Vista Operating Systems: Not the Best for the Telecommuting Worker

While many home office users are excited about purchasing a new computer with Windows Vista installed on it, some fail to realize that the workplace or organization they telecommute at home for may not be ready to communicate with a Vista enabled personal computer. As a telecommuting worker myself, I have the ability to network with many people, and while many in the telecommuting world like the idea of having a newer and faster PC, the costs may outweigh the benefits.

One of the many problems home office workers are finding is that Vista is not compatible with company software. This happens mainly when a worker is trying to log into a company's server and download files. Transcriptionists, medical and legal coders, at home call center employees and others in like professions are the main segment of the telecommuting population that is discovering this incompatibility. While contacting a company's help desk may seem like a solution, sometimes, employees are finding out, that their home office is technologically ahead of the company. Many organizations have yet to install Vista on their networks, and telecommuters are finding that they need to revert back to an XP platform.

However distressing the situation may be to a new Vista PC owner, there are ways to combat this problem. First, a user can install XP on to their system and revert to it when using it for business purposes. Another option is to partition the hard drive and divide half one half into Vista and the other half into XP. Finally, a more drastic measure would be to remove the Vista hard drive, and replace with an XP one. Unfortunately, this last option would mean the user would have to re-install the company's proprietary software, and lose other important aspects, such as training manuals and other work-related items, due to the switching out of hard drives. Also, for someone who is not skilled in computer repair, the job would need to be performed by a professional and the cost of the XP hard drive, including instillation can be a couple of hundred dollars and up, depending on make and model.

On the other hand, telecommuting workers who seek to purchase a new PC, and still are interested in Vista may be interested in purchasing a new computer with XP installed on it, and wait for their company to upgrade their servers and software to become Vista enabled. New computers are still available in many stores with XP on them, and since many people seek Vista operating systems, the XP operating systems can be purchased at a deep discount. When the time comes for software to be upgraded to Vista, your company can advise you to purchase it at a retailer. While this may set you back about $100, it is not bad compared to the amount of money you would be loosing if your computer was not compatible for your job. Finally, if you can wait some time, consider purchasing a refurbished computer (such as at the Dell outlet), and you can get a computer system box with XP for around $200. When your company is Vista compatible, you can upgrade your system by purchasing a new computer, or purchasing Vista.

Whichever option you choose, there are a few things to consider. First, since this is for a home office, most of the expenses are tax deductible. Second, while you may not be able to enjoy Vista now, having an operating system that is compatible with a telecommuting job is of the utmost importance. Third, check with any potential new employers to see what their computing requirements are. When in doubt, ask the helpdesk. Finally, see which option will financially work out best for you. Whether purchasing a Vista or XP operating system, be sure to weigh the money in (what you will make at your telecommuting job) against money out (what you will have to pay for your computer to be work compatible). In the end, it comes down to the best financial and career-related decision for your telecommuting operating system.