From XP to Vista

[tallgeese04]

Hi all,

 

I'm thinking to switch to Vista.. tried it for a month or so.. although had some troubles at first.. still kind of liked it.. if you customize & tweak it , it becomes pretty nice OS..

Don't get me wrong though.. I'm not a Windows fan at all.. just don't have the money for a Mac yet

Right now I'm back on XP but it doesn't feel that good anymore.. so thinking to switch back.

 

So my question is.. I'm thinking of buying Vista.. what version should I go for: Home Premium/Ultimate and 32/64bit one. Or is this a bad idea after all? Please tell me

 

I use Windows for web design (Photoshop/Dreamweaver) and of course games. My system specs are in the signature..

 

Thx.

[MadDoggyca]

Vista Ultimate x64 sp1

 

after all your sig dose show u have 4 gig of ram and x86 oses cna not use 4Gig or over anywazs,

 

no there no real compatiblity issuse with x64 version with x86 software,

 

I would know I running x64 and soo far no issues

 

I only say Ultimate for the single reson it has ever thing and ther other version do not.

 

though if you want stright up preformance and speed with out all the flashy flashy but want the core of vista, such as DX10, Filters and Insteanc search as well as the scercty then I highly sugest HomeBasic x64 sp1

 

HomeBasic is the fastest running version of vista with all key components,

 

and NO aero is not a key feature for vista. its only the GUI that sits ontop of the the core of vista.

 

or last but not least Buy Ultimate X64 and run a program Vlite and build your own Ultimate edition the way u like it is another way of doing things

[vaporATX]

I second the x64 recommendation. My issues with Vista 32 are mainly stability on my overclocked systems. My machines can be prime stable and error free on memtest+, but I'll get random lockups and app faults on Vista 32. No problems with OS X, XP, Vista x64, or various Linux distros.

[rollcage]

You probably won't need Ultimate, I'd say either Home Premium or Basic. The decision between those can be made on whether or not you want Aero, Media Center, etc. And since your machine has 4 GB of ram, go with the 64 bit version.

[Synaesthesia]

I say Vista 32-bit, as it works with 4 gigs (64-bit is only for MORE than 4-gigs), and it is just better supported. Yes I know 64-bit works really well and everything, but is there any point, if 32-bit works too?

You probably won't need Ultimate, I'd say either Home Premium or Basic. The decision between those can be made on whether or not you want Aero, Media Center, etc.

Exactly, it depends on why you want Vista. For me the main attraction is the improved security, so Home Basic makes a lot of sense. Otherwise, Home Premium...

[tallgeese04]

I definitely want the Aero.. so it's choice between the Home Premium and the Ultimate..

 

I say Vista 32-bit, as it works with 4 gigs (64-bit is only for MORE than 4-gigs), and it is just better supported. Yes I know 64-bit works really well and everything, but is there any point, if 32-bit works too?

btw, I only have used the 32-bit version of Vista.. never used a 64bit .. can't really say if it's any better myself.. although what if I would let's say upgrade to a quad core cpu with 1066 memory over like 6 months.. would it make difference in performance if I have 32 or 64bit OS?

Vista isn't exactly cheap if you know what I mean.. just don't want to regret anything ..

 

Right now Home Premium looks like the best choice.. I mean it has the aero and costs a bit less.. but then again.. the idea of having the all in one is tempting too

[Dermatea]

How much can you spend?

 

 

Windows Vista Ultimate x64 w/SP1 - $189

 

Windows Vista Business - $140

 

Windows Vista Home Premium - $112

 

Windows Vista Home Basic - $88

 

(just for kicks: Mac OS X Leopard - $110)

 

 

The price difference between 32-bit and 64-bit versions are minor, give or take $5. So I strongly recommend you get a x64-bit version so you're future-proofed. I also strongly advise NEVER to buy Home Basic, since Home Premium is MUCH better and costs only about $24 more. Of course, Ultimate is hands down the best so it costs the most, but if you can afford it, get it. Vista Business is just like Home Premium, except instead of multimedia features, Business has, well, business-centered features, and non of the multimedia functions found in Home Premium.

