Windows 7 - Vista vs. Windows 7 question

New to the neighborhood and a moderately advanced user. Looking for some concrete advice (vs hatemail) on the future of Vista and Windows 7. I'm one of the rare users that has never had a problem with Vista. It took an act of God for me to buy an OEM Vista instead of an XP machine. Starts fast, operates fast, reliable and quick to shut down. Not one complaint. I know it's probably ridiculous to consider upgrade, but it's evident that Win 7 is the flagship and that Redmond is throwing everything behind it. Is the difference in Win 7 so subtle that I wouldn't know the difference or is Win 7 a radical departure from Vista? I'm just concerned that Vista will go the same way as Win Me and lose support for hardware and software. Vista Home Premium, AMD Athlon 64 X2 Dual Core 5000+, WDC WD32 SCSI, NVIDEA GeForce 6150SE nForce 430.
Any advice is greatly appreciated. Thanks in advance.

Well, I have used both and will give you my subjective opinion. I used Vista with no problem whatsoever, I actually liked it. Last July Microsoft had a fantastic pre order sale, of 49.99 for the upgrade version of 7 (essentially the same as full retail version). I do prefer Windows 7. Essentially they are both the same "under the hood". Windows 7 has alot of eye candy, uses less resources and has better security; these are all good things. As far as MS support there is a time table that they must adhere to. With XP, they extened the schedule and I will admit that I am not all that sure that the same will happen with Vista. My bottom line, to you is if you are not concerned about the additional security and use of less resources. I do not think that you should go for the hundred plus cost, assuming that you are an average guy (financially). I would, however jump on the opportunity to buy it at a discount. I think that MS, will offer a "deal" down the road. The economy is poor, MS needs sales, and hence will give an offer that cannot be refused. To all those thay will come by and disagree, I began by saying that my post was subjective. Good luck.

It's not all that expensive for an OEM copy.

Newegg.com - Software,Software,Operating Systems,Professional

Lol... Windows XP is $20.00 more than Windows 7!!

Thanks for the replies....I should have posted that $ is not an issue (at least not now). Solid take Richard. Have there been vulnerability issues with Vista? Security IS a factor that I would consider.

I've never had any problems with Vista that I didn't create.

Hi Markaz,

I am not a security expert, I go by what I read and the comments of other forum members. Here is one blurb that may interest you.

An Introduction to Security in Windows 7

I really got involed with computers with Windows 98. I had one virus that was caught by my Virus Protection at the time Norton. After that attack, I became very concerned about virus, malware or worse. My research, other forum members and my own experiecne tells me that Windows 7, Microsoft Security Essentials and Malwarebytes is almost sufficient protection against the dangers that are waiting for you. Yes, almost, the last necessary componet that has kept me free from the dangers that lurk out there is common sense.

Any other comments or questions, just post. I will try my best to help you If I am lacking any information other members, just as helpful, will give their opinions, also.

Finally, what I should have said at the start, Welcome to the Forum. You will always be welcome to use our knowledge or to share yours.

Rich has a point ...


Hello markaz, welcome to Seven Forums!

Thanks, and from what I have searched and read so far on this site there are numerous members that are very knowledgeable and helpful.

Vista has been stablized from it's original bloatmonster state via Service Packs and many Windows 7 advancements (e.g. stable gadget platform within Vista's dopey sidebar).

However when I use Vista it is always clear that it is short of the perfection they have achieved with Windows 7.

One of the anti-MS flamers will probably pounce, but some of us were with Windows 7 beta from the start and watched them winnow out the bugs steadily until it achieved a state of perfection unlike anything ever seen before.

Today, by comparison Windows 7 is light as a butterfly and quick as a bee. Vista still bumbles a bit with hangs I never get in 7.