Windows Vista XP to Vista - Free Dell Upgrade

I helped a couple of people (inexperienced computer users) order new Dell computers prior to Vista release - November/December timeframe. They opted for the free upgrade feature from XP to Vista and have now ordered the Disks for that upgrade. No doubt I will be called on to help with the upgrade when the Disks arrive - and to help if problems arise in the upgrade process.

I have seen several opinions that it might not be wise to upgrade an XP system that is otherwise working OK. Several threads on this board have detailed problems encountered when trying to upgrade XP to Vista. My question is - Should I discourage upgrade at this time? The people I am helping are not versed in computer operation and maintenance and will follow whatever suggestion I make.

 

Hi Rob,

If you haven't yet, the first step is to run the Vista Upgrade Advisor and go from there.

http://www.microsoft.com/windowsvista/getready/upgradeadvisor/default.mspx

The big issue, provided the system is up to snuff harware wise, is the compatabilty of the software currently running on the system - firewall/av, etc. Look at the software running and compare to lists of compatable software linked to in the Vista section.

Regards - Charles

 

Charles - Thanks for the input. I will certainly run the Upgrade Advisor first and that may be the decision maker. I looked for a software compatability link in the Vista Forum but all I could locate was one thread that addressed hardware compatability. Is there one specific to software?

 

I was being lazy last night

http://www.iexbeta.com/wiki/index.p...ware_Compatibility_List#Firewalls_.2F_IDS.27s

What you should do is list the software running and through the above link and the software sites, make sure they are Vista ready.

The ones I know about:

ZA any version is a no no. The Firewall I use is Vista's along with this add-on. There is a free version and has application outbound blocking. http://sphinx-soft.com/Vista/index.html

SpyBot and Ad-Aware are.
Symantec - NOD - KAV - AVG are.

Regards - Charles

 

Charles,

Thanks for the software link. It is great - should take any uncertainty out of the mix. I will post back later to let you know what happened.

 

Why is ZA a no-no? and why block outbound ports for apps on your own systems?

 

Hello Mdoc and welcome to the Board,

Because ZA is the only major firewall vendor that does not at this time AFIK have a firewall that will run on Vista.

http://www.windowsbbs.com/showthread.php?t=63245

Also look at the site I linked to on Vista ready software

Outbound blocking means permit/deny.

Not ports necessarily (also a legitimate use of the firewall) and the apps:

1. May not be legitimate apps - may be malware that slipped by the security programs. Depending on what the malware is, if it is a process that wants to report passwords, etc, there's a chance it can be blocked because the user is made aware of an unfamiliar program wanting net access.

2. One may not want a program to access the net - a great many want to "look for updates" either at the wrong time or simply gratuitously to advertise the latest versions - a good example is Roxio. Wants net access at every use - its stupid.

Regards - Charles

 

I should have guessed, but I didn't know ZA is incompatible.

OK thanks. No. 2, I don't mind it much. I'd want updates. I've used Roxio's Creative 8 but never observed anything with regards to advertisement, tho I remember everyone of their apps ask for internet access. Mike

 

Hi Mike,

I should have made that explicit. Ok now it is thanks to you

Fair enough.

Regards - Charles

 

Actually, come to think of it: you realize what you're saying in light of the fact this website is peppered with ads and green double-uderlined words that pop up when a mouse hovers over them? Very annoying. And no, I won't register.

 

Hi Mike,

Two points:

I paid for Roxio. You're not paying here are you?

But we're getting away from my point about allowing Roxio or any software to look for the latest and greatest version that I don't want to be reminded of, let's say, twice a day. That is stupid

Regards - Charles