OK, I know this (or at least the title) is another one of the comparison-topics.
But I might have some different questions:
So, I'm about to buy a new, even though simple, computer.
And for the hardware I have already decided on most parts.
But then there is the dilemma of which Operation System to go with.
First of all, I have no problem with Windows XP Professional (SP3).
It's a nice OS, pretty handy to use, it's light on most computers, especially the new ones, etc.
However, then there is Windows Vista, which has all these new and handy features.
But I am concerned though for it's requirements, such as the disk-space to start with.
I would get a HDD that is not too big, sayyy 300-500GB to stuff a fair amount of programs and games on.
But last time I checked you need like 40GB for capacity to start with, and 1GB of RAM.
I don't know if that will still be used during games and such, but if so it will cut down performance a lot(?).
However, I read that Vista is supposed to be faster than XP.
Then another thing:
That so-called Windows "Vienna" or "7" is pretty much on the horizon already, late 2009/early 2010 that is.
Recently I figured it would probably be some kind of "Media Center"-version of Vista.
But now I read it would be the next major Windows after all, even though it looks just like Vista.
So what's up with that?
Would everyone all of a sudden have to go and buy that again?
Or would it just be an upgrade for Vista-users anyway?
Seeing this thing isn't out yet, it's not an option for a computer I could have soon.
So it's either WinXPro or Vista, but I did read moving from Vista to "Windows 7" should be straightforward.
Which I hope for everyone means a simply upgrade of sorts.
So you can see my confusion, anyone tell me what you think or in fact is the best way to go.
Note that I'm planning this to be a simple gaming-computer with just sóme other things.
Only maybe in the future I would use it for more things.
Like the complete managing of my media and contacting and information, which I should upgrade for.
Id say go with XP....Vista is heavy on resources and alot of programs,games, apps always have some kind of compatability issue and do not work properly...as for the new windows...wait till it actually comes out...
Any modern PC shouldn't have a problem running Vista efficiently, RAM is cheap and the rest of the minumum requirements should be easily obtained with new hardware. You can try Vista for free for 30 days to see if you like it and if that is not enough time to make up your mind you can extend the trial period for up to 120 days.
Oh, that's pretty awesome, I think I should try that at least.
But yes, I'm still worried about system resources since I have to keep the costs low.
And that meant like even keeping the RAM down to 2GB as a standard.
But if Vista actually takes up 1GB, then games would choke up quite easily.
So, I guess I'd have to go for like 4GB? :S
By the way, that x64 and x86, does that mean 64bit and the other one something like that?
Or is x86 like what I have now, 32bit... :\
Oh, I see.
And yes, I probably will when I finally have the computer. :)
But is it like Windows can take UP TO 1GB then, but usually less?
Or actually around or higher than 1GB all the time?
I also think that it would be handier to switch from Vista to "Vienna" as they say.
Or at least they say they want to make it easy, I hope they succeed.
