Help! Help!

[Darlene]

I need some help I purchased a new computer today a Compaq Perso(sp)something. We had a tax free week end so I got this nice very much upgraded computer. Is really cool. My old one is still working. The problem is it's a Windows Vista. I am afraid, very afraid. It is still in the unopened box. I don't know whether no not to take it back! Help!
Darlene

[aabram]

Darlene, don't open the box!!!! There's something spooky inside :D

Annabel x

[RedjackRyan]

Darlene,

As a casual computer user, i don't see any reason for you to fear Vista. You'll likely not be adding any 3rd party hardware into your machine or try to eke out an additional percentage point of performance. That said, if possible, I would see if the vendor you purchased that machine from will sell you one with Windows XP on it. XP is a mature operating system, meaning that you'll have few compatibility and stability issues with it.

My own personal experiences with Vista as part of the Beta Testing group showed me enough to know that in *my* situation, i'll never install Vista on any machine of my own. The Copy Microsoft sent me for participating in the beta is still in the shrinkwrap and will likely remain there for all time.

However, my needs are far different than yours, so don't take my experience as gospel. For the average home user there are some benefits to Vista... not many, but there are a few.

[aabram]

Ben, when my laptop DOES decide to work, I'm quite happy sticking with Windows XP (2003) I'm not redoing it again :D

Annabel

[Darlene]

Thanks for the info Ben! My son got me this computer from Walmart. There is no way to talk Walmart into changing the software. I love XP, I had windows ME and it was horrible. Hopefully this will work out for me I don't want to hurt my sons feelings. My birthday is the day after Mother's Day so this is my present. Let us pray that this is not ME. Wish me luck because I am going to take it out of the box after I back up this computer with my stuff. Peace, Darlene

[Amy in Vermont]

Darlene:

We are testing Vista here, and frankly, for my purposes, I rather like it! Yes, there are things that I would like to see changed, but I don't think its as bad as many folks are making it!

[Darlene]

Thanks Amy, My son got me that computer for my birthday, May 14th and mothers day, May13th. My daughter-in-law was here today and asked me why I hadn't taken it out of the box. I told her I was thinking of taking it back. She was all about you can't take it back. She conned me into opening the box and taking it out. Then told me now you can't take it back I have the box. But it was so nice it took my breath away the nineteen inch rectangle screen with the speakers built in, the light easy touch keyboard I was taken in even though it had Vista on it. I will learn Vista I worked on ME even though I hated it, hopefully this will not be that bad.
But, thanks Amy I am looking forward to learning it. And I will let you guys know how it works out.
Peace, Darlene

[paularoid]

I happen to be one of the very few that actually LIKES WinME. As soon as I convinced it that it really -could- go to DOS I was off and running. Being an old DOS hack I was horrified when I learned that it did not want to let you go to DOS and I immediately found a number of hacks to convince it otherwise. I haven't been happier with an OS other than DOS itself ever since. Well.... maybe with the old Win3.1 - maybe.