Microsoft Vista - First Week

I recently had the pleasure of putting together a high-performance computer, and chose Vista Ultimate as my operating system. I must say, Vista’s install was even more painless than XP’s, and the install time seemed quicker as well, though this may have been due to my speed-demon of a system, which has an Intel Core 2 Duo 2.66 GHz processor, higher-end Kingston memory, and 1333 MHz bus speed. Also note that I am comparing this install to my last, which I was using an AMD 2800+ to install XP, which is a lot less speedy of a processor. Once installed, I discovered that the "new" interface was very similar to XP's interface, if more polished. Vista has a new indexing system to quickly search for files which seems to work sigificantly faster than XP's search dog. Some useless Vista features, in my opinion, include a 3D program switcher which is more flashy than useful and a new scrolling Start menu. Thankfully Vista allows you to revert back to the drop down start menu by right-clicking on the Start "orb," choosing properties, and selecting "Classic Start menu". The more efficent way to switch windows, apart from using your left click, is the "alt" "tab" keys which still quickly scrolls through your active windows.

Vista Ultimate also offers DreamScene, which animates your desktop with video such as a flowing brook, or any other video you choose. Unfortunately, on my system it makes a buzzing sound when listening to audio, which may be due to my cheap $30 Nvidia 7200GS video card. My plan is to get a XFX 8800gt 512 MB card, which is receiving great reviews for its price/performance value at around $270. This card competes with much more expensive models, such as the 8800 Ultras when running games at a resolution of 1650x1050, actually it is one of the only graphics cards on the market that can play the ultra-realistic FPS game Crysis with a decent framerate!

Vista detected my Dell Axim X51v right away in Windows Explorer, which allows me to browse and transfer Pocket PC and Smartphone files, games, and apps to and from my Axim with ease. Using Windows Mobile Device Center also allows me to transfer files to my Axim and more.

I believe that most of the Vista criticism is coming from people that want a big change in OS functionality and are also frustrated with the usability and compatibility issues that Microsoft has been unable or unwilling to completely address in Vista. Considering XP had release bugs as well this comes as no shock to most "weathered" windows users. The good news is that SP1 is being beta-tested for Vista as I write this and should be out very soon to address some of it's compatility issues.

Vista has some nice eye candy, and so far I found it to be an overall enjoyable and stable OS. But my fingers are crossed and its still week one. Check out FixMyVista.com to find out how to turn off Vista’s annoying security notifications (at your own risk) and to get useful performance enhancements.