Community Newsletter: Q&A: Is my current software compatible with Vista?
- 3/7/07 1:43 PM
Compatible or Not
by NeilSilva - 2/24/07 5:52 AM In reply to: Is my current software compatible with Vista? by Lee Koo (ADMIN)
Don't throw away your old software program just because Windows Vista labeled it incompatible. Even if you don't find patches that make your program run under Vista, there is a partial solution that, though not too elegant, may save you some bucks. Microsoft calls it "Compatibility Mode," and you will find it when you bring up a program's properties. Click on the Compatibility tab and tell it that you want the software to run as if it were under an earlier (but not too old) Windows version.
By the way, Compatibility Mode is also what you should choose when creating an Office 2007 document that will be shared with someone whom you know not to have moved up from the previous two or three versions of this suite.
Vista compatible free office suite
by kayrakaye - 2/24/07 6:16 AM In reply to: Is my current software compatible with Vista? by Lee Koo (ADMIN)
Free Office Suite Version 2.2 at openoffice.org meets Vista system requirements. I downloaded the XP version to my laptop and found this freeware very useable!
wait and see
by h_bretman - 2/24/07 7:38 AM In reply to: Is my current software compatible with Vista? by Lee Koo (ADMIN)
Having started with pcs before hard disks were available for the ordinary person [around 1975] I have upgraded first to dos then windows 3.0 - 3.11 then win 95 - 98 - me and xp. So far not one upgrade has allowed all my software to run without at least having to download an upgrade to it. Most did and does run ok but there will be the odd one and that will be the one you must use now, which will give trouble. My best advise is to wait a little while for Vista to settle down and updates become available. Read what the forums have to say about progs not working etc. Then with all your info to hand go for it and hope for the best. Living in the UK and being on a pension the cost of Vista will be the limiting factor for me, it is double the price, of the USA versions.
Good Advice!
by pmchefalo - 3/2/07 5:31 PM In reply to: wait and see by h_bretmanThanks for offering a practical course of action and perspective!
Vista Ready? reply
by Michelney - 2/24/07 12:49 PM In reply to: Is my current software compatible with Vista? by Lee Koo (ADMIN)
As suggested by many, use microsoft vista readyness test.
If you have softwear the is giving trouble, try running in compatability mode for your existing (that is per vista ) system.
Michel Ney
In a nutshell, you can’t.
by The Masked Villain - 2/24/07 1:02 PM In reply to: Is my current software compatible with Vista? by Lee Koo (ADMIN)
Art, every new version of Windows will have some software compatibility problems. Oh sure, Microsoft even gave us a Software Compatibility Tool, that we can download and use to test our software. Heck, I even tried it. But, I wouldn’t trust it any farther than I could spit out a rat. What you’re going to have to do, what were all going to have to do, is install our favorite programs and see for our selves, in this brave new world of VISTA, if they will run, and if they will run without problems. It’s going to be, at this early stage of adjustment, a carp shoot. That’s why I have chosen to put off my purchase of VISTA, until the first round of truly “Made For VISTA “ software upgrades are released. That, and the fact that Microsoft’s own Software Compatibility Tool told me that fully half of my favorite programs, the ones I depend on, on an almost daily bases, are not VISTA compatible. So my advice to you is to wait, at least until Microsoft releases the software compatibility list that they have been promising us. As for me, I can wait for a while yet.
Dual Boot!
by dusty_synapse - 2/24/07 1:17 PM In reply to: Is my current software compatible with Vista? by Lee Koo (ADMIN)
Art-- I partitioned my hdd primarily because I can't afford to have my programs not run on Vista. Many programs are fine, but important stuff like my Palm Document-To-Go software doesn't work yet. Even iTunes isn't fully ready for Vista.
I am running XP and Vista on separate partitions and will eventually move on to virtual machine software to run the programs that aren't updated. I haven't found a list that gives those programs that do or don't work. You can search for those important programs that you cannot do without in Google with "vista" and get some pretty good answers. I have found that Microsoft stuff works, but the more abstract the software company, the less likely they've patched their software to work with Vista.
Vista compatibility
by ldsaint - 2/24/07 1:18 PM In reply to: Is my current software compatible with Vista? by Lee Koo (ADMIN)
From what I have heard vista is XP with a different, more idiot proof interface. I of course don't believe it otherwise microsoft have truely wasted their investment, but if the other part of the rumour is true then vista is capable and compatible with everything that XP is.
