Windows Vista Upgrade

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I decided to take the plunge and upgrade my computers from Windows XP to Vista. First, I started out with my desktop computer which is an HP a1330n Media Center that I purchased about 18 months ago.

First step: run Windows Vista Advisor. Result: my machine could run Vista Home Premium with a few recommended upgrades, mainly increasing the RAM.

So I upgraded from 1 GB to 3 GB (2 banks of 512MB and 2 of 1 GB RAM). Cost: about $150

So, I buy Vista Home Premium Upgrade version at a local Air Force Base BX (no sales tax) for around $149. I drove home and started the upgrade.

First fork in the road: A clean install or upgrade. After hearing of the problems others had, I went for the clean install after backing up my drive.

No problem - it installed like a champ. Voila - a clean install of Vista and I actually notice a slight performance increase probably as a result of getting rid of the last 18 months' worth of add-ons and doodads.

I did have to go to ATI's site to update the integrated video driver and to Realtek to update the on-board audio. Both had good Vista drivers and it all works.

Vista is up and working fine. Next step: Office 2007. I had a previous version of Office 2003 through the Home Use Program, where an employee can get Office for about $20. It's a great deal. However, this time around I didn't want to install my new Office 2007 Enterprise Edition on my desktop because I use my laptop at work everyday and saved it for that computer (more on that later). I went back to my local AAFES BX (Army Air Force Exchance Service Base Exchange - think Target/Wal-Mart for the military) and bought the "Military Appreciation Edition" of Office 2007 for $79. It loaded up nicely without any issues.

Hmmm. It runs good. What could make it faster, better, and scream? How about a GEForce 8600 GTS video card for my PCI-Express slot ($249 at BestBuy)? Sure. Ooops, that's gonna cost you more because it's a powerhog - a new power supply for $75. OK, now that went in easy with a quick visit to NVidia's web site for the latest drivers and I have a smokin hot video system that can even decode HD-DVD and Blu-Ray (for me only HD-DVD since I have an XBOX 360 HD-DVD player that does work with my computer). Windows Experience rating: 5.4!!!

Another hmmm. A guy at work who is a successful IT entrepreneur said "You need a dual-core CPU." Geez. A quick look on AMD's website to see what might work with my box (a Socket 939 config) revealed I could do an Athlon X2 3800+ to replace my Athlon 3800+ single core. Should I do it? Why not? I found it at NewEgg.com for $80. It came in the mail a few days later and I was like a kid running downstairs and tearing open my box. Than it hit me - what if the BIOS can recognize it or Vista coughs because it's a different CPU. Ah, who cares, I have this backed up anyway - go for it. I did and it worked on the first try with no problems since. And wow, does the dual-core work. The CPU meter used to routinely peg at 100% usage, but now the dual meter gadget I have shows neither core hitting that king wall. It's great. I'm giving the old CPU to buddy with a similar HP.

Hmmm number 3. What a waste to not use both DVI outputs. Back to BestBuy and to the display model shelf for a second 19" LCD monitor ($199), which I probably could have found for that price brand new on NewEgg, but no waiting around. Shazam - I have a fantastic desktop system that should keep happy for at least a few months!

Vista - do it. Forget the Microsoft naysayers - they have an agenda. I just want a reliable box for me and my kids to play 0n.