Dear Heather: I just received a version of Vista from Microsoft. I am reluctant to install it because of all of the horror stories I have heard. The download from Microsoft even includes a full page of warnings and links in case something goes wrong or doesn't load properly. Do the advantages of upgrading from Windows XP warrant the potential problems of trying to install Vista? -- Bob, Hilton Head Island, S.C.

A: Microsoft recently announced it will not be selling any more copies of Windows XP in a move to get the computing public to move over to Vista after June 30.

About a day later, Dell and HP announced they would continue to sell computers with Windows XP because of a downgrade licensing loophole.

The major manufacturers are doing this because many people have not been too happy with Vista.

If you upgrade, make sure you have backups you feel very secure about, and have the original XP install CD nearby if you ever want to go back.

Unlike a relationship gone awry, the nice thing about computers is you can just call it quits and go back to how things were.

Reformatting hard drives is not difficult once you get over the fear of it. Good luck, and if you upgrade, let me know how you like it.

(Bob responds after upgrading):

Dear Heather: I took the plunge (after backing up data and establishing a new restore point). It took awhile to do and required several system restarts, and it seems to be working so far.

Now, I'm hearing about a new Windows operating system (Win. 7?) and am wondering whether Vista will be abandoned in a few years. -- Bob

A: Eventually, there will be a replacement to Vista. Windows 7, formerly Blackcomb and Vienna, has a release date set for 2010. By 2011-12, though, you will be sporting new deluxe machines.

Blackcomb and Vienna brings up one of my favorite nerd things to follow: the Microsoft operating system code names.

Before officially releasing the name to the public, Microsoft, in a somewhat James Bondish move, gives code names to its operating systems. Some of my favorites are:

JANUS: Windows 3.1. It's only fitting that the first incarnation of Windows was representative of a two-faced Roman god of doorways.

FROSTING: Microsoft Plus! for Windows 95. Presumably, this is to be the "frosting on the cake" since Microsoft Plus! offered all sorts of fun add-ons to your computer. Those of us supporting it, however, liken it to the sticky jam between the cake layers.

WHISTLER: Windows XP. Whistler was the start of naming after a retreat where the designers would go. Blackcomb is related to Whistler, too. Not very original, guys.

CORONA: Windows Media Player 9. Hey, I like that beer, too. I guess it's in reference to the atmosphere around celestial bodies. Nerds!

Reach Heather Hamilton at primadata@morris.com.