Microsoft Vista Overview:

Upgrade? – New Computer with Vista? – Wait?

Issues:

• Computer requirements – run “Windows Vista Upgrade Advisor” – http://www.microsoft.com/windows/products/windowsvista/buyorupgrade/upgradeadvisor.mspx
• No more clean installs using Windows Vista Upgrade disks
• But – there appears to be a “workaround” – see first reference below
• 32 vs. 64-bit version – see http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/64-bit
• OEM vs. Retail version – Microsoft supports Retail not OEM OS’s
• Be prepared to learn, as there are many new features

Industry Commentary:

Windows Vista is Microsoft's first new operating system in more than five years and the successor to Windows XP. However, it is not worth rushing out to purchase. If you desperately need to buy a new PC (if your old one died or you've been waiting and waiting for Vista to be released), then by all means do so; there's nothing wrong with Windows Vista. (zdNet)

As for security, Microsoft's biggest improvements in Windows Vista are within the Enterprise or 64-bit editions.
These are editions most home users will not be running. (zdNet)

The bottom line: Windows Vista is essentially warmed-over Windows XP. If you're currently happy with Windows XP SP2, we see no compelling reason to upgrade. On the other hand, if you need a new computer right now, Windows Vista is stable enough for everyday use. (zdNet)

That $200 Windows XP service pack called Vista - (cnet)
http://reviews.cnet.com/4520-3513_7-6689143.html?tag=txt

References:

• http://windowssecrets.com/comp/070201#story1
   
• http://www.cnet.com/4520-13111_1-6687520.html?tag=nl.e501#reviews
   
• http://www.tomshardware.com/2007/01/02/windows_vista_ultimate_hands_on/
   
• http://www.tomshardware.com/2007/01/23/countdown_to_windows_vista/
   
• http://techgage.com/article/windows_vista_version_comparison
   
• http://techgage.com/article/should_you_buy_vista_ultimate

TVCUC Meeting Presentation – February 6, 2007