Microsoft released the first service pack (major upgrade) to the barely one year old Vista this week. In fact, the Service Pack has been in the works almost since Vista was released last year. You will see and read it being referred to as Vista SP1.

Microsoft missed the mark so badly with Vista that the company had to immediately go back to work in trying to improve an already mediocre release.

Should you upgrade to SP1?

No!   At least don't upgrade for the next month or two. After just a few days since release, there are already widespread reports of crashed computers, bigger problems with compatibility and slower performance with this upgrade. Don't be a guinea pig with your computer, wait it out until it matures a bit.

What does SP1 include?

• The 40+ security and other updates released since February 2007
• Speed improvements
• Security improvements
• Mostly under-the-hood tweaks that we won't see

Can I still get Windows XP?

Yes, but only until June 30 of this year. If you are thinking of a new computer or want to put XP on your new, slow Vista machine, do it before July. Since the first day of Vista's release, many online efforts started to encourage Microsoft to continue allowing the sell of Windows XP. The largest one, that you can be a part of, comes from InfoWorld.com. They already have over 100,000 netizens who have signed their petition to Microsoft to Save XP. [1]

Do I have other options besides Windows?

Yes, you do.

• The opportunity to think about a Macintosh [2]computer has never been more right than now. Although the cost is a little higher up front, you will make up for it in savings by not having to invest in costly security software or repairs because of security problems.
• Also, you could stay with Windows XP.
• Or, if you really want a newer operating system, the Linux operating system and its derivatives like Ubuntu [3] get stronger every day and make a lot of sense for many computer users. Like Macintosh computers, they are not plagued with the security problems a Windows machine has AND you can use your existing computer instead of buy a new one.

Summary

• DO NOT UPGRADE TO VISTA SP1 FOR AT LEAST 2 MONTHS.
• You do have great alternative options in Macintosh or Linux.

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