For all those that say Vista go home im switching to Linux

[NJTackle]

I'm a windows guy so it never even crossed my mind to switch my OS especially when I run all Windows Servers.

Although not bullet proof, MS has spent some time on the security for Windows XP and Vista.. Just curious....how are these other systems with security, virus attacks, DOS attacks, all ports scans, etc.? In the corporate world workstations sit behind firewalls and routers so running one of these OS's probably isn't that big of a deal. But the average home user hooks directly up to the net and is visible to the world. This may be a huge security risk for some. JMO.

PS - Vista is a pig when it comes to hardware requirements. Unless you are upgrading your PC I'd stay away from any OS upgrade alone. Besides...many old programs & games can NOT run reliable on Vista. I'll do my upgrade when I'm forced to!!!

[JohnR]

Originally Posted by labrax

If you do not want vista and you are buying a new machine from a manufacturer - you still may be able to get them to load XP on it. A co-worker of mine did not want a new dell laptop with vista and contacted them and while it took a bit of wrangling - he was able to get XP Pro on the laptop. The corporate (non-retail) market is still getting them with XP on them as a lot of companies have not made the switch over (and there really is no compelling business reason too) to vista.

Also check with Microsoft before you get a new PC to confirm if you can get a "downgrade" from Vista due to "application compatibility". What they'll do is give you the license key for Windows XP so you can install that and you'll still be able to run the Vista at a later date.

Originally Posted by NJTackle

I'm a windows guy so it never even crossed my mind to switch my OS especially when I run all Windows Servers.

Although not bullet proof, MS has spent some time on the security for Windows XP and Vista.. Just curious....how are these other systems with security, virus attacks, DOS attacks, all ports scans, etc.? In the corporate world workstations sit behind firewalls and routers so running one of these OS's probably isn't that big of a deal. But the average home user hooks directly up to the net and is visible to the world. This may be a huge security risk for some. JMO.

PS - Vista is a pig when it comes to hardware requirements. Unless you are upgrading your PC I'd stay away from any OS upgrade alone. Besides...many old programs & games can NOT run reliable on Vista. I'll do my upgrade when I'm forced to!!!

NJ - these are pretty good. Give me a patched Linux distro to hang outside the firewall for a while before MS any day...