Brad writes:

Hey Will,
What is your view on MS Vista?? Is it worthwhile getting the upgrade and if so, which version??
I currently have XP (home ed.)

I like Vista, it offers a number of subtle improvements, none of which, however is a must-have. I use Windows XP at work (on pretty decent hardware) - and it works just fine, and I have no issues continuing to use it for the next 18 months or so (the expected life of my work PC).

At present, my simple answer for most people is: Wait until you buy a new PC (that comes with Vista).  

For three very simple reasons:

1. The software you are using now, will probably need to be updated to work correctly under Vista.
2. The hardware you are using now, will probably need to have updated drivers to work correctly under Vista. 
3. It’s going to cost you a bunch of money to upgrade. 

Software

To be honest, a lot of software works just fine. There are, of course, hundreds of thousands (if not millions) of applications out there.  Some of it will work fine, with no problems. Applications which you wouldn’t think of as causing a problem, will have issues.

Take, for example a popular Podcast-receiver application called Juice. This, simply will not work for me under Vista at the moment. 

Any utility software you have, such as Antivirus, CD/DVD Burning, or Disk Maintenance software will probably need to be upgraded - depending on the manufacturer, this may be a simple free update, or it may require that you purchase their latest version. 

Hardware

Sure, Vista can be somewhat demanding on a PC. But it will typically work on any mid-range entry-level PC purchased in the last 3 years. (Bargain Basement PCs excepted)

If you have a scanner, printer, webcam, digital camera, or media playing device, you may not be able to use it at first. Again, most of these will work when you download an updated driver.

If you’re running a custom setup (like me), or a PC that was built by a local-generic computer store, then you may find that certain important bits don’t work. For me, that included my CDROM Drive, until I spent a whole lot of time fiddling around.  Of course, most reputable manufacturers will release updated drivers in the coming months - it may mean that you have to wait a little while, however.

Cost

Vista isn’t cheap to buy from a store.  APC gives this quick run down of prices for Australia.

• Windows Vista Home Basic – $385
• Windows Vista Home Basic Upgrade - $199

• Windows Vista Home Premium - $455
• Windows Vista Home Premium Upgrade Academic - $179
• Windows Vista Home Premium Upgrade - $299

• Windows Vista Ultimate - $751
• Windows Vista Ultimate Upgrade - $495

• Windows Vista Business - $565
• Windows Vista Business Upgrade - $379

If you qualify for an Academic licence (i.e you, or someone in your household is a full-time student or teacher), then the price you’ll pay is $179 to upgrade your existing Windows XP machine.

For most of us, however, we’d be paying $299 to upgrade from Windows XP to Windows Vista Home Premium.

Windows Vista Home Basic probably isn’t worth getting unless you really want Vista, and don’t have the hardware and/or cash to upgrade. You get most of the features, but few of the niceties (Media Centre, Aero, Flip 3D, etc)

It’s also worth noting that if you buy an Upgrade version of Vista, you must have a valid Windows XP licence. In addition, once you have upgraded - you cannot go back to Windows XP - Microsoft will disable your Windows XP registration key.