VISIO Programs

[clehman]

Hello - I am brand new to this forum, so please excuse me if this question has been asked before.  I have been using a 1995 version of VISIO on my computer since 1995.  I am an ameteur architect and use VISIO to design home and office floor plans.  I recently purchased a new computer and it will not let me set-up VISIO from the original CD I have.  I get a message that says I need to have a version that is compatible with 32-bit or 64-bit (whatever that means!).  I have been looking on various Web sites at Microsoft VISIO 2007.  It appears that the Standard version has the floor plan features my 1995 version has, but I wanted to confirm this prior to purchasing, since most places do not allow returns of software.  Also, will all the floor plans I've created over the years with the 1995 version open under a newer version such as VISIO 2007?  Any help anyone can provide will be GREATLY appreciated.  Thank you very much.  clehman

[aledlund]

why not download the trial version and find out?
al

[clehman]

aledlund - an excellent idea - I'll do that.  Thank you.  clehman

[Visio Guy]

Al has the best idea, but for folks reading on their phones, here's a couple of sites that have comparisons:

A comparison of Visio Standard and Visio Professional

Compare Standard and Professional editons

[clehman]

Visio Guy - Thank you VERY much for the links to comparisons of VISIO 2007 Standard and Professional.  That told me EXACTLY what I needed to know - Standard does not include floor plans, while Professional does.  Since all I've ever used VISIO for is floor plans, now I know I need to purchase the Professional edition.

I downloaded the free 60-day trial last evening, and as it turned out, it was the Professional edition.  It does have floor plans and the files I created with my 1995 edition can be opened and worked.  However, there are a LOT of differences between the 1995 edition and the 2007 edition.  Most are good things, but a couple of features seem more difficult to find and use.  I'll have to print out the tutorial for the floor plans when I get my copy of VISIO 2007 Professional.  Thank you again - that saved me purchasing the Standard edition and then finding out it doesn't include floor plans.  clehman