To answer your question, I refer you to the link below. However, it's been my experience that complaints about any version of Windows being "slow" have less to do with the OS and more to do with a hardware problem, Internet problem or user error. It would be wise to eliminate these possibilities before doing an upgrade because if you do not, the probability is very high that sooner or later you'll complain about the new OS being "slow".

Here is a link that might be useful: Win 7 Upgrade Advisor

As you use your computer, it accumulates additional programs running in the background, fragmented files, spyware, etc. Slow operation can also be an indication of a virus. I agree with azinoh that your first step needs to be a cleanup of your computer. Win7 needs more resources to operate, and an upgrade might do nothing to improve speed -- or could even slow it down more -- if you have unresolved issues on the computer. Depending on your level of technical competence, you could even consider reinstalling your existing operating system.

Here is a link that might be useful: Reinstall

first on your Vista have you upgraded your service packs it is really important with Vista to have it fully updated.

If you have a slow pc running Vista you will most likely have a very slow pc trying to run 7 since it uses much more resources than Vista.

Cleaning the pc up first is essential. running scans with malwarebytes, superantispyware, an online AV scan and a scan with the secunia OSI to make sure everything on the pc is updated is what I would recommend. Then use something like start up lite to make sure you only have what is needed in your start up menu.
Also when you say slow you need to tell us what is slow, is it boot up, is it shut down, is it opening programs installed on the pc or is it opening web pages, different things would relate to slowness in those areas.
Secunia Online Software Inspector (OSI)
StartUpLite
ESET Online Scanner

what are the specs on this pc? RAM, available hard drive space, processor info.
a belarc scan will give you that info
Belarc Advisor

Have either of you ever had Vista? I appreciate what you are saying though.
I went to the Landzdown site for some help with that computer. The first thing the tech had so say was that Vista is known to be slow booting up. I think that there is something to that. I cleaned up my start up as was recommended and that did help. But my Windows 7 and even my XP PC's respond so much better.

As a matter of fact, I do have Vista (32-bit). I run it on a 2008 Dell Inspiron 530 with an Intel Q6600 quad core running at 2.4Ghz and 3Gb of memory. It runs like the wind, so good in fact it's scary. It boots much faster than my XP box (aside from being a slow-booter, that machine runs well too). I have no need or desire to go to Win 7 and expect that this machine will continue to serve me well until I have a good reason to replace it...which I expect might be when Win 8 or Win 9 is available.

Can you tell us exactly what about Vista is so slow?

Should visit Sony Laptop support and see what they have for your model for upgrade path. Lots of unique drivers in Laptops & they probably have specific upgrade instructions.

Wow you guys are blowing me away! I am just going by the response that I got at Landzdown, which among some helpful hints, these statements were made:

"any pc that accepts windows updates will almost always require a restart to finish the job...
slow... ok...
well, u have vista, that sucks for sure." AND

"and, when you boot vista, simply to preserve your sanity,
turn on your lappy, and while it is booting, go grocery shopping or something."

When I went to copy these to post, I found that Corrine had also added some input, which is who I have confidence in. She helped me so much in the past with one of my other machines. To be honest, I didn't return after I tried the start up helps, which I did follow, because I thought it was just a Vista issue.
I'm going to go back and see what Corrine suggests and I'll let you know how it goes and supply the info that is needed to further diagnose.
Thanks a lot!

Vista has gotten a real bad rap from the beginning, but that's another whole story for a different time. Just remember it was the follower of XP, the largest selling O/S during it's lifecycle, and the O/S with the most first time users. And that is just to name a couple of footprints it had to follow.

My Vista system runs great, boots fine, performs well and is as stable as any system I have previously had or ever used yet.

Vista was built on a platform for security improvement where W7 was built for performance. The code is 80% the same.

If your system is slooooo it most likely has some critter piggybacked on it or the applications are configured incorrectly.

DA

Well the following are indeed some stupid statements, not what one hopes for from computer help forums.

