The running joke seems to be how sucky Vista is and how it’s better to stick with Windows XP. However, after my laptop got a nasty virus and had to be reformatted, I figured I would give Vista a shot. I had nothing to lose and could always reload XP if I had to. The laptop in question is a Dell Inspiron, about 3 years old, I can post the full specs later.
Pros:
- Install process ran smoothly with little intervention.
- All my drivers were installed automatically. In XP I would have to download network card drivers to another PC and transfer them via USB stick.
- Runs fast. This could be due to doing a fresh install.
- I like when you hover over an item in the task bar it gives you a preview window of the item.
- Network settings show you graphically if there is a problem between you and the router or the router and the internet.
- Uses a Home folder structure just like the Mac. I like having a Downloads folder by default.
- Windows look nicer than in XP.
- Haven’t had anything crash or used Task Manager to close anything yet.
Cons:
- Network options are buried. Instead of right clicking on the icon and going to properties it takes 3 or 4 menus to get to TCP/IP settings.
- New gadget bar on the right side, I haven’t decided how useful this is yet. Right now I just have CPU monitor and weather.
- The security messages do get annoying after awhile. It pops up a warning any time you change something in Control Panel or run an install exe.
I started installing World of Warcraft yesterday so I will keep you updated on how Vista runs for gaming.
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I must say I like the line “Windows look nicer than in XP”. It made me giggle. I’ve been running Vista for over a year without any real issues. As far as the security settings, those can be changed.
You started installing WoW yesterday? That doesn’t help Vista’s image if it isn’t completed installing WoW yet.
BTW, which version oF Vista? and does your laptop support Aero?
Hey, I just installed XP on my six-year-old Dell mini-tower.
Pros: installs quickly with little intervention.
Cons: That hideous shade of blue in the default window color scheme.
World of Warcraft did take an entire day to install, though I don’t blame Vista for that. The game comes on 4 CDs plus a few more for the expansion. The first 3 attempts the installed failed on either disc 3 or 4, forcing me to start all over. Then Brad directed me to where I could download the full installer and not use disks at all. This took at least 8-10 hours to download the main game and another 3-4 for the expansion. Once the download was complete and the game was installed I still had the automatic patching process. At midnight I went to bed. The next day I had 3 or 4 more patches before I could finally login to the game.
I installed Vista Ultimate and I don’t know if Aero was was installed or turned on. If Vista detected my computer was old and enabled/disabled components for performance that would be a really cool feature.
As for the hideous blue color scheme in XP, what I did at work was download the free Zune theme from Microsoft’s website. It is a black color scheme with an orange Start button. Also the Silver scheme that comes with XP isn’t bad.
Update: I do have Aero. The windows are translucent but not to the point you can read what’s underneath the window. It’s like the cloudy glass on a shower door. I still haven’t had any issues with performance.
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