which OS to choose. I do want an OS that’s the equivalent of XP Professional.

One of Dell’s OS options for the Vostro 420 reads: -
“FREE Genuine Vista Business Bonus w/XP Professional downgrade. Installed $99 value [Included in Price]. FREE $99 UPGRADE.” ???
What does this mean in plain English?

When I have my OS decided I can address other Vostro 420 hardware and software options.

Many thanks.

Shamrock838
 
Dell's accessories list is expensive. Build one yourself if you can. It'll save lots of money.

I don't think this is the way to go.

Shamrock, I think both operating systems are equal. I have not experienced any bugginess in Vista, although it is a little sluggish unless you have the right hardware to accompany it.

I think you should stick with what you know, and get XP again. You will be able to run less advanced hardware and still have a very smooth experience. Microsoft is continuing to support XP for a long time (until around 2012 I think) and by then you will probably be upgrading to Windows 7. So you can just skip Vista if you want.
 
I now like Windows Vista and Windows XP equally. Windows Vista has better security features than XP, but XP also has some features that are better than Vista.

Windows Vista has been patched up pretty good so I think you will be fine if you decide on this operating system.

The Dell Vostro 420 has hardware specifications good enough for Windows Vista. Just make sure you have at least 1.5 gigabytes of RAM because you need much more memory than a computer running Windows XP.
 
Don't worry about the building part. Dell has warranty, and you aren't buying anything too particularly expensive, so just spend the money @ Dell.

I like XP + Vista, they both work fine for me. Vista's bugs are almost completely gone, and I have had no problems. (I don't run games though, just web browsing, microsoft office etc) I would go with Vista, just because it is newer.
 
if you like things to look good and to be seamless at the same time, then vista. if you like really simple, but not the greatest looks, then xp would be your choice.

if you do go vista, (which i recommend,) be prepared for a small learning curve. you cannot turn on the computer and automatically decide you dont like the operating system because of one or two things. wait until you are used to it (over a few weeks of regular use) before you judge its features.

EDIT: oh and in english what they mean is "you get windows vista for free, but if you dont like it we will give you XP Pro and you can stick that on your computer instead. either way it is free."
 
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