[Blank75]

I was going to buy a new computer today and was going to buy the HP A1730N with 2048MB, DDR2 Memory, 320GB, and AMD 64 live. Turns out they were sold out so I didn’t buy it but I’m hoping I can get some opinions on some of the things they were telling me.
Can Microsoft Office 2000 work with Vista? I only use outlook, excel, and word and I don’t do anything to complicated.

Is the Anti-virus that Best Buy sells from Microsoft the only one that works properly with Vista? I can’t see Norton, AG, or Etrust not having antivirus for Vista. $150 seems expensive for antivirus.

How difficult is it to remove all the free trial offers that come with a new computer? They tell me “it’s not like the old days and I pretty much have to have a professional do it to free up the space”.

Is it true that computers do not come with restore disks and professionals need to make them?

[Noyb]

1) Not sure about Office 2000 ... 2003 seems to work OK

2) The FREE AVG anti virus seems to be working OK.

3) Takes a little time and research ... But the junk doesn't really hurt till you can weed it out.

4) THEY SAID WHAT ??? ... HP comes with a procedure to burn your own recovery DVDs.

Sounds like they're trying to drum up repair business.

[Courtneyc]

Outlook 2000 works fine with Vista, although after Office 2007, I would never go back.

The latest Symantec Antivirus works fine with Vista. I currently use the 10.2 corporate version designed for Vista. Try this website for compatibility issues: http://www.iexbeta.com/wiki/index.ph...t#Office_Tools

Skip whomever told you that you'd need a professional to clean your system. They are just trying to get your money. The additions would be AOL, games that require some spyware (like Polar Bear bowling), and remote access software, like the stuff Geek Squad installs.

Ask here if you aren't sure.

Courtney sends....

[Blank75]

Thanks for the help and advice!

[Triple6]

Office 2000 does work but not perfectly, a few compatibility issues came up during an install for me and only one entry showed for Disc 2 in the uninstall section rather then the normal two. Otherwise it appeared to work. Office 2003 and 2007 however are much nicer, have more features, and work better.

To uninstall what you don't want just uninstall it...nothing too hard about it.

Many companies have released Vista compatible antivirus products. 2007 version of Norton antivirus works fine with Vista and its even a free upgrade if you have a valid 2006 subscription. AVG's free anti-virus also works with Vista.