Windows Vista Ultimate on Compaq nx9010

Question

I recently installed windows vista ultimate on my HP Compaq nx9010. i'm unsure to whether i should stick with it or just keep using it's original operating software for the best performance.The problem i'm having is that so many of my previous software doesn't want to work on vista. few games i played on xp but also doesn't want to play on vista. Should I get new driver software for this operating software?Cheers!