If you're deciding between 32-bit and 64-bit, 64-bit is much better. There are few compatibility issues between the two and most 32-bit apps will run on 64-bit Vista without any issues, but not the other way around. I think 64-bit handles large amounts of memory much better than 32-bit, which will help when using apps like Dreamweaver, and of course, gaming.

[rollcage]

I say Vista 32-bit, as it works with 4 gigs (64-bit is only for MORE than 4-gigs), and it is just better supported. Yes I know 64-bit works really well and everything, but is there any point, if 32-bit works too?

Exactly, it depends on why you want Vista. For me the main attraction is the improved security, so Home Basic makes a lot of sense. Otherwise, Home Premium...

 

The 32-bit version of Vista will not be able to take full advantage of 4 gigs of ram, because the memory limit of the x86 architecture is only a little over 3 gigs. So if you want to be able to take full advantage over your machine, go with the x64 version of Windows.

[tallgeese04]

Thx all, the comments really help me out here.

 

How much can you spend?

Windows Vista Ultimate x64 w/SP1 - $189

 

Windows Vista Business - $140

 

Windows Vista Home Premium - $112

 

Windows Vista Home Basic - $88

 

(just for kicks: Mac OS X Leopard - $110)

Are these prices for the OEM or the RETAIL? Where I live it cost for a REATAIL:

 

Windows Vista Ultimate - (NL) €299,- and the (UK) €549,-

Windows Home Premium - (NL) €199,- and the (UK) €349,-

 

Personally I prefer the English version of Windows.. so yeah it's kind of expensive., too expensive >.>

Perhaps I should consider ordering it from somewhere else.. hahah.

The price difference between 32-bit and 64-bit versions are minor, give or take $5. So I strongly recommend you get a x64-bit version so you're future-proofed. I also strongly advise NEVER to buy Home Basic, since Home Premium is MUCH better and costs only about $24 more. Of course, Ultimate is hands down the best so it costs the most, but if you can afford it, get it. Vista Business is just like Home Premium, except instead of multimedia features, Business has, well, business-centered features, and non of the multimedia functions found in Home Premium.

If you're deciding between 32-bit and 64-bit, 64-bit is much better. There are few compatibility issues between the two and most 32-bit apps will run on 64-bit Vista without any issues, but not the other way around. I think 64-bit handles large amounts of memory much better than 32-bit, which will help when using apps like Dreamweaver, and of course, gaming.

The 32-bit version of Vista will not be able to take full advantage of 4 gigs of ram, because the memory limit of the x86 architecture is only a little over 3 gigs. So if you want to be able to take full advantage over your machine, go with the x64 version of Windows.

I see.. the 64bit version seems much better now.. thx.

[vbetts]

Ultimate is full of {censored} you'll never use that can cause performance problems. Not major, but I would try to get everything out of my machine. If you want Aero, get Premium 64-bit. I have it, and it's great. Way better than XP was for me.

[Dermatea]

There isn't really a difference between an OEM for system builders, (people who assemble their own PCs) and the Retail version, other than not being able to transfer the license, (once you install it, the license says that you can only use it for THAT PC, forever) or use it to upgrade an existing install of Windows, but a fresh install is always better anyways. I always get my versions of Windows from eWiz when I build a new computer, like this one: http://www.ewiz.com/detail.php?name=MS66I01939

 

Do not confuse an OEM for something like an "Upgrade" version. It is stated in the disclaimer:

 

Disclaimer: This OEM software is intended for system builders and cannot be transferred to another PC once it is installed. This software is for New and/or Fresh Installation and is NOT Retail nor Upgrade product. The purchaser of this software is required to comply with the terms of the System Builder license, including the responsibility of providing all end user support for the software.

 

When you buy Retail, you're also buying the right to transfer the license to a different PC, (one license per PC) and the ability to use the disc for both a clean install or as an upgrade, hence the higher price.

 

So unless you're reeeaally likely to be transferring licenses in the very near future, I suggest you pay a lot less for the OEM.

[Synaesthesia]

Yeah, I second the idea of getting OEM, I was gonna mention that but I forgot...MUCH cheaper!

[S.SubZero]

Ultimate is full of {censored} you'll never use that can cause performance problems. Not major, but I would try to get everything out of my machine. If you want Aero, get Premium 64-bit. I have it, and it's great. Way better than XP was for me.

