got sent this at work
Windows Vista - To be or not to be…
Before I launch into this (or any other!) topic, can I just remind you that one of the benefits of being a XXXX customer is access to our independent, non-aligned view of all things technology related. Given that we don’t sell the stuff you just know we are going to tell you how we see it – straight up!
By now you should have heard about Windows Vista, Microsoft’s new front line in the desktop operating system war. Vista is elegant, functional and with the right hardware platform quite fast. So, do YOU need it? Well in our most humble opinion – NO!
You see its all about the blurred edges between home and business use. Many of Vista’s features are aimed at home users, power users or Mac users. If you’re running a business system using word processing, data entry, email or whatever, then Vista is going to add little or no value to your business.
No matter what they tell you Windows Vista is heavy on hardware. The combination of its graphical interface (called Aero) and its many new features require a fair amount of computing horsepower to drive them, so the likelihood that your current hardware will support Vista and still be useable is slim – funny that! Vista is also quite a different user experience and the Aero interface is a step in a new direction, so staff education is likely to require some commitment.
Vista is broken down into four main editions: Home Basic, Home Premium, Business and Ultimate. Each edition has various features, or should we say only the Ultimate edition has ALL the features. The price varies considerably, so you do need to be careful choosing the edition that best suits your requirements. Vista may also cost your business more than the purchase price, including additional costs such as installation, customisation and education.
There is little doubt that one day you will need to tackle Vista (as it starts to come bundled with all new PCs). However, we are yet to be convinced that the product can offer XXXX customers tangible business benefits, and until such time we recommend staying with the tried and true.
We are currently working with Vista to ensure we understand the upgrade path, and that it’s the best technical strategy for our clients. Naturally, we are also keeping a keen eye on all the alternatives.
Now if you’re still REALLY determined to hit that ‘Upgrade to Vista Now’ button, let us know. We can provide some very useful upgrade advice – or alternatively we are always happy to pick up the pieces afterwards :-).
And if you are seriously looking for the ultimate family home computing system, it would pay to also consider the new Apple range (unless you are a really serious gamer). It has many of the virtues of Windows Vista but few of the pitfalls. Plus it’s so easy to use that the whole family will be fighting over it!