I’ve started my simulated migration from Linux to Vista already, starting my dog food challenge two days early, I will go over my findings so far, sometimes making the assumptions a new Windows user would, and mostly from the perspective of a Linux “switcher”, with a dose of sarcasm.

Section 1: How to obtain Vista

A typical way to get Vista is to pay for it, I was just as shocked as any user that is familiar with Linux, I almost downloaded an ISO, but Microsoft told me that Windows ISO’s are evil and that I have to pay or else I’ve committed a crime.

I hope Linux doesn’t work that way or I’ve committed several dozen cases of infringement over the years.

Vista comes in many confusing editions, from a “Basic” version that can’t do much, to an expensive “Ultimate” that has a lot more software but can’t do much more than Basic, ranging from $100-$259, a hefty and burdensome price for a piece of software that has no intrinsic value whatsoever.

Luckily I have a Home premium disc that I applied for at HP’s website as an express upgrade over XP, I never intended to actually use Vista, but it didn’t cost anything I hadn’t already paid, so why not?

Winner on price and availability: Linux

Section 2: Installation

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