Windows Vista has been analyzed by almost every tech site on the net, including this one, but they've been focusing on its features. What I want to talk about is the incentive that Microsoft provides to its users to upgrade and whether or not it's even worth upgrading from a usability standpoint. Sure Microsoft can toss around statements like "easier, safer, and more entertaining" (copied right from Microsoft.com), but what does it all mean, if anything? Remember, it's Microsoft's job to hype its product using flashy catchphrases and flashy logos and graphics on its web site.

Here we are more than 4 months after Vista's consumer release and everywhere you look, Vista is being talked about. Now don't get me wrong, I use Vista on my main home computer and I have no complaints about it. I do, however, get lots of e-mail questions asking whether or not to upgrade an existing computer from XP to Vista. Usually I tell them that there is no need to because in fact, there is no need to. I've always said that Vista is a "new face" on XP. The only thing different between the two is that Vista has flashy graphics and some extra dialog boxes. Now some of you who are like me (aka- tech enthusiasts) who always like to have the latest and greatest will want to have Vista right this minute. But what really bugs me is when Microsoft "recommends" that casual home users upgrade their computers because Vista is so called "better" than XP. The truth is that they are really one-in-the-same. In fact, I feel that if a person who has gotten used to XP and are not very tech savvy upgrades to Vista, it would feel like starting from square one for them because of the interface changes and possible compatibility issues.

I think Microsoft needs to stick with promoting Vista on new PCs only and should stop being so concerned with TV ads suggesting that Vista is "better" and that casual computer users should upgrade. However, if you're in the market for a new PC like I was, now is a great time to buy one. If you are going to spend the money, though, try and at least get Vista Home Premium because the Home Basic edition is exactly what it's named, Basic. Home Premium lets you do a whole lot more in terms of multimedia features and for a home users, that's what counts. 

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