Obligatory Vista Preamble
Windows Vista is a line of operating systems developed by Microsoft for use on personal computers, including home and business desktops, laptops, Tablet PCs, and media centers. Technically, development finished completion November, 2006 and over the following three months it was released in stages to computer hardware and software manufacturers, business customers, and retail channels. On January, 2007, this monstrosity was released worldwide to general public, and made available for purchase and downloading from Microsoft's web site. The release of Windows Vista comes more than five years after the introduction of its predecessor, Windows XP, making it the longest time span between two releases of Microsoft Windows. The jury is still deliberating whether or not it’s worth the wait.
Windows Vista contains hundreds of new and reworked features; some of the most significant include an over-rated and updated graphical user interface dubbed Windows Aero, improved searching features which are less than intuitive, new multimedia creation tools such as Windows DVD Maker, and completely redesigned networking, audio, print, and display sub-systems. Big deal... Vista also aims to increase the level of communication between machines on a home network using peer-to-peer technology, theoretically making it easier to share files and digital media between computers and devices.
Microsoft's Predictable Objective
Microsoft's primary stated objective with Windows Vista, however, has been to improve the state of security in the Windows operating system. Alert the fuck’n media boys and girls. However, before becoming too giddy, the term “Windows Security” is still considered an oxymoron. Microsoft stated that it prioritized improving the security of Windows XP and Windows Server 2003 above finishing Windows Vista, thus delaying its completion. Whatever...
Windows Vista has received a number of negative assessments. PC World listed it #1 of "the 15 biggest tech disappointments of 2007," saying that "many users are clinging to XP like shipwrecked sailors to a life raft, while others who made the upgrade are switching back." Criticism of Windows Vista include protracted development time, more restrictive licensing terms, the inclusion of a number of new Digital Rights Management technologies aimed at restricting the copying of protected digital media, lack of device drivers for some hardware, and the usability of other new features such as User Account Control.
Inevitable Conclusion
Do I use Vista? Yes. Is it worth the investment? No...
Nevertheless, like many people, you’re most likely annoyed with the many built in “security features” designed to protect you from yourself. However, with a little perseverance, tranquilizers and morbid curiosity, Vista can be conquered and modified to suit personal discriminating tastes. |
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