Software Microsoft Windows Vista Home Premium UPGRADE [DVD] [OLD VERSION]
Rating:  -
I'm a little tired of people bagging on Vista. I've been using it on my Toshiba laptop (dual-core, 1 gb RAM, DVD burner, etc.) and it runs almost perfectly. I was considering putting another gig of RAM in there, but so far I don't need it. Everything runs smoothly, I haven't had any crashes or lock ups, and every piece of software I have installed (common and not so common programs) runs without issue. In fact, the only problem I've had was when I tried to dual boot with Ubuntu 7.04. I like the concept of open source, but basically think Linux sucks. I am very computer literate and have played around with previous Ubuntu releases and Fedora, and have been utterly underwhelmed every time. I have dual booted many, many computers, and this time around, Ubuntu really messed up Vista. I tried repairing the MBR, etc, but just had to forget it and reinstall Vista. So I got to experience a Vista install, too. Smooth, like everything else. Basically, Vista is the standard bearer, so get with it. Service pack 2 should be coming soon, and that might help some people out. Compared to OS (tiger, panther, wildebeest, meercat, whatever they call it now) it's much better and will save you a bundle of money because Microsoft doesn't release a new OS every 16 months like Apple and force you to buy upgrades each time. I will use Windows for the rest of my life, or at least as long as 96% of the world's computers run it.
Rating:  -
Alright - Let me start by saying that this is not a thorough review. I can't give you the ins-and-outs of Vista security or other technical things. What I can tell you is that Vista has been wonderful for me so far. Upgrading was an ABSOLUTE breeze, and the interface is slick and smooth. My wife has a Mac -- and Vista is every bit as fun and functional as her new Macbook.
Here's what I've found that I love about Vista so far:
1 - The look and feel. Finally Microsoft is putting some real attention toward asthetics.
2 - Media Center. If you enjoy music/video the way that I do, then having Media Center is GREAT.
3 - File searching. Quick and intuitive. Delivers results as promised.
4 - Security. I know I said I wouldn't touch on this. But I can say that Vista **seems** like Fort Knox. Plenty of prompts (though a bit annoying at times) to make sure that malicious things aren't happening.
If you are a Joo Schmoe, like me, who really wants an intuitive, slick, functional computer -- you won't be disappointed.
Rating:  -
It took me less than a week to have 2 blue screens.
Huge compatibility problems with WinXP.
Many of the applications I was using with WinXP, do not work properly, so make sure you have Vista drivers for your old webcam, scanner, printer, etc, or you might need to buy new ones.
MS Outlook 2002 crashed the system after a few days and sent it into recovery mode, after which Outlook was wiped out and the Norton antivirus did not work anymore.
Not only that, WMP11 gets the library corrupted at every reboot, Windows Movie Maker has plenty of bugs.
All in all, I deeply regret the upgrade to Vista
Microsoft, this is unacceptable!! Get a SP quick! You can not treat your customers this way!
Rating: -
Windows Vista is ABSOLUTELY horrible. Horrible. I thought Microsoft was great. XP was great. Then Vista ruined everything. How Microsoft could let such a bombshell on this world is totally beyond me. Lets go over the pros of the OS: It looks good (which actually can be emulated on XP, third party publishers who hate Vista like us have found a way to eliminate our last temptation, with free Vista themes for XP). OK, now onto the cons.
It takes a really long time to install. I installed it way before dinnertime, and it wasn't done until the next day. I think Microsoft is trying to tell us how much money Bill Gates has like this (1 dollar= 1 minute of installation for WV)
Next, the thing is SO SLOW. I could swear that I would be DEAD by the time this stupid thing loaded something up. Even Firefox was like this.
Also, I think Aero is a joke. Big freaking deal. You can see through your windows. The only thing that might be good is Windows 3D. How about giving XP users Flip 3D, MS? How about that?
