Get new computer to enjoy using Vista

Summer brings e-mailed questions by the droves as more people are kicking the tires of Windows Vista and their new Macs. Let's see what we can scrape off the plate:

Question: You have commented several times that you see no compelling need to upgrade to Windows Vista. My best friend just bought a new computer and loves it. What is it exactly that you find unappealing about it?

Answer: You have accurately paraphrased my feelings, but I am not sure you understand the nuance of what you wrote. I am not a big fan of "upgrading" to Windows Vista from Windows XP for a couple of reasons. One, you need a great video card to get the most out of Vista's cool "Aero" interface, and two, the stuff already in your computer (optical drives, sound cards, etc.) have to be Vista compatible for the upgrade to go smoothly. (Not to mention scanners and printers.)

My point is, wait until you get a new computer and just order that one with Vista. It will be pretested as compatible and the manufacturer will be on the hook for any support you need. It is a tricky upgrade to get right for the average consumer.

Question: Some people in my office have upgraded to Office 2007, and now those of us with older computers can't open their files on our older versions of Office. Why did Microsoft create such a mess and not make it compatible with older versions?

Answer: The new Office 2007 relies much more heavily on XML, and thus you are seeing the new extensions for files such as "DOCx" and "XLSx." You're right, they are not automatically compatible with older versions for some technical reasons, but there are two things you can do. One, tell everyone in your office to check the box that offers backward capability when they save the document. Secondly, go to the Microsoft Web site and get the free download of the "Microsoft Office Compatibility Pack." That will let you read the newer versions in the "old" Office. If everyone with the old version installs that, you will be back to relative harmony in no time.

Question: In Word 2007, why can't you save to the PDF format? I had heard you could, but I can't in mine. Do I need a special version of Office?

Answer: No, you just need to go to the Microsoft Web site and download and install the "save to PDF" patch for Office 2007.

Microsoft removed that functionality as a native install after a tiff with Adobe, but they are offering it as a free, simple-to-install download.