Reasons Not To Rush Into Windows Vista

 Not Ready Yet

Microsoft is already planning its first service pack to fix major bugs and seeking input from users on what to include. Vista probably won't be truly ready for prime time until that first service pack version, possibly later this year.  It's way too early to tell what sorts of security or compatibility problems exist or will arise.

The hardware and software companies that make compatible products for Vista aren't all ready for the new operating system. Many of those companies are scrambling to complete Vista drivers and updates. Most importantly, not all video and sound card companies are ready.  You could spend a lot of money on upgrading and then find you have to replace peripherals like your scanner or printer because drivers just don't exist.
 
 Windows Xp Is Not Going Anywhere

Windows XP - after years of service patches and strong, industry wide support - is a stable, well-understood and highly functional operating system. And it will continue to be well supported. Microsoft itself has committed to at least seven more years of XP support, and even plans a Service Pack 3 late this year.

Not Really A New Operating System

Much like Windows Millennium, Vista is not new.  It's the last major Microsoft release (XP) with a makeover and new features that they consider to be improvements.  It was not originally planned as a complete operating system, but due to delays in the next real new version of windows, Vienna - and it's server, Windows 2007 - Microsoft decided to make it a major release, like it or not.  Vienna, which is reported to be  a true next generation OS was originally planned to replace XP, and in reality will. Its release date ranges between 2008 - 2011, depending on who you listen to. The truth is that Microsoft doesn't want to be out of the limelight too long, and plans to shorten the time between new products from now on.  So, consumers should be careful and do some research before upgrading.  Microsoft will not recommend waiting for Vienna, obviously.
 
 The Many Versions Are Confusing

Windows Vista Home Basic - This version of Vista provides basic operating system functionality. If you don't need advanced features, such as Aero Glass, this is the choice for you.

Windows Vista Home Premium - This version is sort of a cross between Windows XP Home and Windows XP Professional. It offers much more functionality than the Vista Home Basic edition and is probably the version that most average to advanced home users will install.

Windows Vista Business - This version is comparable to Windows XP Professional. It offers standard business functionality and will be a staple on the corporate desktop.

Windows Vista Enterprise - The Vista Enterprise version offers advanced functionality such as BitLocker Drive Encryption for laptops, application compatibility tools, and multi-language support.

Windows Vista Ultimate - The Vista Ultimate version combines the best of the home and business editions into one feature-rich operating system. This version also includes the Windows Media Center.

How can anyone possibly know which one is right for them?

 The Upgrade Issue

Most people who shelled out good money on a great computer 2-5 years ago and are happy and content with Windows Xp will just not be able to use Vista. The system requirements will just not be met, some by a little, some by a lot.  So the question becomes is an upgrade worth it or is it time for a new system? The actual system requirements are hard to pin down, since they're minimized by Microsoft and exaggerated by others. The following is a rough average:

1 Ghz 32-bit (x86) or 64-bit (x64) processor  - Even though Microsoft says 800mhz will work, thats's the bare minimum for Vista Home Basic. For Home Premium or business editions even 1Ghz will probably be disappointing.

1 GB of system memory  - Microsoft recommends 512 GB for the basic version. Most who have tested it agree at least 1.5 GB is required.

Support for DirectX 9 graphics with a WDDM driver, 128 MB of graphics memory (minimum), Pixel Shader 2.0 and 32 bits per pixel. Graphics are all important. Integrated video cards that share memory are not recommended. You should have an add-on card with at least 256 MG of memory in reality.

40 GB of hard drive capacity with 15 GB free space - 60 GB with 25 GB free is better. Even bigger is even better.

DVD-ROM Drive - The Windows Vista installation disk is a DVD, not a CD.

Audio output capability

Internet access capability


 Summary

As is usually the case with a new release from Microsoft, it's easy to feel left out.  In the case of Vista that might be a good thing at the moment, rather than to be a paying test subject. It seems to me wiser to let the more adventurous users blaze the trail and help Microsoft actually get the operating system ready for general consumption, and to let testimony about the various versions get around.  That and the fact that XP is and will remain a viable, stable, supported operating system for a long time means that there is time to make an informed decision about upgrading rather than being coerced  into a choice that may be regretted later. 
Personally, after a couple hours with Vista I was bored, except for the aggravation of the superficial changes in the interface that makes familiar things hard to find.  The 3-D dazzle fades quickly, and the so-called security features are pure annoyance.   There are not enough new features to make this a new operating system, nothing I see to make it worthwhile.  To the contrary, many applications I like to use aren't supported, yet.  Some may never be.  In my opinion, Windows Vista is  marketing over substance.