Q: Steve — Have you been able to try out the new Microsoft operating system yet or the new version of Office? Do you think it would be worth it to upgrade our office computers or should we just wait until we get new computers? — Barb
(Part 2 of 2)

A: Last week, I discussed my impressions of the new version of Microsoft Office, especially as it relates to small business, and this week I would like to do the same for the new operating system, Vista. (By way of disclosure, I do some work for Microsoft.)

Sooner or later, most of us will be working with Vista as it is now the standard operating system on most new computers. So the question indeed is, "is it worth it to my business to upgrade to Vista now, before buying a new computer?" Although I try to avoid sounding like the lawyer I am, it is hard sometimes, like right now. So the answer is, "it depends."

If you like eye-popping graphics, a smarter system, a more elegant system, and yes, certainly a more powerful and fun system, then the answer is yes. But if you are not willing to possibly upgrade some hardware, then the answer is maybe. But be forewarned: If you do wait, you will be missing out on a very rich computer experience.

Over the past few weeks as I have played with Vista, what I have found is that it is a graphically appealing, fast, smart system. One small example: How many times have you looked for a document on your computer, only to not find it where you thought you had filed it? With Vista, that frustrating experience is a thing of the past. The first item above the start menu is a search bar that finds everything on your computer, instantly. You can save anything anywhere and find it immediately.

In fact, as explained to me by Cindy Bates, the Microsoft General Manager for U.S. Small Business, the ability to better find and organize information is but one of three intended improvements with Vista (the other two being better security and advanced mobility and networking capabilities). Personally, I simply found that the system made me more efficient at work.

Here's how:

The task bar: When you move your mouse over any open window at the bottom of the screen, a mini-version of that window appears. It makes locating the right program much easier. (You can also do that cool thing where the windows parade past you, but I found that more interesting to look at than actually use.)

Gadgets: When you look at your desktop, usually the far right side is empty. But now, this underutilized real estate is home to a new perpendicular sidebar full of "gadgets" that you can personalize. Yes, there is your standard clock, calendar, and so on, but my favorite is the virtual Post-it note, reminding you to send out that proposal!

Diagnostics: When I couldn't get online one time, Vista asked me if I needed help diagnosing the problem. Uh, yeah! The next thing I knew, the program told me that the wireless switch on my laptop was turned to the off position. This sort of intuitive —plain English— diagnosing is ever-present throughout Vista.

Backup: If you are like me, you do not backup your data nearly often enough. In most versions of Vista, backing up can be easily automated and calendared.

Meeting Space: This new feature allows you to create a secure, shared, wired or wireless, online meeting. Imagine going to Starbucks to make a presentation, and instead of having your counterpart look over your shoulder as you go through your PowerPoint, you instead create a joint Meeting Space and you run the same presentation on both computers.

Of course there is plenty more, and plenty more to like, but I am again faced with the original question: Is it worth it to your business? One thing I have read previously about Vista is that it may not run on some computers without upgrades to memory, graphics cards, and so on. (You can run a diagnostic to see if your PC is compatible here.)

One person who didn't want to wait to get Vista is my brother, who runs my e-marketing. He has a Dell laptop, about a year old, and he installed Vista on it a few weeks ago. So I asked Larry what he thought.

"I love it!" he said, adding, "It's really fun and incredibly easy to use." Although he did not need to upgrade any of his hardware, he did note that it took him far longer to install Vista than anticipated. He also mentioned that his old printer was not compatible with Vista, and so had to get a newer printer. Overall however, he's very happy with his purchase, and despite some minor glitches, feels that Vista was "well worth the price." He's installed the Home Premium upgrade for $159.

Though it is only one person's experience, Larry's view confirms my impression: Vista is pretty great and well worth the upgrade, especially if you can do it without upgrading your hardware, and maybe even if you have to.