Windows Vista (laptop, desktop, RAM, hard drive)

[ajzjmsmom]

So I am getting a new computer and it comes with Windows Vista. What differences can I expect from Windows XP? I was really nervous about getting Vista but both of my kids and my parents have it on their new computers and haven't had any problems that I know of.

[Prettygyrl777]

I've had it since it first came out in February '07. There were some compatibility issues at first but I havent had any major issues. Most of the users who had problems back then were the ones who upgraded to Vista. I bought my laptop pre-loaded. Vista takes alot of memory so upgrading on an older computer was a big problem. Alot of new software (and hardware) is now 'vista compatible' so I think that's a good sign. As far as the differences- I actually found it to be more user friendly. I can navigate my way in an out of my system alot faster (with less steps) than with XP. It looks 'pretty' but other than that, there are no huge differences. Well actually, maybe there are some extras that Vista has that XP doesn't- I don't know if moviemaker or dvdmaker came with XP but I have it with vista.

[Tek_Freek]

For the average user - no biggie. Small learning curve and a number if things (like the Start menu) can be set to Classic.

For people like me who dig into the system - a bigger learning curve. They moved and renamed a bunch of stuff. This is a big money maker for MS because all their techs have to recertify and the classes and tests are EXPENSIVE!!

[EscapeCalifornia]

Originally Posted by Tek_Freek

For the average user - no biggie. Small learning curve and a number if things (like the Start menu) can be set to Classic.

For people like me who dig into the system - a bigger learning curve. They moved and renamed a bunch of stuff. This is a big money maker for MS because all their techs have to recertify and the classes and tests are EXPENSIVE!!

That's the funny thing about a new OS like Vista. The average users (ie. know very little) don't dig much and thus won't see much difference. Power users get into all parts of Windows that the average user doesn't even know exist and sees all of the rearranging Microsoft did, but are the most equipped to deal with the changes. Like my mom would be confused as hell with all the changes in the desktop properties/personalize dialogs if she ever knew they existed in the first place. But she doesn't, so its not a problem. While I was a bit lost at first, but quickly figured out where they moved most of the stuff.

[texdav]

My wife and ZI have no probles with Vista ;once you eliminate all teh secruity feature that keep some out pof p-roblems. We have had ours for about eight months and it seems very stable compared to XP and 98 before that.So far no problems at all.

[Naptowner]

What to expect?

Lots of security warnings at first asking if you're really sure you want to run the program you just double-clicked.

Sluggish performance unless you have a lot of RAM and video memory, which will persist until you disable the translucent window borders.

Heavier memory use than you might be used to. 2 gigabytes is probably a minimum, and if you can get more RAM, you're better off.

Some potential compatibility issues - for example, my HP printer/scanner doesn't quite run as it should.

[BigJon3475]

I made mine look like xp if that tells you anything.

Lot's of new stuff to learn. Some good IMO and and some bad IMO.

[gemkeeper]

I just got my new Dell Inspiron T5750 laptop up and running early this evening. It is working like it is charmed. It is unbelievably fast compared to my old HP laptop. I'm really happy that I went with the 250Gb hard drive.

However, I am already fighting with Vista and it came with the upgrade. I hate trying to create a new word document. It was so easy with XP. And, I cannot reload my internet games!!!! The gaming website states that Vista has some pecularities that prevent downloads. I was advised to temporarily disable the firewall. But, I cannot find where to do it! I have followed all of the steps and paths, but the one disable prompt that I need is not there.

I suppose 4 hrs. with a new program - and, I haven't found the manual yet in the bottom of the box - isn't quite enough to be judgmental, but I sure hope it gets a bit easier as I use it.

Why no Word Document??

[BigJon3475]

Hint:

Dump everything and start with what you want installed. (assuming your comp. came with all the instillation software)

Then go through your (admin:command prompt) and remove the added garbage.

Why do you need to play with the firewall? (curious)

[BigJon3475]

By the way it does get easier.

It's not horrible but it's change...It's prettier

I still changed it to XP theme