Vista Stability

There is no magic bullet to ensuring the stability of Vista (or XP); however there are a few things that users can do to help ensure stability.

1. Run a good anti-virus software package

AVG, Norton/Symantec, CA, and McAfee offer decent anti-virus & anti-spyware protection. Vista includes improved security over XP, however industry experts (and hackers) have found holes in the security infrastructure, so running a good anti-virus software package is still strongly recommended. Whatever software you choose, ensure it automatically updates itself; An out-of-date anti-virus program will not protect against new viruses, which come out on a daily basis.

2. Create Rescue-and-Recovery CDs/DVDs

In prior years, manufacturers included a licensed copy of Windows XP on CD with your computer. As a cost-cutting measure, most now a include copy of the operating system (Vista or XP) on a hidden partition on your hard drive. A utility is included that will burn Rescue-and-Recovery CDs (or a DVD) from this hidden partition. If you don't have these recovery disks, you won't be able to restore your system (to as-shipped factory specs) should a Windows become corrupted. This should be the FIRST thing you do with your new computer.

3. Backup your files

This is critical regardless of the operating system you use. Hard drives have a limited life span, and often can fail without warning. Vista includes an improved Backup & Restore Center to backup your files, and there are many 3rd party backup software packages available. Configure your backup to run daily, and if you can, create rotating backups - i.e. keep the last 7 days of backup files available. This lets you 'roll-back' a file to any version within the last week.

4. Use System Restore

Vista automatically backs up the system state prior to installing any software or drivers. If you suspect a software installation has caused corruption, System Restore may be able to undo the damage. System Restore is found under Start / Programs / Accessories / System Tools/ System Restore.

5. Clone your drive

Cloning your drive creates a complete, 100% duplicate of your entire drive, including the operating system, programs, data, & settings. This copy can be restored at any time to your existing drive, or to a new drive. Ultimate & Enterprise editions of Vista include this functionality in the "Complete PC Backup" feature; however 3rd party software (Acronis, Partition Magic, & Norton Ghost) can also do the same thing.

Summary

Vista will become more stable over time as Microsoft continues to find & fix problems. Previous versions of Windows all suffered from the same types of bugs in their early releases. Vista SP1 was released in February 2008 and included improvements in reliability and performance, administration experience, and support for newer hardware and standards.

Personally, I still recommend XP, however it is getting tougher to purchase a new PC with Windows XP - Microsoft stopped shipping Windows XP in June 2008, but few vendors are still able to offer it.