Upgrading or Migrating to Windows Vista - Exterra Networks Support Resources

Now that Windows Vista has emerged on the scene and new computers are coming pre-loaded with it, we wanted to offer the following resources to assist you in migrating from Windows 2000/XP to Vista.

First off, if you are upgrading your operating system as opposed to buying a new PC, there are some things to keep in mind.

• Windows Vista uses a lot more memory than Windows XP did. You should be prepared to upgrade to 2 gigabytes of RAM and even more if you do a lot of graphic-intensive or processor-intensive work.
• Check your hardware and Software compatibility with the Windows Vista Upgrade Advisor which can be found here: http://www.microsoft.com/windows/products/windowsvista/buyorupgrade/upgradeadvisor.mspx
• If your computer checks out with the Windows Vista Upgrade Advisor, then you should next check your critical tasks, applications and software against the list found here to double-check for compatibility: (Some things are listed here that Upgrade Advisor may miss): http://www.iexbeta.com/wiki/index.php/Windows_Vista_Software_Compatibility_List
• Microsoft's Technet has a good migration guide for moving to Windows Vista: http://technet2.microsoft.com/WindowsVista/en/library/1a3fbe72-9de8-4b94-b254-586a61843a041033.mspx?mfr=true
• Finally, please see the section on Mobile Device Synchronization if you have a mobile device that you want to synch with Outlook.

If you are about to purchase a new PC, please do keep the following things in mind:

• Even though you are acquiring a new PC, if you use programs on your old computer that will be installed on the new one, run the Windows Vista Upgrade Advisor in order to see if the applications will be compatible: http://www.microsoft.com/windows/products/windowsvista/buyorupgrade/upgradeadvisor.mspx
• If your computer checks out with the Windows Vista Upgrade Advisor, then you should next check your critical tasks, applications and software against the list found here to double-check for compatibility (Some things are listed here that Upgrade Advisor may miss): http://www.iexbeta.com/wiki/index.php/Windows_Vista_Software_Compatibility_List
• Moving your files and settings to the new PC can present a challenge, but Microsoft's Technet has a step-by-step guide which may help: http://technet2.microsoft.com/WindowsVista/en/library/1a3fbe72-9de8-4b94-b254-586a61843a041033.mspx?mfr=true
• Finally, please see the section on Mobile Device Synchronization if you have a mobile device that you want to synch with Outlook.

Need more help with your upgrade or migration? Contact us today!