Vista...the Old Frontier
I recently got a chance to tool around on Microsoft's latest OS, Vista (Home Premium to be exact). Much like my post about the PS3, this reviewer gives the system a rating of...meh. I'll give you the highlights and the lowlights to keep it short.
Highlights:
1. It's pretty: the new smooth, translucent windows are a plus, but being a mac user, I've seen it all before. Not only that, but the animations are very reminiscent of the Mac OS animations (minimize a window on each system and you'll see what I mean.) Though, I do enjoy the little "entrance" an application makes when it is launched. This is much more appealing than the old "POP! Here I am!" on other systems.
2. It's slightly more user-friendly: The new Start menu does not sprawl across your screen, but instead is listed in a scroll menu right where the quick launch icons used to be. It's a nice, organized touch.
Lowlights:
1. It's all been done: Look at the Mac interface, then look at Vista. 'Nuff said.
2. Which flavor do you want?: There are too many versions! Microsoft likes to appeal to EVERYONE when they release an operating system and that works against them. Besides the fact that most current PCs cannot run Vista at optimal speed, Microsoft made it quite difficult to choose the right OS for your current setup. They have a program that will tell you what your PC will be able to handle and what it won't, which helps, but still...it's a lot!
3. Security: Microsoft more than made up for it's lax security in previous systems, but they did it with a Gung-Ho attitude. Now, every little decision you make requires a pop-up to appear and for you to verify that you actually did want to do that minor adjustment to your wallpaper. You cannot specify what security features to turn off - it's all or nothing. Because of all the pop-ups, when something bad does rear its ugly head, you don't notice because you've been mindlessly clicking "Allow" for 20 minutes.
4. Security II: This one has to do with the security of the system. Right now, it's not so secure, but Microsoft is furiously writing new patches to plug up its holes. If you decide to load up Vista...um...good luck!
5. Games: Some don't work with Vista. Also, most current hardware (Sound cards, video cards, etc...) will not work with Vista. Gaming is a bust on this system right now.
6. Price: Vista is friggin' expensive! The regular, non-upgrade version of Home Premium is almost $400. For someone who works part-time at the Gap to make some extra cash, this is not a worthwhile investment...yet.
Right now, it may not be worth it to upgrade to Vista. If you're a high school/college student, most games aren't going to work and some programs/web apps aren't going to function properly on IE7. Wait for the OS to gain more ground and for Service Pack 1 to save the day. After a year or so, it will probably be okay to let the beast in the door.
