Oh Boy----- I have been looking at getting a new Desk Top. (HP or Dell). Of course the only thing out there now it Packaged with VISTA !!!(God help me). If and when I Get this monster, what would be the proper way to install AVAST, right of the bat ? (considering it also comes packaged with an other virus program pre-installed.) and what is the proper way to log on, administrator, or what ever else there is, not knowing a diddle about vista. (currently running Windows ME, and love it). My computer is now 9 years old, (HP) and just had to replace Power Supply !! $75.00, and change. HDD Next to go out I guess. Help and thanks. 
Since you are using Windows ME, I guess it doesn’t really matter if the machine has XP or Vista. Its still a different Kernel either way (ME uses 9x kernel and XP/Vista use NT based kernel).
Be aware some Applications you have may need to be updated to run on Vista.
Avast runs fine on Vista, installation is the same as any windows installation.
(considering it also comes packaged with an other virus program pre-installed.)If you get a Dell, you can request that it comes bare bones. (No pre-installed Trial ware) Mine had only the operating system installed and nothing else.
Hi all…
I have been Blessed with an brand new HP laptop a month ago and can confirm what Mac has reported concerning software compatability. This is especially true if you get the 64 bit version of Vista. Some native 32 bit applications simply will not run under 64. You will need to make sure that there are Vista compatible versions of your current software available before purchasing your new system. This includes any drivers for additional devices you are using such as printers, scanners, digital cameras, etc.
If you have older equipment and software that you can’t and/or don’t want to replace, I would recommend a 32 bit system running Windows XP. It probably won’t be a Dell or HP, though, but an emachine or different brand.
Hope this helps. 
Best Regards…
Which are the technical features of your ‘new’ desktop? I mean, RAM, processor, etc.
The first thing to remember about Vista is don’t believe the FUD you read about it online, Most of the people who rag on Vista have never used it.
I’ve been using Vista since it came out and couldn’t imagine going back to XP, And while there were some problems(drivers ect.) the majority have been fixed (SP1 was a big help).
I would recommend getting a system that has Vista Home Premium or above as Home Basic is just too stripped down. You can compare different versions here: http://www.microsoft.com/windows/windows-vista/compare-editions/default.aspx
I would recommend at least 2 Gigs of RAM, My system came with 1 Gig and while Vista H/P ran OK, It ran a whole lot better when I added another Gig.
If, after you get Vista you want to do some tweaking or just learn the basics I recommend this site: http://www.maximumpcguides.com/
If you need help, The Vista forums are great. http://thevistaforums.com/index.php?act=idx ( And for Mac, They even have an Apple section) ;D
As for older programs, I’ve not had many problems ( Vista 32 bit) I’m even using an old Photo editing program that was made for Windows 95 with no problems.
One other thing, leave UAC (User Account Control) turned on, While some people think it’s a bother, It does help protect you.
http://thevistaforums.com/index.php?showtopic=36751
I hope this helps.
Hi…
I definately agree.
Do not have it yet Tech., was just asking for some guidance. thanks.
Great Help. Thank You.
No problem, Glad to help hines232.
If you need help, The Vista forums are great. http://thevistaforums.com/index.php?act=idx ( And for Mac, They even have an Apple section)
No thank you, so many windows fanboys there they would declare hunting season 
Now we have you you wascally wabbit. ;D 8)
Marc57,
Thanks for your links. I have found numerous things that I have wanted to tweak in Vista. I have a 32 bit Home Premium version of Vista on a new Dell laptop, and found that even my older software apps seem to work if I install them as Administrator. All in all I like Vista, but never had a lot of complaints on my XP system either, and I am still using that on my desktop.
RoRo 8) 8)
Your welcome, Glad I could help roro. The thing that helped me the most was Enabling Advanced Performance, But heed the warning about having a UPS (uninterruptible power supply), If there’s a power failure you could loose or corrupt your data.
http://www.maximumpcguides.com/enable-advanced-performance-on-your-hard-drive/
roro,
You’ll also find many tips, tweaks and useful items for Vista at:
http://mysharedfiles.no-ip.org/Vista
A huge number of tweaks/tips are also available at the vistax64 forums.
http://www.vistax64.com/tutorials/139940-tutorial-index.html
thanks Bob,
There is so much to learn and so little time to do it. I will be sure to go through your tips. I do have a UPS on my desktop and will be careful Marc. Where I live there are often power spikes and outages.
Darth_Mikey, are those forums only for Vista 64? I have 32.
Ro Ro
Nope it’s just the name of the forum, they support all versions.