Windows Vista should be able to handle most programs although it is possible that some may have a bit of a flip, do you know what to do?

Windows Vista includes two tools devoted to making old software work.

The first option is called Run as administrator which will let you run programs that use the Internet or do other things regulated by Windows when the computer is set up for multiple users.

All you need to do is to right click the program's icon and select the Run as administrator option.

The second option, if the first does not work, is to take a further look at the right-click menu on any program and you will find a tab for Compatibility.

Open the Compatibility tab and you'll find a drop-down box that lets you set the program so Windows Vista will attempt to run it by emulating earlier operating systems, dating from Windows 95 to Windows XP.

Here you will also find settings to reduce the display resolution and the number of colours enabling even powerful Vista-capable machines to look like earlier computers if needed.

By Roger Cater