Since I can get Vista free from MSDN:AA, I want to mess around with it on my laptop. But first I have some questions.

1. Does anyone have experience with the upgrade install option? I have XP Home Edition currently. Can I keep my files, or should I just back everything up and do a clean install?

2. Which version of Vista should I acquire?

3. Will it run smoothly on my system?
AMD Turion ML-30 64 bit @ 1.6 ghz
1 gig ddr-sdram pc2700
ATi Radeon X700 64mb

Thanks.

I tried the upgrade option first, and it wasn't pleasant. There's nothing wrong with the upgrader in and of itself I think, but rather a large amount of software that was incompatible with Vista that I already had installed, or needed to be reinstalled under Vista.

Daemon-Tools for example. The upgrade software didn't detect the latest version as incompatible with Vista, but it still needed to be installed by Vista to work properly (the installer presumably configures on the fly for the desired OS). Also, ATI Tray Tools, which technically runs, would suck up all of my CPU power. It took me a while to figure it out.

Anyways, do a fresh install, it's always a good idea. It also gives it a more of that "new OS" feel.

I think your specs are fine except for the video card. I mean it'll work, but they recommend 128 MB for the Aero interface. Aero is a pretty huge advantage since it lets the GPU handle screen rendering instead of working the CPU needlessly.

Personally, if it's possible, I'd say do a dual-boot. I don't know if it's because my computer's too slow (P4 2.4, 2 GB PC2700 RAM, GeForce 7600GS w/ 512 MB GDDR3) or if Nvidia's drivers just suck, but I can't get games like CS: Source to run properly under Vista - even with everything turned down, full-screen, at 1024x768, while it runs perfectly at full detail and 1280x1024 Window'ed under XP.

If you're getting Vista through MSDNAA, you'll be getting Vista Business Edition.

And, when installing an OS, always, always back up your files. Always.

[ Oh, just read that it was on your laptop. Hard drive constraints are probably smaller than my desktop. ]

I can copy my important files to a desktop computer so that's really not a problem.

Also, I don't really play any games on my laptop. It's mostly media/music (foobar, winamp, vlc) word processing and programming (cygwin/eclipse/putty).

Once in a blue moon I'll play Warcraft III (which reportedly works under compatability mode) or CS 1.6 which should also work.

Will I have to choose 64-bit, and is it any improvement over 32-bit Vista?

Actually you might have a great deal of trouble with CS. I read that there's something wrong with OpenGL and games like CS have **** framerates. Don't quote me though

As far as games in Vista: ****ty framerates are because BOTH nVidia and ATi sat on their collective asses and did nothing to produce new drivers for the new OS. I'm amazed how both companies could do that.

I'm running Vista Enterprise (<3 universities) and noticed really no problems. Do what Emon said and do a fresh install that will give you most grief. If all you're doing is net/programming/media then I see no need to dual boot XP/Vista. All those apps will work pretty well.

nVidia's drivers are significantly worse than ATI's. While ATI's could be described as "lacking," nVidias are "seven barrels of ****."

Oh they're ****ing ATROCIOUS. :wtc: nVidia.