Well, Home Premium has all the same "full of {censored} that can cause performance problems" stuff, like Media Center.

 

For a lighter but still very usable version I'd recommend Vista Business 64-bit. It doesn't have Media Center but looks fine for home use. I'm going to get it for my next desktop build.

[tallgeese04]

@ Dermatea: I seem to misunderstand here something.. I've googled some info about OEM and RETAIL before and as I understand it.. if I get OEM now.. and will upgrade my cpu in like few months.. the windows wont let me install it again.. am I right? Or is it only if I will replace the Mobo.. if that's the case I will do it.. cuz my current is good enough to keep me going for a while.

 

The OEM Home Premium (UK) cost €99,- and the Ultimate (UK) €169,- .. it's really much cheaper than the RETAIL.. so I think I could go for the 64bit Ultimate.. since it's not that big of a price difference here.. but only if it allows me to change all hardware except the mobo.. otherwise.. it's pointless for me.. since I'm planning on upgrading to quadcore and memory in near future.

[Nano2k]

Just beware that you are loosing performance with Vista especially in games + a lot of funny slowdowns and stuff when moving files around. That is with 32bit or 64bit version. I used Vista 64bits for a long time and it was ok, but when you play a 3d game and switch between XP and Vista the performance difference is there. The games feel a lot smoother in XP than in Vista. The drivers have matured a lot for Vista but the difference is there. Without mentionning that 3D sound effects are just not as good in Vista.

 

In the end with Vista you are getting better looks but slower performance... up to you.

[vbetts]

Well, Home Premium has all the same "full of {censored} that can cause performance problems" stuff, like Media Center.

 

For a lighter but still very usable version I'd recommend Vista Business 64-bit. It doesn't have Media Center but looks fine for home use. I'm going to get it for my next desktop build.

Difference is with Media center and the {censored} that's in ultimate, Media center is actually worth it. =]

[tallgeese04]

Just beware that you are loosing performance with Vista especially in games + a lot of funny slowdowns and stuff when moving files around. That is with 32bit or 64bit version. I used Vista 64bits for a long time and it was ok, but when you play a 3d game and switch between XP and Vista the performance difference is there. The games feel a lot smoother in XP than in Vista. The drivers have matured a lot for Vista but the difference is there. Without mentionning that 3D sound effects are just not as good in Vista.

 

In the end with Vista you are getting better looks but slower performance... up to you.

Really? It's funny because while I had Vista I actually had the feeling everything (including games) was performing better than under XP SP3, which I have right now again..

I know Vista is way from perfect... lol.. but somehow I can't use XP the way I did before I tried Vista out..

The little things like opening/closing of files.. and overall new features you get in Vista, I really miss that in XP now.

[XweAponX]

Oh Mang... You OUGHT to use XP x64 edition for any AMD system. It rocks and is so stable you can drop your PC down a flight of stairs and it will still work. It's hard to break.

 

If you are running an x64 machine, get Vista Ultimate Edition x64.

 

If you are on a Core Duo machine, get regular Ultimate Edition.

 

Actually, you can install any version of Vist{censored} from any install DVD- Just do not put a product id in when you install it. Then when it asks you which version you bought, tell it Ultimate Edition.

 

You can use it for 30 days.

 

after 30 days, save all your important data and just re-install it

 

-Cos Vista ain't worth payin for, especially since Ultimate costs about 400 bucks for retail, it is just robbery.

 

 

Ultimate is full of {censored} you'll never use that can cause performance problems. Not major, but I would try to get everything out of my machine. If you want Aero, get Premium 64-bit. I have it, and it's great. Way better than XP was for me.

 

 

-THAT statement is just a bunch of HOOEY.

 

Ultimate edition, IS Vista, if you want Vista, you use Ultimate Edition. Why?

 

Right Click on My Computer - Hit MANAGE.

 

look for "Local Users and Groups" - If you got HOME Premium, it just AIN'T There.

 

It is only there in Ultimate or Business... And Business edition is FOR business. Ergo, Ultimate Edition is the only version where you got FULL control of all your shares, you can even use the Windows 2000 style Security window. With that, you can get into useless folders like System Volume Information and delete viruses that seep into there.

