PC-Laptop-XP-Vista-Win7 Decisions

My Epson stylus-style printer is practically brand new, probably Vista-ready but was way cheap, so that is probably a disposable issue.

My issue with Vista/WIn7 versus XP revolves around older programs that may not run in the new OS environment.

But of course I can try them, and if they do run, I can upgrade my PC as well. For now, the reviewers seem to be indicating that besides being (at this point) a more reliable OX, XP will be around until 2012 -- that's the last projection I read.

I used to beta test for Microsoft years ago. I did my time. I don't go there anymore -- I let others do it now. In that time period, I had a job in the industry - database programming. So my head space was always primed to deal with trouble-shooting and I knew what was what practically all of the time.

But when you don't use it, you lose it, so now I'm a very rusty user, not a power user -- hence the need to network with users and Microsoft mvp's cruising the newsgroups to give help where needed.

The verdict here is all good. Many Epsons will be just fine. I can't comment on yours (no model number.)

And as to trouble. This is not like Vista or other betas. Take it from me that this is nothing like the bad old days.

As to networking. It works fine.

Bob

Thanks Bob. My printer is a little Epson stylus CX8400. I got a refurb at Frye's for $30. I don't characteristically use a printer very much. Or a fax, copier or scanner either for that matter.

I'm glad to hear I've misunderstood what I've read in terms of the computers talking to one another. And it does sound like I should be patient and wait for Windows 7.

Epson used their EscP2 printer language so for printing I expect no troubles.

http://www.google.com/search?hl=en&q=%22Windows+7%22+Epson+CX8400 finds more to read but as to the scanner feature I can't talk to that. There is no standards in the land of scanners.
Bob

I recently purchased a sony vaio Sr (its in the mail!) that comes loaded with vista but is packaged with a XP Professional (32bit) downgrade disc. I'm planning on installing XP. I know the OS and don't want the headaches that come with Vista. Besides XP actually outperforms Vista on a number of benchmark tests.

As I said, I have been tempted to go that route. But time marches on and so does technology. If not for Windows 7 coming out soon I would certainly install the XP downgrade OS. Reports on Vista sound like users have made the best of a disappointing situation and the OS is working tolerably well but not necessarily efficiently. That's not a recommendation that inspires me to pry myself off of XP.

My Sony VAIO is a loved and appreciated member of my family, but the features on the Acers will serve my purposes for having a laptop.

Well I read that in a recent review article (sorry, can't remember which one), but perhaps I misread it. It was my distinct impression I could not network my new [Vista or Win7] laptop with my current XP desktop.

And also to respond to one answer to my original post up there, my reasons for sticking with XP on my desktop I did state was to preserve programs and their data files that will probably not run on Vista/Win7.

I may be not comprehending the true facts of the situation, which is why I am asking questions in this forum. Thanks, all

File Sharing:
http://www.howtogeek.com/howto/windows-7/share-files-and-printers-between-windows-7-and-xp/

Software:
Win 7 Professional and Ultimate editions come with "XP Mode" (basically a virtual environment allowing one to run XP only software within Win7) [haven't tried it myself... yet]

M$: Systems sold July 1 onward will recieve a free upgrade to 7 (dunno when the offer ends)

XXXXXX
Thomas

PS. I ain't tryin' to sell no-one nuthin'

Yes, a friend of mine bought a new laptop with Vista on it (hmmm I don't know if it's perhaps a Mac or something - I should ask him). We use a program called Sky Chart III by Southern Stars, a product that was sold and incorporated into a slightly higher-end program, so it is not being maintained and updated anymore. But it's good for what we do with it, which isn't all that much.

There are a couple of other astronomy/planetarium programs out there that do not include Vista in the list of OSes their software is probably good to be installed on.