2008 Woodie Awards
Windows Vista - worth the wait?
By: Mike Schaefer
Issue date: 2/5/07 Section: Entertainment
- Page 1 of 1
With last weeks launch of Windows Vista users wonder, "is it really worth it?" I've been following the growth of this "revolutionary" operating system since beta 2. I'll admit it's come a long way, but still has a way to go.
Vista comes in four flavors; Home Basic, Home Premium, Small Business and Ultimate- each coming in a 32-bit and 64-bit version. To the non-tech savvy people, that can be a little overwhelming and leads to a lot of confusion.
Home Basic is designed for lower-end computers and people who don't do much with computers outside of email, pictures and browsing the Internet. It's lacking the new Aero visual theme which is honestly worth the extra $100.
Home Premium is the same as Home Basic with a little jazz added in for an extra $100. Aero is fully integrated which rivals OS-X as far as appearances go. Unfortunately, performance takes a big hit unless you have a high-end processor and a slew of memory.
Small Business comes with tools for making businesses more efficient with better networking and mobile connectivity.
We have Vista Ultimate- everything the latter versions have and then some. You have access to Ultimate Extras when it comes out, adding a lot of visual effects such as moving wallpaper and power toys. Ultimate sets you back $400.
The new Aero interface really looks slick, with smooth glassy reflections and transparencies. It's wrapped together nicely and provides a pleasing look. It takes a hit on performance since DirectX has been fully integrated into the desktop, making the entire desktop 3D.
Aero is something to get used to. It breaks away from traditional windows navigational techniques and puts in something that is reminiscent of OS-X. Windows Explorer revamped to provide, as Microsoft claims, much more efficient workflow environment. I disagree. Being raised on a computer since Windows 3.1, I'm comfortable with the Windows environment and the new changes are aggravating and rudimentary. Another change in Vista is the networking setup. It sticks with traditional IP setup and workgroup joining, but the new changes again simplify it all to a rudimentary standpoint.
Everything new comes with drawbacks. Vista is a bit buggy at times, especially with video drivers and the new visuals take a hit on performance. A great thing is a traditional windows theme for those who like to stick to a classic look. Another plus is the performance hit Aero takes is non-existent if you use the classic theme. Some programs don't work with Vista quite yet either (QuarkXPress 7 in particular).
Vista is a refreshing change that non-tech people will be pleased with. Microsoft did a good job wrapping that all up into a convenient environment.
Vista comes in four flavors; Home Basic, Home Premium, Small Business and Ultimate- each coming in a 32-bit and 64-bit version. To the non-tech savvy people, that can be a little overwhelming and leads to a lot of confusion.
Home Basic is designed for lower-end computers and people who don't do much with computers outside of email, pictures and browsing the Internet. It's lacking the new Aero visual theme which is honestly worth the extra $100.
Home Premium is the same as Home Basic with a little jazz added in for an extra $100. Aero is fully integrated which rivals OS-X as far as appearances go. Unfortunately, performance takes a big hit unless you have a high-end processor and a slew of memory.
Small Business comes with tools for making businesses more efficient with better networking and mobile connectivity.
We have Vista Ultimate- everything the latter versions have and then some. You have access to Ultimate Extras when it comes out, adding a lot of visual effects such as moving wallpaper and power toys. Ultimate sets you back $400.
The new Aero interface really looks slick, with smooth glassy reflections and transparencies. It's wrapped together nicely and provides a pleasing look. It takes a hit on performance since DirectX has been fully integrated into the desktop, making the entire desktop 3D.
Aero is something to get used to. It breaks away from traditional windows navigational techniques and puts in something that is reminiscent of OS-X. Windows Explorer revamped to provide, as Microsoft claims, much more efficient workflow environment. I disagree. Being raised on a computer since Windows 3.1, I'm comfortable with the Windows environment and the new changes are aggravating and rudimentary. Another change in Vista is the networking setup. It sticks with traditional IP setup and workgroup joining, but the new changes again simplify it all to a rudimentary standpoint.
Everything new comes with drawbacks. Vista is a bit buggy at times, especially with video drivers and the new visuals take a hit on performance. A great thing is a traditional windows theme for those who like to stick to a classic look. Another plus is the performance hit Aero takes is non-existent if you use the classic theme. Some programs don't work with Vista quite yet either (QuarkXPress 7 in particular).
Vista is a refreshing change that non-tech people will be pleased with. Microsoft did a good job wrapping that all up into a convenient environment.
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