 

Also, you can just NOT USE the Dreamscene content, which is the only "{censored} that will never be used that will cause performance problems"

 

NO, If you want LESS Performance problems, use Ultimate, if you want MORE, use Home.

 

Cos you can SHUT OFF all the {censored} in Ultimate Edition- Also, I use a program for General Motors Tools lookup- Which installs a little Apache server on my system, this CAN'T be done on Home or Home Premium.

 

Nah, if you get any Home version, you will NOT be able to run about maybe a hundred very important programs, and if you have an Nvidia chipset, you will NOT be able to change your settings for anything, cos the devices are managed also through a Web Server, and HOME edition is missing all kinds of the security {censored} that allows you to do this stuff.

 

Ultimate is a lot more stable too.

 

Oh Yah:

 

The 32-bit version of Vista will not be able to take full advantage of 4 gigs of ram, because the memory limit of the x86 architecture is only a little over 3 gigs. So if you want to be able to take full advantage over your machine, go with the x64 version of Windows.

 

That 3-gig "limitation" is due to Vanderpool (Virtualisation)- If you are NOT using Vanderpool, disable it in your BIOS and you will certainly be able to access all 4 GB of your RAM in Vista.

 

Vanderpool takes 1 GB of your RAM off the top of your memory and assigns it to Virtualisation. Ergo, if you got 4 GB of RAM, it will only show 3 GB... And if you look closely at the amount of ram available, it is not 3,072 MB- Cos Vanderpool takes exactly 1,000,000 bytes by default.

 

Vanderpool is what they call it on IBM Motherboards, AMD Motherboards use a different kind of Virtualisation, Secure Virtual Machine Extensions (Pacifica) and Pacifica does not rob any of your memory.

[Dermatea]

@ Dermatea: I seem to misunderstand here something.. I've googled some info about OEM and RETAIL before and as I understand it.. if I get OEM now.. and will upgrade my cpu in like few months.. the windows wont let me install it again.. am I right? Or is it only if I will replace the Mobo.. if that's the case I will do it.. cuz my current is good enough to keep me going for a while.

 

The OEM is only tied to the motherboard. Everything else is fair game.

 

Refer to this article for more details regarding OEM versions of Windows:

http://arstechnica.com/news.ars/post/20070130-8730.html

[Nano2k]

Really? It's funny because while I had Vista I actually had the feeling everything (including games) was performing better than under XP SP3, which I have right now again..

I know Vista is way from perfect... lol.. but somehow I can't use XP the way I did before I tried Vista out..

The little things like opening/closing of files.. and overall new features you get in Vista, I really miss that in XP now.

 

Well give a visit to a hardcore hardware enthusiast/overclocker forum (such as xetremesystems) and see for yourself what people think of Vista in general... New features I never used, or did not even realize I did except maybe being able to resize desktop icons with ctrl+mouse scroll wheel lol.

 

Anyway I guess if you are not too gaming/performance oriented it's not an issue because the difference in games is not astronomic. The 3D sound sucks in Vista though for EAX enabled games, but since most action games are becoming more and more crappy console ports I guess that might not be an issue for so long.

[tallgeese04]

The OEM is only tied to the motherboard. Everything else is fair game.

 

Refer to this article for more details regarding OEM versions of Windows:

http://arstechnica.com/news.ars/post/20070130-8730.html

Thank you! Really glad to know that can purchase the OEM without worries now..

Well give a visit to a hardcore hardware enthusiast/overclocker forum (such as xetremesystems) and see for yourself what people think of Vista in general... New features I never used, or did not even realize I did except maybe being able to resize desktop icons with ctrl+mouse scroll wheel lol.

 

Anyway I guess if you are not too gaming/performance oriented it's not an issue because the difference in games is not astronomic. The 3D sound sucks in Vista though for EAX enabled games, but since most action games are becoming more and more crappy console ports I guess that might not be an issue for so long.

I did.,visited several different boards.. and it's actually very confusing.. because there's always mix of opinions.. many people prefer XP.. but there's also quite few people who enjoy having Vista..

 

Anyhow, thx all for helping out here.. I think I'll go for the Ultimate 64bit OEM.