Does my business need Vista?

To be quite honest, no. I like to compare Vista to Windows Millenium Edition; an OS released because an OS "HAD" to be released. Although Microsoft really put some amazing features into Vista for personal, business, and mobile users, it has more problems than I would ever bother writing. Not only that, but how do you determine what version of Vista you need if you have no choice and are buying a new computer?

One solution if you are computer savvy or have an IT department is to just make an image of your old Windows XP machine, assuming your last system had XP, and then wipe the current computer's hard drive and place on the image. A fairly easy process too. Also, most companies when buying new systems are not aware that they can usually save money by ordering in bulk and requesting no operating system to be installed. The reason for this is because most companies now have a standard image that goes on every computing system.

Yes, I know you want to know the answer to the obvious question: What if my company has decided to go to Vista? Well, hopefully they will hold off and wait for Windows 7 instead. As of now, it appears to be the new Windows XP...which means features and stability. If your company is going ahead with Vista anyway, here are some tips:

1. Does your business need extremely advanced security?
2. Does your business have lots of mobile users who use their laptops between work and home (mobile commuting or just traveling work force)?
3. Does your company not want to spend a lot of extra money on computer recovery software and tools?

If you answered yes to most or all of these questions, then make sure your business is spending the extra dollars to get Windows Vista Ultimate. However, for most companies, Vista Business will handle all of your computing needs. Hope this helps. As always, feel free to contact me with questions.