WBJ Talking Tech:
Vista and Office 2007 FAQs
February, 2007
By
Are you ready yet? By the time you read this, both Vista (the latest version of Windows) and Office 2007 will be available for purchase or as on option on new PCs. In my most recent article a few months ago, I provided some tips to help you prepare. Since that time I have received quite a few additional questions. Thus, this month’s article has some answers to frequently asked questions about Vista and Office 2007.
Vista Upgrades
Q: What are some of the changes in Vista?
A: There are numerous changes – some very obvious, such as the improved search capabilities the new “Aero” interface. Other changes, such as security, while much improved, are not as readily apparent.
Q: What versions of Vista are available?
A: Vista comes in five different versions. However, most users should consider one of three different versions. Home Premium is best for a new PC to be used at home. It includes features that were previously part of Windows XP Media Center Edition. For businesses, the Business or Ultimate versions are more appropriate. Ultimate is only necessary for Media Center features or hard drive encryption technology.
Q: Should I upgrade my existing PC to Vista?
A: I don’t recommend it. While PCs purchased within the past year may be ready for Vista, you should expect to have some issues with the conversion. The most likely issue is hardware or software incompatibilities. Tools that you used to use with Windows XP may no longer work with Vista.
Q: Should I get Vista on my new PC?
A: That depends on how you use your PC. If you use only mainstream software (such as Word and Excel) you should be ok. Unfortunately, quite a bit of existing software is NOT compatible with Vista. Business users should be especially cautious. Applications that are unique to your business, such as your accounting or order processing software may not be compatible with Vista. For instance, Intuit has stated that only QuickBooks 2007 will work with Vista. If in doubt, contact the vendor of the software that you use and check with them.
Q: Should I wait until service pack 1?
A: Make no doubt about it, even though Vista has been extensively tested, there will be some issues and bugs with the initial release. Microsoft will be under the microscope, hackers will try to exploit Vista, and the media will undoubtedly seize and report upon even the smallest of flaws. Thus, if you don’t need to have the “latest and greatest” then I suggest waiting. Windows XP is a very solid operating system and will be supported for years to come. That being said, if you are in the market for a new PC now and have confirmed that your applications will work with Vista, I would seriously consider Vista so that you are not using “old technology” in the upcoming years. While there will be service pack 1, Microsoft will also release fixes along the way and the earliest you can expect to see any service packs will be the 2nd half of this year.
Vista Hardware Requirements
Q: What is the minimum hardware required for Vista?
A: Microsoft’s web site lists the requirements, but a much simpler answer is if you didn’t purchase your PC within the past 6 months, don’t bother with Vista. Even then, I’d highly recommend only getting Vista pre-installed on a new PC. That will help ensure that your hardware will be well matched with the operating system.
Q: Are there additional hardware requirements I should be aware of?
A: Yes. To take full advantage of the new “Aero” interface, you should have an enhanced graphics card. Different PC vendors use different graphics cards, so this can sometimes be difficult to decipher. If in doubt, look for a PC that is pre-installed or “Vista Premium” ready. Also, be sure your PC includes at least 2gb of RAM. Although Vista will work with less, the more RAM the better.
Q: Will my existing peripherals, such as printers and cameras work with Vista?
A: Maybe. Most vendors are in the process of releasing updated Vista drivers for their hardware. However, in many cases the availability of drivers will lag well behind the release of Vista or the vendor may decide to not bother (particularly with older hardware). Check with your hardware vendor to be sure.
Office 2007
Q: Is Vista required to use Office 2007?
A: No. Office 2007 will work fine with Windows XP.
Q: Are there any special hardware considerations for Office 2007?
A: No. If your PC runs Office 2003, you should have no issues with Office 2007. However if your PC is three or more years old or you are running Office 2000 or earlier, I recommend not installing Office 2007 until you have upgraded or replaced your PC. As always, the newer or faster your PC, the better your experience.
Q: Can I upgrade from Office 2000, XP, or 2003 to Office 2007?
A: Yes. Upgrade pricing is available for all of these versions. The actual upgrade and installation process on your PC is relatively straight-forward.
Q: What are some of the changes in Office 2007?
A: By far the most significant change is the user interface. Microsoft has replaced the traditional drop-down menus with the new “ribbon” interface. The ribbon is context-sensitive, meaning that the options on it change depending on what you are doing within the application you are using. For those that are already very familiar with Office, the change will take some time to get used to. There is no option to use a “classic” interface.
Another significant change is formatting preview. With Office 2007 you can preview your formatting change before you actually apply it.
Q: What versions of Office 2007 are available?
A: Basic edition includes Word, Excel, and Outlook. Standard edition adds Powerpoint. Small Business adds Powerpoint and Publisher. If you need Access, you’ll need one of the Professional Editions. Believe it or not, there are 8 different versions of Office! For more details, visit Microsoft’s web site.
Q: Can I open documents and spreadsheets created in earlier versions of Office in Office 2007?
A: Yes. Once opened, you will be prompted if you want to save the document in Office 2007 format.
Q: Will earlier versions of Office be able to open Office 2007 documents?
A: Yes, however, only after converter add-in has been installed. Earlier version of Office (through 2000) recognize Office 2007 documents but cannot open them without a converter. The first time you attempt to open one, Office will prompt and ask if you want to download and install the converter. Alternatively, Office 2007 will give you the option to save documents in earlier Office formats.
Q: Is it worth the price of the upgrade?
A: Yes. A better question is probably not if you’ll upgrade, but when. Office 2007 represents the most significant overhaul of Office in many, many years. While it will take some time to adjust to the new ribbon interface, I predict that this interface will be trend-setting and many other software products will adopt a similar interface in the years to come.
Without a doubt, Vista and Office 2007 will eventually present a significant decision point, change, and potentially large expense for most organizations. For additional information about these products, visit Microsoft’s web site, look for reviews in other technology magazines, and talk further with your technology consultant about what makes most sense for your business.