"any pc that accepts windows updates will almost always require a restart to finish the job...
slow... ok...
well, u have vista, that sucks for sure." AND

"and, when you boot vista, simply to preserve your sanity,
turn on your lappy, and while it is booting, go grocery shopping or something."

I don't like Oreo cookies but you may love the things.

Assuming you spend the money and upgrade, what will you do with the useless Vista program because it is tied to that motherboard and cannot be used elsewhere? What will you do with the Windows 7 program once you decide to move up with a new computer? Seems an awful lot of money for little or no gain as the posts above have already suggested.

My Vista paints the desktop and is usable 20 to 30 seconds from pushing power button. Some background stuff going on for a couple minutes, mostly logs, but with dual core processor who cares.

LZD is not the panacea of computer forums. Its members don't walk on water or raise the dead. Like any other forum they have sincere contributors, but there are also those who have biases, slants, agendas, niches of opinion or present a knowledge that they might really not have. In all forums weigh out the information regardless of source and attempt to verify/confirm it. Then when informed use it to your need.

DA

helping someone who has not answered the very pertinent questions that have been asked is never easy.

Also when statements are taken OUT of context the true message may be distorted. Not everyone on forums are the expert helpers! Which is why when I send someone to a support forum I always specify which area to post in so that you get those helpers. The post you are referring to was not posted in that area. And any time you have a question about info given it is recommended to ask for clarification or explanation. Everyone is human and mistakes can be made. Sometimes "meaning" is not carried across in the typed word as it was meant in the spoken.

I have both Vista and XP. I like both. My Vista is a Dell. I have no problems with it being slow operating, and also no problems with it being slow to boot up or anything else. I agree, there is something else going on with your computer.

Azinoh,

Just so you don't feel it's you against the world I too am waiting for the release of W8 at least. I personally find my Vista configuration not having that much serviceability difference than W7. I haven't read up on it for a while, but the last I heard was a W8 release this coming Christmas. However, we know how timely MS can be.....wrong. Plus, I am also waiting for the comments if it is indeed 128 bit. It will be interesting.

DA

Damcoy, I have to wait for the other shoe to drop at work. I telecommute, and right now I run a 32-bit Citrix Presentation Server Client to get that done. Before I go to a 64 or 128 bit OS I want the IT dept to make up their minds when and how they are going to provide support for a new OS. I'm certainly not going to be a beta tester for them. I'm not even sure that a 64-bit PSC is even available yet.

Raven, are you saying I posted in the wrong area? I hope you are not upset with me as I have the upmost respect for you and others here. I just took it from one of the experts that I thought he was saying it was a Vista issue.

No I am not upset but it makes it very difficult to help if we ask for specific info as I did in my earlier post and never get it, then it becomes a big guessing game.

at LzD it is best to always post in the malware and analysis area to make sure you are getting the assistance you are wanting. And again not everyone at all forums are the experts. Corrine posted a reply on that thread saying she had not had the same experience as the other poster as to Vista. So as I said when you have a question as to something said always ask for further info or clarification.

Vista and windows7 are both created from the same core elements and are very much alike in many aspects.
I asked earlier if you had updated your Vista to the latest service pack that is essential for Vista it corrected many issues they had with it and may help yours if it has not yet been done. I told how to find that info earlier.

Casi thanks for following up over there and providing the info! That is helpful and good to keep everything in one place with that helper so they know what has been done.

Yes Raven, I figured it best to finish up there. I just feel so bad that you didn't understand where I was coming from. If you will look at the time of your first post here and mine immediately following, you might understand that I didn't even see your posting or request for additional information and then I followed up with that Vista thing. I'm so sorry.

no problem that happens all the time, I do it too. The main thing is that you are getting help! It is one of the problems with some forums that they do not let you know that someone else is typing as you are and that there has been a new reply while you are typing, some of the ones I am on give you that info which is so helpful.