Windows Vista RC1 (build 5564)
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September 4, 2006 02:01
4.0/5
Microsoft has done a good job in moving their OS forward to a more modern look.
Although some people would say it's using ideas from Apple's Tiger, I feel overall it doesn't appear much of a copy to me (I also use Tiger).
The installation process wasn't too pretty. My screen was full of random pixels for a few seconds for example and it had to restart several times (but didn't require any user interaction).
The Gadget feature is nice and was something I missed compared to Tiger's Widgets.
I've noticed that in some cases the screen is not drawn optimally. E.g. when you resize a window (using the right/lower edge) the frame is flashing a lot and the URL in IE is also flashing in this case. Apple is still doing a better job on such details. But these kind of things are minor and it still looks a lot better than XP.
Overall so far I haven't found a reason for wanting to go back to XP.Updated
I'm starting to really feel annoyed by the way Vista is designed to be more safe against viruses and spyware. It's like someone designed an OS then someone else found the security risks in it. Then a third team found ways to add protection on top of it to patch the holes. It feels like nobody designed from buttom up with maximum ease of use and security in mind at the same time. It's not fun to use Vista when you do something just a bit more than mainstream use cases. I had a hard time setting up a network printer for example. I wish they could make the security issues something I just don't need to worry about and don't need to be reminded about constantly.
Tiger is just way more better on that parameter I realize. A major challenge for Microsoft I believe is that their architecture with the registry, DLL files and certain folders etc. can not be cleaned up for improved security easily because it would eliminate backward compatibility. -
September 6, 2006 10:47
3.0/5
I've used Windows all my life, but have recently switched to Mac OS as my primary OS, though i still dual-boot to Windows XP on my MacBook Pro for some Windows-only software. Having both on one machine has showed me that there is just no contest , the Mac OS is just phenomena (much better battery life, faster performance, doesn't bog down from poor ram usage, extremely good integration of all software and 3rd partiesl. So far, I haven't seen big enough changes in Vista to show improvement over the current Mac OS--though they certianly took some of Mac's great ideas, as always, such as "gadgets," etc., and better integration. But with the new Mac OS X Leopard build coming out around the same time as Vista, there will still be a big performance gap between the two.
The real question is will Vista CLOSE THE GAP a bit between microsoft and macintosh OSs, and we'll have to wait and see. But I think it may a bit. -
September 3, 2006 09:38
3.5/5
While it took me a while to download RC1; I must say that it is far better than Beta 2 which I downloaded earlier in the summer from Microsoft's Customer Feedback Program.
I've been running Vista on a year old Dell Inspiron 600M with the following specs:
1.5Ghz Pentium M
768MB RAM
40GB HDD
32MB ATi Radeon Mobility Video
While it does use it's fair share of memory, roughly 320-400 of my 768 MBs; while running Internet Explorer 7, AIM, and Media Player.... it does seem to respond better than it's previous incarnation (Beta2).
Like always, you're going to need at least around 1GB of RAM to run this OS smoothly, but even with my amount it seems to run decently.
Finally, Windows has their own "spotlight" feature with the built-in, much improved search capabilities. Unfortunately, my computer can't run the Aero interface so I can't report on that, even so -- I can say without a doubt the nicely updated GUI colors of Vista basic isn't that bad at all -- quite appealing; much better than XP's standard colors.
Overall, it's better than what we've seen in the past; and even so you might not really need it; because everything you can do in Vista you can do in XP with a few extra programs here and there. And you need a fairly up-to-date PC to run.
Oh, Vista Ultimate is completely overpriced at $400.00; Microsoft has got to be kidding me. Good attempt from Microsoft, but it makes you wonder that this is all they've achieved after five years of development; I feel a little underwhelmed. -
September 9, 2006 11:53
5.0/5
I am a Mac user that has been forced to use Microsoft products on my job. I just hated Windows 98. When we updated to Windows XP things got better, but it was still not as good as the Mac. Know that I have been using Vista I can honestly say this is the first time I wanted to switch operating systems.
In fact, I plan to buy a PC in the next few weeks and upgrade to Vista when it comes out. Microsoft has a huge advantage because of so much compatibility, but now it has the operating system to boot. Kudos Microsoft!! -
September 9, 2006 11:23
4.5/5
So these ratings comes down to nikon vs canon, pepsi vs coke or Win verses Mac?
I am a graphic designer with his own company, and every person that I hire uses a PC by their own choice. The Mac we have just sits there. We call it the Desktop iPod. Does that mean Macs suck, no, just not our choice. Vista will be a welcomed upgrade but neither new Mac OS or Vista will dramatically improve my workflow, but they will both look prettier and add some nice toys. OSes are nice, but it is about applications and Adobe Apps runs great on both but its the little things that push me to Windows. So I welcome the added Candy and my only complaint is the delays. However, XP does everyting I need it to do. I will not knock down the ratings because I still sore on win98. -
September 10, 2006 12:21
Spectacular
2.5/5
These are the problems I had with Vista RC1 (Build 5600)- Program Compatibility Wizard, just like most of Microsoft's solutions, does not work when really needed. While it may have worked for the CNET editors Full Tilt game (I don't know why they tested something as useless as that), it does not work for Symantec Antivirus 10 and SpySweeper. In fact, even after uninstalling SpySweeper Vista RC1 never was able to repair itself and would always hang right after startup. So I have no option but to uninstall it and wait for the retail version to see if Microsoft's botched attempt becomes any better.
