I think Vista is getting a bad rap. I'm running a XP computer and my son's computer bit the dust so I purchased a new one with Vista installed and they have been having no problems at all using it, running software, or using old printers or other hardware with it.

I think Microsoft should never have allowed the whole "Vista Ready" computer mess to happen.
Clearly state what is needed to safely run the software and don't play games with your customers.

Microsoft missed the boat with vista. They should hire somebody that actually uses computers to test new software. The geeks that test the software are VERY computer savy, and can adapt to new software in a matter of days. The average person is still having problems with xp. They cannot fathom the fact that one needs to spend additional money to protect their computer on the net. I have rebuilt dozens of xp machines for people, only to warn them to add virus protection and a firewall, only to have the machine back 6 months later in the same shape with no protection. I have added 2 years of updates to machines, because people are too lazy to update. Vista is nice software, but like xp, one needs to run extra protection. Microsofts one care is the most bloated useless piece of computer trash I have ever seen. If I was a marketing person at microjoke they would have designed a vista light for older machines that would have sold like hotcakes on a cold day. Microsoft dropped the ball on vista, don't blame the average computer user for not adopting software that requires dual core to run. The blame for its failure lies on the back of microsoft not on the average person. Yes, I have run vista for 6 months on one of my machines. I like it, but would not in good faith, tell most people to update. I run it on a dual boot with xp, and have not booted back to xp in 3 months. In the future, it will get accepted ONLY because, most new machines come with it installed. Every machine I currently run, was a xp machine people ran into the ground with spyware and viruses, and bought a new machine, rather than try to repair the one they had. The main reason was the literal rape that repair people tried to commit on unknowing general public with rediculious prices to rebuld computers. I actually had a man come to me to install a ram chip that a company that will remain unkown wanted $75.00 to install. This was a 2 minute job. My point.

I agree with what you are saying. I worked in the Unix server business but most people that I help don't know PC World mag from a MS flyer and have no idea about how to install an Operating System upgrade even if their machines supported it and it was free. And I also help non-profits who are happy to get a donated 4 year old machine with 256Meg (which I normally upgrade to 512) -- and with that upgrade it will run XP just fine. They can't afford a 1 or 2 gig machine. And they don't need a mix of XP and Vista so now the fun will begin when they start to get a few Vista machines (to use in their office, teach English, basic keyboarding, etc) and at some point there will be a mix of XP and Vista. Sad for them. You are right about MS testing. I just wish they would spend the money on basic operating system stability (like Unix) and ease of use instead of transparent windows as well as different looks/skins/environments which most people don't need or use. Vent, vent, vent. :-))

Febuary 2007, 5 year old computer with XP Windows, Dies! At that time was forced into purchasing New Computer programed with Vista. Compatibility issues with old hardware printer and scanner, as well, external hard drive. As well as numerous problems with add-on software. New OS should make computers easier to use! Thumbs up on Vista and Office 2007: Thumbs down on "Microsoft Vista" for Compatibility!

Have you ever tried doing on-site support as a business? Are you aware of the fact that it costs at least $60.00 on average to put a technician at someone's door?

The onsite support industry generally offers good value for money. Last year I was able to keep the equivalent of a grade school teacher's salary after paying all costs of running a business, and that's with $99.00 as a minimum charge. Try walking a mile in someone else's shoes before slamming a whole industry.

I enjoy helping people who do not have IT in their background to get their computers to do what they wish them to do, and most of them don't mind paying for service. If you want RAM installed for $20 or $30, take it to an electronics store, don't expect someone to come to you with entry level technician salaries in the mid-40s and gas at $4.00 per gallon.

I cannot afford to upgrade my computer so it can run Vista. Is that clear?

how to use the find.pcworld.com/60793 i tried it but all i get is cant find 60793 what am i doing wrong mike