Vista vs. XP

The debate between whether Windows Vista is better than Windows XP has been going on ever since Vista’s release on January 30, 2007. Plenty of users who purchased Vista began finding bugs and having problems early on. I currently own and use a laptop with Windows Vista Home Edition on a daily basis. I have had problems with Vista, especially when I first got my laptop. However, I currently have been problem free other than the occasional Internet Explorer not responding. I figured I’d touch up on some of the differences between Vista and XP and also some of the letdowns and failures of Vista.

One of the features added to Vista that XP didn’t have is UAC, which stands for User Account Control. UAC makes a dialog box pop up asking the user to confirm the action he/she is trying to do. This is supposed to be a security feature to prevent malicious programs/users from compromising your system. However, most users find the many confirmation messages to be annoying and pointless. I myself turned off UAC the second day I had my laptop because I couldn’t deal with all of the confirmation messages that popped up asking me if I was sure that I wanted to change a property or start a program. Since having turned off UAC, I have never had to respond to another UAC confirmation and my system is just fine.

Regarding stability, most users will agree that XP has been extremely stable since the release of Service Pack 2. When Vista starts up, it loads many more background services than XP, which is why Vista is many times referred to as a resource hog. My computer, as well as most new computers, has 3 GB of RAM installed, so I really never have any slowdowns or hang-ups when I’m using my computer for multiple applications such as iTunes, browsing the internet, or Microsoft Office programs. I never used an XP operated computer with 3 GB of RAM installed, but I’m sure it would perform as well, if not better than Vista does regarding simultaneous application use. It is a known fact that Vista requires more hardware resources than XP to run efficiently, so if someone was wanting to switch from XP to Vista, that person should check to make sure that his/her computer has the necessary hardware requirements to run Vista.

                As far as usability, Vista has a modified user interface which most people will find similar to XP but with a few modifications. Microsoft got rid of the “up a level” button that is on all XP Windows Explorer windows. Microsoft added a navigation panel on the left side of Windows Explorer window to replace the “up a level” button, which makes navigating through folders simpler, but inexperienced users might find the navigation panel a little confusing at first. Microsoft also switched some things around in the Control Panel, but for the most part, users who had a good grip on the XP Control Panel should be able to find what they need in Vista’s Control Panel.

                Another problem with Vista is hardware compatibility. Many people who have Vista operated computers are having a tough time finding necessary drivers for the hardware in their computers. I know that I had to install a printer driver on my laptop so that I could print to the printers here on campus. Computers with XP are pretty much compatible with all current hardware and have a wide support from basically every manufacturer.

                In my opinion, I would have to say that Vista is basically a flashier, resource hungry version of XP. If you are using XP right now and are having no problems with it, I would say stick with it. When Windows 7 comes out, I would recommend checking that operating system out just to see what Microsoft has changed and added for functionality. Windows 7 will more than likely be what Vista should have been without the bugs, UAC nonsense, and hopefully increased driver support.

Heads up, 7 up.

It took me longer to write this article than I had hoped, but I felt (and hopefully this will stir discussion) someone should counter Mike’s Linux article.

Walter Mossberg, a Wall Street Journal reporter, wrote his thoughts on the matter after playing with the beta system.  For those that do not wish to delve to deep into operating system arguments.  The long story short is that Windows 7 seems to have all the advantages of Vista and none of the drawbacks.

The taskbar interface of 7 is now more customizable, something Microsoft usually has a problem with.  Finally listening to its customers though and offering content that is customizable will be a big boon to the system.  Windows 7 seems to have removed the program compatability issues that Vista had as well.  Along with the smaller, simpler name, the kernel of 7, closed as always, is said to be smaller than that of its predecessor.  The shrinking of the kernal has in no way shrunk the systems features however, and it even has looked towards the future with advanced features such as a new touch sensativety system that can handle complex functions such as gestures and finger combination’s.

Another important factor of Windows 7 is its release time.  While everyone seems to agree that the economy is in quite the slump, it is impossible for such a state to maintain.  The fact of the matter is that the economy will either bounce back (less likely) or at the least reach some sort of stable ground (more likely).  When businesses start upgrading company PCs (something many are currently putting off), they will be buying systems that ship with Windows 7 on it.  By then XP will no longer be available and quite frankly, no one will want Vista.

-Shaman