vista or xp pro?

[frankierx]

Which one should I buy? I have been using xp pro on a machine now since 2001. I need to buy another xp pro license. I would like to know if it is better to invest time and money in vista or to assume it is cheaper to buy xp pro.

 

[mechBgon]

Vista if the system can handle it. It offers better security, and from your other thread, it looks like that's a major consideration. What's the specs on this rig?

 

[frankierx]

Originally posted by: mechBgon
Vista if the system can handle it. It offers better security, and from your other thread, it looks like that's a major consideration. What's the specs on this rig?

It's A64 x2 3800+, 1 Gb ram

 

[stash]

What's the video situation? You should probably get another gig of RAM if you can afford it.

 

[mechBgon]

That's an OK rig for Vista. You can throw another 1GB of RAM into it at some point and it'll make use of it. edit:, yeah, what he said ^

To help figure out which Vista you want... basic info on the versions, and OEM v. Retail with links to more good info too.

 

[frankierx]

Originally posted by: stash
What's the video situation? You should probably get another gig of RAM if you can afford it.

I have a GF 6600 Gt

 

[John]

Buy XP Pro with a free upgrade to Vista Business.

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.asp?Item=N82E16832116175

 

[Lemon law]

I somewhat say the vista question is time dependent and is a moving target. And also goes far beyond system specs. But short answer---you are more than vista ready for all versions
of vista in terms of system specs. An extra gig of ram is always an option---but that depends on what you will do with the computer.----but superfetch will efficiently use all ram. And don't forget the usb drive option to use readyboost.

Right now the real question is what other hardware devices you have won't work with vista because drivers are not written yet---and what existing other software won't work with no available vista alternatives yet. Six months from now these problems will likely be sorted out.----were this an upgrade question-the conventional wisdom would say wait six months.

But its not an upgrade question---its a new license---and you get one or the other---and you are stuck with your choice as you burn one bridge or the other bridge behind you. Were you to use this new OS for only a limited time like a year on your new system---XP might still get the nod---but if you are planning longer term than that---I would recommend going vista.
But in terms of other system peripherals and software---some research regarding how vista ready they are on the web might be in order before making a final choice.---but vista if possible would be probably best unless you have a compelling reason not to.----and then you can puzzle over 32 bit or 64 bit---or vista home--home premium--business or ultimate.