Computerhilfen.com: update from win98 to xp or to vista?

I have a P4 1.8GHz with 256MB Ram that has Windows ME first but then my son instlled Win98 because it should be better. No I am wooried if I shall install Windows XP because it is more safe?
Or wait and install Windows Vista, but thats more expensive I think?

As you already noticed, Vista is really an expensive OS. So if you can afford, then just try it, because the experience that i made already with this OS is fantastic. So it depends on your  purse and youp computer hardware. I hope your computer is ready for XP or Vista. Tell us the components your pc contains.

Hi Ivory,

you should try this microsoft update (http://www.computerhilfen.de/fachbegriffe-u-Update.html) advisor to see, if your system will run XP without problems.

http://www.microsoft.com/windowsxp/pro/upgrading/advisor.mspx

Perhaps a bit (http://www.computerhilfen.de/fachbegriffe-b-BIT.html) more RAM (http://www.computerhilfen.de/fachbegriffe-r-RAM.html) (512MB - 1GB) would run it a little faster.

I dont know, if there is already an "update checker" for Vista, because its not for sale yet. But with your 256MB RAM (http://www.computerhilfen.de/fachbegriffe-r-RAM.html) could be a problem, and in most cases "older" graphic boards will not display (http://www.computerhilfen.de/fachbegriffe-d-Display.html) all the new Vista features.
 

Hi.
There is a free of charge test for the compatibility with Vista.
Check this out:
http://ati.amd.com/technology/windowsvista/areyouvistaready.asp

Hi!
Windows Vista needs more than 256MB RAM.
I think 1 GByte RAM would be better for the new system.
Why did you install Win98? I don't know if you can update 98 to Vista. Maybe there will be a new installation.

At the moment that Vista came out, many users reported problems: The iPod / iTunes software doesn't work yet, many software or games doesn't start anymore and the user has to wait for a "vista patch". Maybe it is a good idea to wait a little until the first bugs are fixed...

Do you already have a windows xp cd at home? Because then you can install that anyways since there are no costs attached. I wouldn't install Vista on your pc with your hardware configuration (you will need a bit more RAM as already said).