Is there anyone out there that thinks Windows Vista is an improvement over Windows XP?

Question

I DON'T want to hear from people who hate on Vista. I've already heard the negatives.

I want to hear only from people who think Vista is better, and why they feel that way.

Answer 1

I've been running Windows Vista Premium for about a month now since I got my new computer. I'm what some call a power user and use my computer constantly for both work and play. Overall I actually do think it is an improvement over XP in a lot of ways and have really enjoyed using it so far. The first thing thats really cool (and the one many people are talking about) is the new interface called Aero. Basically if you have a computer capable of using this new interface you are going to really love it! (see: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Windows_Vista#Hardware_requirements to see if your computer can handle it) it has a lot of nice glass and transparency effects, a cool 3d replacement for alt-tab switching, a really great sidebar that holds gadgets like clocks, calenders, radio stations, news, etc.. (similar to Mac's widgets) and a bunch of other nice things. I also like the fact that the 'start button' no longer has the word start on it, I always felt like that was treating me like some kind of idiot. You can check some screenshots to get an idea of what it looks like but I'd recommend a video or something so you can see it in motion. Aside from visual improvements there are some other great additions. I love the new search feature, it's easily accessible from the start menu and is a massive improvement over XP's search function. It lets you customize your search in a lot of the same ways and is extremely fast and efficient. I can search an entire hard drive (over 350gb in size) for a single file and get my results within a minute instead of the 10+ min it took on XP. The best features though are mainly on the security front, now when a program tries to install or change something behind the scenes Vista will ask you if you want to block it or let it through. While some find this annoying it is def better for your PC in the long run. The new firewall also does the same, every time a program wants to access the internet it asks you if you want to block or allow it and then remembers your choice for the future. There's also a built in anti-spyware program called Windows Defender that is nice to have. The other thing I love is that they took all the great things about Windows XP Media Center Edition, improved on them and then included it into Vista Premium and Ultimate. Because I have a tv card in my system I have been absolutely loving this! Not only is it great for watching TV but you can use it like a DVR for rewinding and pausing live TV, setting it up to record a show every week when its on like a Tivo and more. It also pulls a guide from the internet that will show you exactly whats on and when and functions like a built in Tv-Guide. Overall the media center is feature packed and easy to use. As far as other entertainment goes I have also not been disappointed. I've been able to play almost all of my favorite 3d games without problems which was a concern for me at first. Movies and mp3's also work without problems in Media Player 11. Another big aspect for me was how the programs I use for work would function. These included things like Microsoft Office and a whole lot of graphic design software (mostly adobe software) I found that everything installed and worked as expected and have been very satisfied with all my softwares performance. My final concern was how my peripherals would work. To get my HP PhotoSmart d5069 printer to work I couldn't use the included setup disc and instead had to go to HP's site and download a Vista driver and then all was fine. My external usb hard drive worked right off the bat as well as my USB xbox360 game pad and MS finger print scanner. The only thing I couldn't get to work was my Genius drawing tablet, I'm hoping Vista drivers will come out for it soon though. Basically I was initially skeptical about going to Windows Vista so early after its release and prob wouldn't have upgraded to it for a long time on my last PC, however since it came on a new computer I thought I'd give it a fair chance to prove itself. I told myself if I hated it I would just install Windows XP onto it and I was happy to find that I really liked it and found it an improvement overall. I would def recommend it if you have a computer that meets the system requirements. Def ignore people who have a strong opinion on it but have not even tried it for themselves. Everyone hates Microsoft and everyone knows it. Also I think many people are uneasy and afraid of change, especially OS changes. They get comfortable with software after using it for so many years. I liked XP to but Windows XP has been out forever, and was not without its problems in the beginning (think pre service pack 2). It's time for something fresh and new! I think Vista is much better off then XP in many areas, you've got to see it for yourself and use it for a while to understand. Also make sure to look at this product for what it is and not just by who makes it. Hope this helps you!

Answer 2

Vista is an improvement only in looks. That's my positive mention...

When your OS goes from being installed from a CD to a DVD, then it's obvious it's a resource hog. Frankly, I want my resources going towards the applications I use, not the operating system.

It's a shame that I need a gig of RAM in my computer just to have the OS run decently. Never mind the RAM I need for my applications.

I find the comment about a 'patch coming out' to be humorous. I can see it now...Vista, including it's first Service Pack...comes on 2 DVDs!

Answer 3

Yes, i do like Vista over XP... all the negative people really annoy me too. There are a few flaws, but a patch will come out.

Answer 4

In some ways I think it is. Reminds me some of Netscape though, especially in browser window, and form fill feature. I've had no problems except for compability issues. But all you need is to update drivers. I feel it is better as far as security and the display is wonderful.

Answer 5

I'm starting to like the format...takes some getting used to, I just wish I could figure out how to make the font larger, all it wants to do is give me a magnifying glass, an thats a pain

Answer 6

your going find that one in the minority then..
the verdict is out..
Vista is a unstable resource pig not worthy of the upgrade for older systems, much less new Vista ready computers.
My new Dell kick butt laptop came wih Vista, I promptly formatted it and installed XP Pro sp2 and it flies.

Answer 7

security-wise, vista is better...
vista basically just has more bells and whistles added on to it... more eye candy...
sorry.

Answer 8

Bill Gates does.

Answer 9

Well, if that's what you want. What's the point of asking questions?