There are several versions again which i find really annoying, home or pro are the only variants they should do but being awkward they found just another way to frustrate users... and then there is the 64 bit or 32 bit version issue. This is the most annoying thing of all as all new system owners want 64 bit power but there aren't always the hardware drivers out there for the 64bit operating systems. Microsoft should concentrate more on getting the all the hardware manufacturers to supply 64bit drivers and software so the 32 bit option would become uneccesary aswell.
I personally am going to follow the advice many beta testers gave, and that is to stick with xp, as vista is nothing special. The very fact there are so many different versions proves that. If it was so special they would just have one version that does it all. The cost of it is rediculous again so maybe i will try linux next time...after all they have been 64bit compatible much longer than windows. You'd think with all microsofts money they'd offer to wipe out third world poverty and violence if you buy their new version, but the only real promise is that vista will once again be the target for every hacker on the planet so i am going to watch it a little longer before building my next system
Is SOFTWARE ready for Vista, for QOTW Post Date 022307
by acoxon1274 - 2/24/07 1:29 PM In reply to: Is my current software compatible with Vista? by Lee Koo (ADMIN)
Hi Art.
First, I suggest that you bring up a Google search engine box and type in the following search “vista ready software”. I got over 150 hits when I did this. So that is your reading assignment. You will see that “SOFTWARE is ready for Vista” has been discussed and is an issue that people are concerned about. It’s a good question about a big concern but the answer is pending.
Second, the question you are really asking is “The software that I have and use now, will it work in Vista?” You are the one that must answer this question because only you know what software that is important to you. You need to make a list of this software and check it out. Go to the vender’s website or contact them any way you can and find out. There maybe a patch or a newer version that will allow it to function in Vista. The bad news is that you may have to buy new software. This is your search assignment only you can do it.
Third, if you want to stay in the Microsoft mainstream then you must deal with Vista. The term “product life cycle” means that pervious operating systems that Microsoft has sold will be made obsolete by Microsoft. An example of the product life cycle in action would be Windows 98. If you visit the Microsoft update page with a Win98 computer “ http://v4.windowsupdate.microsoft.com/en/default.asp” (site is problematic) you will see the following message. “Important: End of Support for Windows 98 and Windows ME. Effective July 11, 2006, support for Windows 98, Windows 98 Second Edition and Windows ME (and their related components) will end. Updates for Windows 98 and Windows ME will be limited to those updates that currently appear on the Windows Update website. Microsoft will no longer create new updates for Windows 98 or Windows ME after this date. This notice reflects the policies of the Microsoft Support Lifecycle. For more information, please read the Support Lifecycle policy. To enhance the security of your computer and to continue receiving updates, we recommend upgrading to one of the currently supported versions of Windows. For more information, visit the Microsoft Windows website. “ At this time the currently supported versions of Windows are Windows 2000 and on up. In time that will change. So to stay in the Microsoft mainstream then you must deal with Vista sooner or later. I pick later. I predict that 2009 will be the last year XP will be sold by Microsoft and that support will end the year 2014 (I read about 2014 date some where and I’m guessing on the end of the sold by Microsoft date).
Fourth, I use this approach, find out what you want to do on the computer, find the software to do it with and then buy the computer that will run that software. Once you have what you want then try and bullet proof it by using backup systems and a good software defense system. I also suggest you have a computer that does what you want and another that you use for email and web surfing. I use my old computer for testing out new software and email and web surfing, but the new one gets held back and used for the fancy stuff. In the past I have had to return the new computer and while I waited for it to be fixed or upgraded at least I had my old computer to keep going with.
Fifth, At this time , I recommend that you hold back for 6 months to a year till the bugs are worked out of Vista. It’s your call, but keep in mind that Vista is just a layer of software and it must work with the hardware and then with the software you want to run. When you take in account how many things, companies, and vendors that must come together for all this to work you can see why no one person can guaranty that it will work. You must participate in the process in order to achieve the goal which is a functional computer that does what you want it to reliably. You have taken the first of many steps and now you have your assignments. So get to work and good luck Art.
To Vista or Not to Vista that truley is the real Question
by jasoncaruso_msn - 2/24/07 2:11 PM In reply to: Is my current software compatible with Vista? by Lee Koo (ADMIN)
I think that in all honestly you really have to answer the first question to get the answer to your second Question. Chances are that if your PC is not ready for Windows Vista, then the truth will be the same for the later question. Yes Microsoft has spent a gazillon hours of prep for Vista, including gettting all the key software companies out there to port their software over. Vista is still and infant and has lots of room to grow, remeber when XP hit the shelves, and how long we wait for software for that to come into play? Given time, (and I'm guess 6mos maybe a year)most of today commonly used software will have the Windows Vista Ready label
I hope that this has helped a little bit.
