Will Windows XP prgram be compatible to Vista?

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Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around the compatibility of software, specifically Mathematica, designed for Windows XP with the upcoming Windows Vista operating system. Participants explore the general concept of backward compatibility in operating systems and express concerns about potential issues, particularly with different versions of Vista.

Discussion Character

  • Debate/contested
  • Technical explanation
  • Exploratory

Main Points Raised

  • One participant inquires whether purchasing Mathematica for Windows XP will ensure compatibility with Windows Vista.
  • Another participant expresses skepticism about the assurance of compatibility, suggesting a potential ulterior motive behind the positive claim.
  • Some participants argue that most PC applications are designed to be compatible with previous operating systems, citing examples of common compatibility listings.
  • There is a mention that Vista is built on the same NT technology as XP, which may imply compatibility.
  • Concerns are raised about the 64-bit version of Vista potentially causing incompatibility issues based on experiences with XP 64-bit.
  • One participant questions why Microsoft does not advertise backward compatibility as a selling point, suggesting it is an assumed feature.
  • Another participant asserts that Vista includes a backward compatibility mode for running applications from previous Windows versions.
  • There is a discussion about preferences between Mathematica and Matlab, with one participant expressing dissatisfaction with Mathematica's graph-making capabilities.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants express a mix of confidence and skepticism regarding compatibility, with no clear consensus on the reliability of backward compatibility for all versions of Vista. Some participants assert that compatibility will be maintained, while others highlight potential issues, particularly with the 64-bit version.

Contextual Notes

Participants reference various assumptions about software compatibility and the nature of operating systems, but these assumptions are not universally agreed upon. The discussion reflects uncertainty regarding specific compatibility scenarios and the implications of different Vista versions.

Who May Find This Useful

Individuals considering upgrading to Windows Vista and those interested in the compatibility of software applications with new operating systems may find this discussion relevant.

Nothing000
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I want to purchase Mathematica (student version), but I plan on upgrading my OS to Windows Vista once it is released. If I buy the program for Windows XP will it work on Vista? Are operating systems backward compatible like that?
 
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I tried to contact the company that makes Mathematica but I can't figure out how to get ahold of them. I also tried to contact Microsoft, but they charge money to ask them questions!
 
Yes it will be compatabilty. Don't worry about it.
 
Are you saying that so that I will buy it and then it won't be compatible and you can laugh at me?
 
Nothing000 said:
Are you saying that so that I will buy it and then it won't be compatible and you can laugh at me?

I'm sure that's exactly what he's doing :rolleyes:

If you'll notice almost any PC application you purchase at the store, it'll have something like "Compatible Operationg systems:" and most now-a-days will says "98/XP/2000". Some will even be compatible with Windows 95 and many many more are now saying they are compatible with Linux. So version compatibility is never really an issue unless you're using a windows 95 program or NT 4.0
 
It will be most likely compatible unless Steve Balmer goes balmy again.

BTW, why Mathematica, hwy not Matlab?
 
xp is backwards compatible to previous versions, so will vista.. Plus Vista is built on the same NT technology as xp/2k
 
sid_galt said:
It will be most likely compatible unless Steve Balmer goes balmy again.
BTW, why Mathematica, hwy not Matlab?

Is Matlab better? I started a thread early this morning about which program I should buy.
https://www.physicsforums.com/showthread.php?t=106031
 
I think the 64-bit version of Vista may generate some incompatibility with programs, at least when i was looking into XP 64-bit that's what i found out.
 
  • #10
Why doesn't Microsoft advertise that their OS's are backward compatible? That seems like a big selling point to me.
 
  • #11
They aren't stupid. They have to make it backwards compatible or no one would upgrade.

Again, don't worry about it. The software you buy now will work on Vista 32bit edition.
 
  • #12
I have a very strong feeling that you are trying to sabatoge me dduardo. I don't know if I can believe you.
 
Last edited:
  • #13
Nothing000 said:
Is Matlab better? I started a thread early this morning about which program I should buy.
https://www.physicsforums.com/showthread.php?t=106031

I don't know. I just asked 'coz I was curious. On the other hand, I tried the Mathematica trial version. I liked the programming capabilities but the graph making capabilities didn't appeal to me. Too text based.
I haven' tried Matlab.
 
  • #14
Nothing000 said:
Why doesn't Microsoft advertise that their OS's are backward compatible? That seems like a big selling point to me.

Most people don't even know what "compatibility" is. It's as if Ford advertised that its new 2006 F-150 was backwards compatible with 2005 F-150 gasoline :confused: Compatibility is just an assumed thing... hell Ford could sneak in a diesel engine and the public wouldn't konw until they purchased their gasoline and the engine sucked.
 
  • #15
Look even if it won't work on Vista, natively, Vista HAS BUILT INTO IT BACKWARDS COMPATIBILTY, you can run application compiled for previous versions of Windows in a backwards compatabile environment...

I have a very strong feeling that you are trying to sabatoge me dduardo. I don't know if I can believe you.

? Are you mad or something?
 
  • #16
I am not mad, I just know that dduardo can't stand me.
 

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