Probably the biggest part of this stupid OS, however is the fact that it drains SO much memory. When I had Vista, all I had was 20 GB of storage, now I have 45, with more programs installed then when I had Vista. Check out how much it takes to get Vista installed (20 GB)! Now if you think you are going to have any programs to go with that, you're dead wrong, unless you want to be about 20 years older by the time you get an IE window open.
I owe my computing life to HP, who were kinder then Microsoft, giving me a free recovery disc to pay for the crimes Microsoft has done against my computer. I'm not an MS hater, I'm MS to the end, but if I hadn't gotten XP back, it may have been the end. It may be the end for you if you get Vista. So stick with XP. Please. For the good of humanity.
Rating:  -
If you have an older computer, don't buy! Vista Premium will bog it down. If you want this for your business, don't buy! Vista is incompatible with alot of business (and home) software and peripherals (printers, monitors, etc).
I bought Vista BASIC HOME (not the Premium edition) new on a newer more powerful machine 1.8 Mhz Duo Core and it ran plenty fast and had some nice features but wouldn't take my monitor driver causing it to malfunction, and about half of my non-Microsoft software wouldn't install (Nero Burning, ACT, Home Lawyer, etc). Take note that the PREMIUM EDITION is supposed to actually slow your system down but the Vista BASIC HOME with a new computer ran fast on my new system albeit incompatible with much of my non-microsoft software.
At any rate, after a day of struggle I sent my computer back to Dell and bought their powerful Vostro 400 2.33 GHz+ at a great deal with $420 off and opted for Windows XP instead. (at dell dot com just select desktops, then business computers, then the gold box at the top of the screen with "smart buys" and select you options). It is better to start with the already powerful 400 than buy a cheaper Vostro 200 and add the better memory and processor later. In all fairness, I feel I should mention the obvious that Gateway and others have great bargains also.
If your upgrade doesn't work for you, you will have trouble downgrading as MS rigged Vista to make it near impossible to downgrade Home Premium without purchasing another copy of XP Pro (sounds illegal doesn't it!).
However, if you have a powerful newer home computer with at least 1 MB of RAM (2 MB for Vista Premium) and don't mind replacing much of your incompatible non-microsoft software and possibly peripherals (some drivers not available which may disable your monitor and printer - you can check first at their site for driver downloads for Vista), I think you will like the new Vista in the HOME EDITION once you adapt to it. I had it on the new home computer I sent back and liked it with the exception of not running half of my software and making my monitor (Samsung SynMaster 173P) dysfuntion on occasion because it wouldn't take my driver. Vista is a little prettier and a bit more sophisticated than XP - but it is a little like switching from a powerful good handling sportscar (XP Pro) with a manual shift to a large powerful but lumbering luxury car with an automatic transmission and all the bells and whistles.
As no manual comes with Vista, I recommend getting a book to avoid alot of head scratching and time searching and winding through Microsofts Help-Option with its sometimes limited explanations.
THE WORD UPGRADE IS A CONTRADICTION WITH VISTA. It should only be installed on a recent powerful computer and currently should NOT BE INSTALLED on an older computer or on a business machine (software incompatability). However, if you are getting a new machine for your home and want Vista already installed, then check out the unseen cost of buying some new software and if your hardware drivers are available for Vista and look at the Vista Home BASIC edition as it will be faster than the premium. Vista Basic Home has a user and guest account password (unlike XP Basic) and some parental controls.
AT PRESENT, WINDOWS XP PRO IS A BETTER OPTION if you are thinking of buying a new machine and UPGRADING TO VISTA IS NOT A PRODUCTIVE OPTION AT ALL for the near future. If want to keep your software working and even have your machine speed up dramatically, I recommend buying a powerful duo core computer (2MB Ram, 2.33 Ghz processor, 160MB+ hard drive) from the business machine menu (as most home machines won't have XP Pro as an option) and having it configured with XP Pro on it. (you can still opt get a high end video card etc as on the home machines even though it is called business). Then a year or so from now consider upgrading in the future to Vista when all the bugs and incompatabilities are worked out knowing that you have a powerful computer that can handle Vista with its heavy resource demands.
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