Another problem I have is the inconsistencies with the User Interface design. I believe that Microsoft wanted to integrate Internet Explorer-like functionality and interface with its regular programs and wizards. But in their wizards (take Windows DVD maker as an example), their 'NEXT' button appears as a text button at the bottom right of the dialog box, while the 'BACK' button is a graphical blue button at the top left of the box. Why? The OS is littered with such inconsistencies. The windows title bars is sometimes transparent, sometimes solid black (usually after maximizing the window). I could go on.
The wows for Windows Aero and slickness won't last very long. Ultimately the OS must let you do what you did (apart from type or surf email) in a clear, consistent manner, which till now, it does not do well. -
September 5, 2006 10:57
3.5/5
Windows Vista in its last build (it's not 5564 b.t.w. it is 5600 RC1 www.expertvista.com )is really showing some beauty. It is not much to say - TRY IT and see for yourself!Updated
Microsoft was apparently under high pressure to deliver quality product, so RC1 is much better than Beta2: more devices (according to reports) are recognized initially, search is now working fine, interface is (mostly) streamlined and looks neat. I also hope the code-wise new Vista is far more advanced then XP in general. I believe that once you use it with, for instance, new Office 2007 beta, you can really improve your productivity! Im not a Linux or Mac user (I tried Linux I find it too awkward for a regular user like trying to figure out for a half-an-hour how on earth copy files from CD-ROM to hard drive!, as for Mac - with all its polished glamour and hardware charm IT IS NOT USER-FRIENDLY AT ALL!) So, Windows Vista is a useful continuation (alas long-awaited) for a Windows user! Hackers will love it for sure (who cares?), so will we. Eventually it will have the same problems as Windows XP with all these patches and stuff it is well understood given its extreme market-share for desktop/laptop realm (98% ?
). But it is not the point, the points is that IMHO everybody, including hackers, office workers, students, web developers, journalists, smart people, not very smart people, blonds, engineers, song writers, businessmen, CEOs, housewives and CNET users everybody will have a lot of fun with new Windows Vista! The tag price is high (400$ ?) I agree, but Vista RC1 will work till mid of 2007, free of charge. And maybe by that time you will install FreeBSD, God save you! -
October 5, 2006 09:04
3.5/5
DVD playback is kind of spotty and the sound is a little choppy, but that could be due to some of the processes I had running at the time (virus scan,etc.) Other things seem to be working fine. I installed AVG Free anti-virus software which didn't work in earlier versions and it is working fine right now. I have only had this build for one whole day so I can't give much feedback on its performance just yet. No real bothersome problems yet, but time will tell. I am not convinced enough to buy the final product at this time. I am having to use an Actiontec ethernet-dialup modem to connect to the internet as Vista would not use my USRobotics external modem which is serial connected. -
September 30, 2006 06:26
Excellent
2.0/5
Vista has the potential to be great. But it has a long ways to go.
First, the new security measures are subpar. Instead of forcing you to sign as Administrator to make system changes, Microsoft chose a idiotic approach. First, the default user is considered an Administrator with restrictions. Which means you are annoyed before changing every important setting, with some blocked (like the boot loader). Do you want to log in as Administrator to avoid being annoyed and change the boot loader? Tough! You either have to start in Safe Mode OR jump through 100 hoops to get Administrator showing up on the sign in screen.
The boot loader is aweful. Microsoft took a simple boot loader and threw it away. They say the new one is "better" and it supports EFI. But, how is that something is next to impossible to figure out how to get working to do the exact same thing "better"? And the old boot loader was simple, so it should have been simple to make it support EFI. But NO! And Microsoft decided against providing a program to help you.
Also, the "run" command on the start menu is not shown by default. Another stupid move.
And the DRM integration. Ugh! Big corporations love to take away rights to inconvience a vast minority of pirates for a month.
Installing unsigned drivers? Sorry, even it does work just fine. Want to use 3rd party antivirus programs? Sorry.
Now the good. It does look great. It does have better system recovery options. These are a lot better.
My advice is to wait until people scream to remove the 10 million annoyances. -
September 27, 2006 05:14
3.0/5
Vista is definitely a step up from XP. Finally you have an OS that doesn't let you run roughshod over the system without knowing what you're doing. And the graphics ran surprisingly well, even on my system w/ only 128MB in my video card. I wasn't expecting that.
The new search feature is nice, but it's something I already enjoyed via Google Desktops floating toolbar, and I still like Google's implementation better, because you can position that anywhere on the screen. (If you can reposition the Windows Search, could somone let me know?) I also like the fact that you can shut down in one-click now. The gadgets/widgets don't really impress me, because those too, are available through Google Desktop, and Google's implementation has more of them.
There are some serious drawbacks within the current Vista:
1) ZoneAlarm isn't compatible. That wouldn't be so bad if Vista came w/ antivirus software, but it doesn't, that I can tell. So this means that testers will have a firewall but potentially be without anti-virus ability. (I haven't tried AVG Free yet. Maybe that'll work.)
2) A device came up as incompatible with Vista, but the system didn't give any description of the device. That's not acceptable. I have maybe 5 USB devices attached to my system (some directly to the laptop, and some to the docking station). Saying that "a USB device has been detected" isn't really telling me anything I can use.
3) Intermittently, my trackball will just stop working. It won't give an error or anything. It'll just stop. This might be the USB problem referenced in #2, but who's to say, without more explanation?
I think once more software vendors get on the bandwagon that Vista will be a nice OS to have. I'm still playing around with it to see what it's capable of. But there are some problems in implementation that I hope they'll resolve.
