This past month Microsoft inc. released their newest version of Windows to home users, Windows Vista . Vista has been 6 years in the making, and Microsoft hopes their newest addition of the Windows family will amaze you with new flashy and visually pleasing design. Vista boasts new and improved security against viruses, spy-ware, and all the other things that make techies cringe. Now that there is a new Windows Operating System out there the thoughts of upgrading to Vista may soon be crossing your mind. Before you make that leap of faith you may want to consider finishing this article.

If you own a computer that you are happy with, gets your work done, and doesn't seem to have any problems then you may want to delay upgrading to Windows Vista. Why, do you ask, am I against upgrading?

The first and most simple reason is that your current computer may not be able to run Vista efficiently or at all. Vista is a graphically intensive Operating System which requires a Large Processor, at least 1 Gig of RAM, and a Graphics card with at least 128M memory. For the minimum system requirements check out Microsoft's website at www.windows.com. Computers 2 years old may not have the appropriate hardware to run Vista efficiently, and an older computer running Vista may not be as responsive as one running Window XP.

Programs that you are currently using on your computer may be another reason to hold off on that upgrade. Vista may not be able to run those same programs. If that is the case, there may be additional purchases for the newest version of the software you currently use. A prime example being Inuit's Quickbooks or Quicken. In order to run Quickbooks or Quicken on Vista you need to purchase the newest version Intuit has to offer. Simply put, upgrading to Vista will not only have the initial cost of an Upgrade disk, but the cost of the latest release of the software you use as well.

Technical support may also be a problem. Though Vista has been available to those in the Tech industry for months and even years the average Joe Techie may have only just received his copy of Vista. So he or she may have problems trouble shooting your computer issues. Simple navigation though your computer with a Technician on the phone may pose problems. Give the techs some time to get to know this new product.

Last but not least is the standard Tech rule of thumb, wait for the first Service Pack Release. Microsoft has already scheduled a service pack release for the later part of 2007. Wait until the quirks are worked out. No Operating system is perfect, just about everyone can agree on that. It took Windows XP two Service Packs before most of it's kinks and vulnerabilities were worked out. Let the other upgrade crazy fanatics find the problems and have Microsoft figure them out.

I know there are those of you out there who will decide not to heed my advice, you may be a fellow Tech who needs to experience the latest and greatest in technology or you may just have an extra $250 burning a hole in your pocket, but before you do ask yourself these questions: Are you comfortable with your current computer? Is changing your Operating system going to affect your work flow? Do you really NEED to upgrade? In most instances there is no real reason to make that jump so soon after the release of Vista. Why not wait until you buy a new computer? Vista will be pre-installed and your worries about compatibility and performance will be answered for you.