Jason C.
Vista
by pain_viande - 2/24/07 4:12 PM In reply to: Is my current software compatible with Vista? by Lee Koo (ADMIN)
I will never buy Windows Vista right away. Windows XP still have some bugs, and thats why whe have so many Updates. Starting on Windows 95, i waited one Year, before buying the new software. At least, half the Bugs are fix by Microsoft.
windows vista
by charliedappa - 2/24/07 5:01 PM In reply to: Is my current software compatible with Vista? by Lee Koo (ADMIN)
I my self was wondering if my software on my computer would stand up to this new operating system, so i went to windows home page and was promtyed to download a WINDOWS VISTA UPGRADE ADVISOR, after doing so it scanned my computer and software to see if it was compatible, this is one way of helping with your problem.
What good is the Advisor it it doesn't advise
by jrpgjr01 - 3/3/07 8:39 PM In reply to: windows vista by charliedappaThe Advisor, as others have mentioned, only states that no information is available or doesn't even mention a program. I had two definate program issues: both with buy newest Vista Compatible programs - not upgrade to excisting programs, graphic PCI card issue - yes PCI: bought one that states it was Vista Ready: it just didn't state Vista Basic only until after I bought it and re-ran Advisor, and my scanner driver. My DELL machine and Scanner are 3 years old and not Vista Ready except for Vista Home Basic ONLY. Was hoping for at least Vista Home Premium. Adobe Photoshop 7, Acrobat 6 Professional, and PageMaker all do not work with Vista, Microsoft 2000 do not work.
email problems with formatting or font.
by evelyn bingley - 2/24/07 5:59 PM In reply to: Is my current software compatible with Vista? by Lee Koo (ADMIN)
My emails program Microsoft Outlook is giving me problems, I have all these formatting marks on the message I type, however it appears normal to the person receiving. How do I fix this. freddy@ripnet.com
My system is Microsoft XP, and the email is Microsoft Outlook.
Thanks, Evelyn Bingley
software vista ready?
by jackee560 - 2/25/07 5:35 AM In reply to: Is my current software compatible with Vista? by Lee Koo (ADMIN)
A recent Feb 23 newsletter in my inbox from Download Digest had some info on this question in its articles. The Tech Republic part of this group of communities (ZD-Net,C-Net,DD and TR) has an interesting article re: Vista entitled:
"10 things you should do before installing Windows Vista on a computer"
including direction to a Microsoft Technet site below with Application Compatability information
http://technet.microsoft.com/en-us/windowsvista/aa905066.aspx#EOB
"Application compatibility is one the most important challenges faced by organizations when deploying new operating systems. At Microsoft, it's very important we provide the information and resources you need to identify and resolve application compatibility challenges. With the release of Windows Vista, Microsoft provides the tools and resources to reduce the time, cost, and complexity of addressing application compatibility. etc..."
This article goes on to suggest tools currently available and in the pipeline that will aid in this issue, and features of vista that are also designed to facilitate software compatabiliity.
The tech republic article also included links to these items as well which, although not directly related to compatability, I found elucidating and relevant to those interested in what an upgrade to Vista may involve.
10 things you should know about the Vista firewall
http://downloads.techrepublic.com.com/download.aspx?&tag=nl.e530&docid=266992&promo=100511
Installing Windows Vista: The good, the bad, and the ugly
http://downloads.techrepublic.com.com/download.aspx?&tag=nl.e530&docid=244880&promo=100511
DirectX for Windows Vista
http://downloads.techrepublic.com.com/whitepaper.aspx?&tag=nl.e530&docid=166632&promo=100511
Microsoft Windows Vista: What To Expect
http://downloads.techrepublic.com.com/whitepaper.aspx?&tag=nl.e530&docid=156375&promo=100511
Windows Vista Self-Guided Tour
http://downloads.techrepublic.com.com/whitepaper.aspx?&tag=nl.e530&docid=149664&promo=100511
Some of the Key Reasons to Upgrade to Microsoft Windows Vista
http://downloads.techrepublic.com.com/whitepaper.aspx?&tag=nl.e530&docid=149496&promo=100511
These articles address some of the other issues that may be worrying
you about Vista and how difficult an upgrade may be.
I believe there are also complications around which version to get and specifications ones machine needs for the different versions.
Hope that there are a few answers for you here Art S. If you cannot find your answer here a search on an engine like google will surely bring up a few relevant items ( if worded correctly)
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