Computer Technology Tip

Purchasing a Windows Vista Computer

Microsoft's new Vista operating system, which replaces XP, has been available since February 1st, 2007 on new computers and also as a retail upgrade package. I caution everyone considering an upgrade to your XP computer that it can be a frustrating experience. This is due to a lack of drivers for the internal components of your PC as well as older printers and scanners. Drivers are relatively small pieces of software that bridge Windows and the actual hardware device. I recommend a purchase of a new computer instead of an upgrade. However, if your XP computer is running fine there is absolutely no reason you need to buy a Vista computer now.

Vista comes in 4 different editions which are Home Basic, Home Premium, Business, and Ultimate. Home Premium is generally what you will find in stores and is best suited for almost everyone. Home Basic will provide the "basics" but little else. If you don't care about the "new" look of Vista and just want a replacement computer for the Internet and e-mail, Home Basic is fine. Whatever edition you select make sure your new Vista computer has 1 GB. of RAM.

Vista has a built-in benchmarking utility called the Windows Experience Index. Its purpose is to evaluate the internal hardware components of the computer. This is a great way to judge price and performance on the computer you select. The score ranges from Zero to 5.9 in .1 increments. A higher score is better. So, what does all this mean? There are 5 component categories that are evaluated. The Windows Experience Index (WEI) base score will be the lowest of the 5 scores. It's like the weakest link in the chain. Here's my thought on the scoring. Don't buy a computer that scores between zero and 1.9. Scores between 2.0 and 2.9 are adequate for most of Vista's features and will provide you with adequate performance. Between 3.0 and 3.9 all of Vista's features will work and the computer will provide good performance. Above 4.0 you are into the lower range of gaming machines and this score will provide very good performance. Scores above 5.0 form the present top category for all Vista computers. These are the high end gaming machines and they provide the highest performance. I also like to see consistency between the various component scores. You should avoid a computer, which for example, scores 4.2 in one category and 2.1 in another. This could be a case where the manufacturer is cutting corners. The difference between the scores should be 1.5 or less.

When you visit the computer store here's what to do. Click on Start, now shown as a round ball with the Microsoft multi-colored flag. The All Programs menu will pop up, and then click on "Control Panel". Next, click on "System and Maintenance", then "Performance Information and Tools" Check the present WEI base score and also write down the various component scores for reference. Click "Update my score". Vista will now reevaluate the system. I urge you to do this because unscrupulous store clerks may provide a false higher score at first glance than the machine is capable of.

You may also be in the market for a new printer or all-in-one (copier-printer-scanner). Be careful in your selection because there are still many models available that are meant for Windows XP and will not work with Vista unless you download the current Vista software from the manufacturer's site. You should have a Broadband connection should you choose to download these large files.

As we move forward towards Vista we have to say goodbye to Windows 98 & ME on the PC Club computer. This means I will no longer be able to show you how to troubleshoot problems in those two Windows versions. July will probably be the last month I can help with those older systems. In the future I will try to answer your questions as best I can.

If you need help with your computer our PC Club meeting is the second Tuesday of each month, upstairs in Winfield Hall at 7:00 PM.

Don Trauger

To get answers to your questions about computers, please come to the PC Club meeting. The computer club meets the second Tuesday of each month at 7:00 PM in Winfield Hall.

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