new computer

[sparkyaber]

So our 6 year old computer is about dead. I have done tons of stuff to get it to work faster, but nothing has worked. I only have problems when it starts up. Tried these things: defraged, shutting off things at startup, changing the ram sticks, as well as other things.

I have decided to get a new computer, and would like to know if all of my software is compatable with vista, or if I can still get xp on a new computer. I have a bunch of stuff on my computer

like office and other progams that I would like on a new one. Do I have to buy all new software?

Thanks

[Matt C]

You can still get XP on a few systems. Dell still has them, and I am pretty sure HP/Compaq does also. I prefer XP over Vista because vista still isnt compatible with everything yet, and is still buggy. It took MS 2 years to get XP not so buggy, I assume it will take them that long on Vista also.

As for your software, if you have the disks, you certainly can use them on your new PC, you paid for the license, you can use it on a new machine.

[Sandmannd]

I've been running vista for a vew months now on my new laptop and everything I have seems to be combatible with it. It takes some getting used to on how it works and all, outlook express is gone and that kinda sucks, but other than that things seem to be fine. You may need to upgrade some of the sw to make it work better. I did that on Nero for burning.

[Borch]

Dell has XP on certain models of desktops and laptops. Vista has improved since it came out and most software has versions that are compatible. I always avoid first Ed. of software no matter who makes it.

[JohnMickish]

I use nothing but Dells and they have been wonderful. I currently use three, networked together and share some bits and pieces between them and they all play very well with each other.

The really cool thing about Dell now is that when you order one they can link up to your current computer and take all of your settings and such and install them on your new one. That way when you get the new one in the mail everything is the way your old one was. That saves alot of headaches for me.

[lawman]

I just bought a new computer to replace my old one. I avoided the big box stores and paid no more at a smaller shop in town. They put XP and MS-Office on my computer and were able to re-use the versions I had since I bought them at a store years ago. The dealer told me that most of his customers (9 out of 10) have asked to stay with XP til Vista gets the bugs worked out.

[fishinchicks]

We've run into more compatability problems with the Office 2007 package than the Vista. You can save some things in compatability mode, but not everything. The kids had problems with power point between office 2007 and the school's office 2003. Other than that, I haven't had too big a problem with Vista.

[BobT]

I have been using Vista Home Premium at home since March 2007 and had no real problems I couldn't work around. I also installed Office Enterprise 2007 in mid summer and no problems that I am aware of. You can save back to earlier office versions, such as 2003, if you need to so other systems can use the files.

Bob

[upnorth]

Vista works fine.....just a pain in the $$$ to use. I understand you can turn off all the extra security stuff if want to make it easier to use... but then you are using XP and XP is not as much of a resource pig. I work in IT at a hospital and we are trying purchase enough licensing to avoid having to go to Vista as they start not selling licenes for it.

[Sandmannd]

Upnorth, what hosp you work for? I work for Childrens in the cities in IT. We are looking at going to vist eventually, but may wait till the next OS comes out. Never know what happens till we do it.

[Jeremy airjer W]

I currently have a dell and an HP with Vista. My old computer had windows 98. The learning curve was quite dramatic. I have had to download some patches for software and my tablet. HP is not updating the driver for my scanner so it is useless at this point and Lakemaster is still working on there patch for windows. Other than that everything else has worked fine.

[upnorth]

Sandmannd, I work for UMCM in Hibbing, we are part of Fairview.