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Like many of you, I've been pondering whether to upgrade my notebook to Microsoft's Windows Vista.

I'm intrigued by the slick, 3D Aero interface, as well as Vista's promises of enhanced security and easier network connections. But I'm not thrilled by the idea of performing an operating system upgrade--and I'd rather not face the possibility of incompatible software or nonexistent drivers.

But the deciding factor is that I'm waiting for Sony, my notebook's manufacturer, to send me Vista upgrade discs. (I bought my Vaio before Vista was officially launched.) For the immediate future, then, I'm sticking with Windows XP.

Nonetheless, a lot of you are weighing a Vista upgrade--so I recently spoke with Phil Aldrich, Microsoft practice manager for systems integrator Dimension Data North America. Aldrich has been involved in upgrading thousands of notebooks to Windows Vista. This week and next, I've got Aldrich's take on the benefits and drawbacks that mobile users can expect from a Vista upgrade.

Enhanced Security

Hackers won't find Vista, and software programs developed specifically for the OS, as easy to crack as Windows XP and its applications, Aldrich says. "The core operating system can't be violated as easily" by spyware and other threats, he adds.

The more Vista-specific applications you use, the more you'll be protected by the OS's enhanced security, Aldrich says. But at the moment, the applications in Microsoft Office 2007 are among the few mainstream productivity applications developed specifically for Vista.

Microsoft announced that some 800 applications were verified to run problem-free with Vista. But that doesn't mean those programs have been revamped to take advantage of Vista's security and other benefits. Also, applications from some prominent vendors, such as Adobe Systems, aren't on Microsoft's Vista compatibility list.

Easier Network Connections

Compared to XP, Vista recognizes and connects to wireless and other networks much more easily, with less user intervention required, Aldrich says. Vista also provides more security-related user prompts than XP, which can better protect users connecting to unsecured wireless networks. Some perceive the frequency of user prompts to be a nuisance. But once you've connected to a particular network, you won't continue to receive security prompts when connecting to that network again, Aldrich points out.

It's worth noting, however, that security software maker Symantec recently warned Vista's user prompts can be spoofed and shouldn't be completely trusted.

Next week: Which Vista upgrade path should you take? Does Vista consume notebook battery life more rapidly than Windows XP?

Have You Switched?

Are you using Vista on a notebook? If so, I'd like to hear from you. Did you upgrade from XP or buy a new notebook with Vista preloaded? What are the best things about Vista for mobile users, based on your experience? What are the drawbacks? Send me an e-mail with your name and the city or town you live in.