Which OS?

[EHaskins]

Vista, x64 if >4gb of RAM.

I know all of you anti-Vista and anti-MS people will disagree, but here is my reasoning.

• Vista really isn't that bad and Windows 7 is even better.
• If you are going to upgrade to Windows 7 in the near future, keep in mind that an upgrade install directly from XP to & will NOT be possible. You will need to do a clean install of 7, which includes reinstalling all of your old software...

Other thoughts:

• You can install the Windows 7 Beta, then install the RTM version when released, but AFAIK MS hasn't officially stated they will support this, yet. I can't say I recommend doing this, but 7 beta does seem very stable. I know many people who have already made the switch.
• Don't try to use XP x64. I've heard nothing but bad things about it, especially with newer drivers.
• In any case make sure you you have the latest service pack (SP3 for XP, SP1 for Vista), preferably pre-installed from the install disk.

[carpenma]

Are they going to offer direct Vista to 7 upgrade packs?

[EHaskins]

Originally Posted by carpenma

Are they going to offer direct Vista to 7 upgrade packs?

Yes, Vista to 7 upgrade installs will be possible, but as with any upgrade install there will always be small issues.

[MrForbes]

Eric, what necessary things can you do with Vista (or 7) that you can't do with XP?

That's the question that drives my upgrade schedule....which is why I din't start using XP until about a year and a half ago!

[EHaskins]

Originally Posted by squirrel

Eric, what necessary things can you do with Vista (or 7) that you can't do with XP?

That's the question that drives my upgrade schedule....which is why I din't start using XP until about a year and a half ago!

It depends on your definition of necessary.

Here is my quick list...

• My #1, the x64 version is actually good. (XP x64 isn't) If you have >4gb of RAM this is enough of a reason to use Vista/7.
• Find drivers using Windows Update actually works!
• I prefer the user directory structure over XPs.
• In general Vista, and 7, have significant security and reliability improvements over XP. I know Vista has a bad rep, but in my experience, and most people I know who have used it, Vista is more stable than XP.
• There are a huge number of improvements in the business network administration, but I won't go into detail since most people will never be aware of these improvements.
• While not necessary, I find the search features built into Vista increase my productivity.
• It's kind of a niche thing, but the tablet PC and touch screen support is must better than XP.
• IIS 7 for testing before deploying web sites/apps.
• Security enhancements in remote desktop.
• In my experience Workgroup networking is faster, easier, more stable, and more reliable.
• Windows Media Center is great when using a machine as media device.
• 7 has improved integration of biometric security devices.

[MrForbes]

Originally Posted by EHaskins

It depends on your definition of necessary.

Here is my quick list...

Thanks! nothing in your list is stuff I need (or want), so I guess I'm fine with XP.

ymmv

[Nate Smith]

Originally Posted by EHaskins

Vista, x64 if >4gb of RAM.
You can install the Windows 7 Beta, then install the RTM version when released, but AFAIK MS hasn't officially stated they will support this, yet. I can't say I recommend doing this, but 7 beta does seem very stable. I know many people who have already made the switch.

The official stance of MS has always been that they do not support upgrading from a beta version to the RTM release, or even from one beta to the next. Basically, they are concerned with fragments of previous versions being left behind that cause problems with the overall performance of the system. However, I was able to find this link that describes a workaround to get the Win7 installer to allow a beta to RC or RTM upgrade to take place.