The Road to Vista, Part II

By Wes Henry

Will my computer work with Vista?

If you’d like to switch to Windows Vista, there are three potential scenarios:

1. Your current computer is capable of running Windows Vista and you can simply upgrade it.

2. Your current computer can run Windows Vista after some required upgrades like RAM upgrade, video card upgrade, etc.

3. You’ll need a new computer to run Vista. This could be the case if your current computer isn’t capable of running Vista and isn’t cost effective to upgrade.

Unfortunately there’s no easy rule to tell if your current computer is ready to run Vista or not. One good way to find out is to run the Vista Upgrade Advisor from Microsoft.

Vista Upgrade Advisor will inspect your computer’s hardware and software to determine if it’s capable of running Vista. Once the advisor finishes you’ll be given a report of any issues that need to be corrected before safely upgrading your machine to Vista.

How to upgrade

While not completely fool-proof, upgrading to Vista is similar to upgrading to any previous version of Windows.

Additional benefits of Ultimate IT™

Project Planning and Implementation: Means no more bids, or by-the-hour project costing. All IT labor is included for any upgrades, additional servers or workstations, new networking equipment, and any other typical IT project. All you worry about is one low cost for each user or PC on a monthly basis.

1. Run the Vista Upgrade Advisor to ensure your computer is capable of using Windows Vista. Resolve any issues or requirements first.

2. Back up your data. Be sure to have any programs handy that you need to reinstall.

3. Boot the Windows Vista DVD and follow the instructions.

4. Re-install programs and restore data.

5. Check for and install updates. Be sure to check for updates from hardware and software manufacturers you use as well as Microsoft. This includes checking for the latest drivers.

Most new computers will include Vista and Microsoft will eventually end support for Windows XP, which means security patches and bug fixes will end. This means we’ll want to upgrade all our machines to be running Vista at some point. At home you can determine when you want to upgrade.

For businesses the issue is trickier.

There are some very good reasons to upgrade to Vista. Increased security and reliability, advanced features, and the shift of support from software vendors away from XP to Vista are just a few. Once one of the machines in your network is running Vista there are good reasons to switch all of them to Vista. Simplified support, software compatibility, end-user training, consistency, and IT best practices are just some of the reasons for standardizing on Vista across your business.

When to make the switch is still up to you.

If you’re interested in Windows Vista or have any questions, please give our IT division a call at 701-280-9040.

Links to Vista products
Microsoft Windows Vista Home Page
Microsoft Vista Editions Page
Microsoft Vista Feature Comparison Table
Microsoft Vista Editions Page
Windows Vista Easy Transfer Companion

The Road to Vista, Part I

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