Windows of Opportunity: Windows XP or Windows Vista

Everyone loves upgrades. Whether it is a new car, a new house, or a new computer, we all enjoy new stuff. If you've been using computers for awhile you know that they just slow down over time. Sometimes a reinstallation of Windows may speed it up for awhile, but sometimes it's necessary to purchase a new computer to keep up with the new demands you have for it. If your business PC's seem like they might need replacing soon, you may want to consider purchasing replacements now.

Chances are you may have heard of Microsoft's newest operating system Windows Vista. (An operating system is the software that runs the computer so that you can run your applications.) Windows Vista is the successor to Windows XP and has lots of new features to enhance your productivity, multimedia experience, and digital security. Despite the fact that Windows Vista has been available for over a year, software and hardware manufacturers still have not released the necessary updates to work with Windows Vista. Instead the majority of software and hardware manufacturers have decided to instead release newer versions of their hardware and software that do work with Windows Vista. For example, I upgraded my desktop PC at VOLstate to Windows Vista Ultimate edition, but found that our version of QuickBooks doesn't work on Windows Vista. When I called QuickBooks support they told me that we would have to upgrade to QuickBooks 2008 for all of our computers. What does this mean for you and your business? If you buy a new computer for your business that comes with Windows Vista it may not be able to run your older version of QuickBooks or other line of business application. In addition your printers and scanners may not work with the new computer. Many people have opted to buy new computers with Windows XP instead. However Microsoft has announced that Windows XP will no longer be for sale on new computers after June 30, 2008. That means that any new computers that you do buy after that point will only come with Windows Vista.

The wisest move for your business right now may be to buy new PC's before Windows XP is no longer available. By doing so your business will have fast, updated PC's to last you the next few years and delay purchasing the expensive upgrades of your line of business applications or printer and other hardware until you are ready. Contact VOLstate for pricing for quality desktop and notebook PC's that come pre-loaded with Windows XP. We can even provide assistance to migrate your current software and data from your older business PC's to the new equipment.

Also be careful in buying the special deal computers from "big box" retails stores; they will be coming with Windows Vista only. While you may get a "steal of a deal" you may be unable to use the software and hardware you need for you business. If you do buy a new computer with Windows Vista make sure you get the right version of Windows Vista. Oftentimes retailers will sell you the barebones version of Windows Vista Home Basic which doesn't have all the features you need for multimedia or connecting to your business network.

Learning Windows Vista and Microsoft Office 2007 may provide some time to get used to so plan your upgrade at a time when business is slower. VOLstate can help provide the necessary training to get you and your staff up to speed on using Windows Vista and Office 2007. If you need assistance in evaluating and planning your business' computer upgrades please contact us at VOLstate.