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[LUG] Vista from AUT Direct

 

Just had this email from AUT Direct (I bought some stuff from them a 
while ago).

It makes interesting reading as it indicates that they don't have total
confidence in Vista support.

<quote>

AUT INFORMATION FEATURE 
Windows Vista AUT Opinion
Windows Vista is a great new operating system allowing users to access data faster 
and more reliably. Windows Vista shows off its new 3D capabilities so that you no 
longer have to hit the old Alt-Tab method of switching between applications, this is 
called Flip 3D. Hit the Windows key and Tab and instead of flat, anonymous icons, 
you get previews of all your currently open windows stacked in 3D. The confusing 
Network Places of XP has disappeared to be replaced by the Network and Sharing 
Center, This ties all of the networks into one neat and tidy interface. The wireless 
networking has been made dramatically simpler and easier to use than ever, and also 
the View Computers and Devices window which, with automatic Network Discovery turned 
on, makes the job of viewing and connecting to other computers on a network much 
easier than with XP not to mention more secure.
Now that Windows Vista has been out for over a month we have now installed it on 
many computer systems for our customers and so have had the chance to test it on 
various hardware setups and with various software applications. So far on the 
hardware side we haven't come across any of our usual current hardware that doesn't 
have support. Items like TV cards, capture cards and other non-essential items are 
lagging behind a bit at the moment but most have beta drivers on the way at least. 
All the essential components such as motherboards, Video cards, sound cards etc we 
have managed to get running with Vista. Do be prepared though to have to download 
drivers from the web for your hardware as the Vista drivers aren't always included 
on the driver disc at the moment and where motherboards are concerned sometimes a 
bios update is required. 
Where Software is concerned we have not done as much testing as with the hardware 
beyond the Microsoft software and Anti virus software we stock. but most of the time 
software we have tried works in its standard form or works but you have to go to the 
software manufactures web site and download a software patch that will let the 
software run on Vista. This is more of a problem with the 64bit Versions of Vista as 
there is very little support by software manufacturers at present, which is why we 
are not stocking it yet. but if you stick with the 32bit versions you shouldn't have 
to much of a problem. 
Overall we like Windows Vista and can see it superseding XP quite quickly once all 
the hardware and software manufacturers have truly caught up with it. So should you 
upgrade now? I would say if you have an XP system that you are happy with, then no 
don't bother just yet as support for XP will not be stopped any time soon. However 
if you are itching to install Vista on your current system then providing you check 
there is Vista drivers for the hardware inside your PC and software patches if 
needed for your software and games then go for it as it is a great operating system. 
If you are buying a new system then get one with Vista installed as there shouldn't 
be a problem with drivers on new hardware and with it costing the same or less than 
XP there's no Sense is installing XP.
Below is a link to Microsoft's Vista Comparison of the different versions and what 
they include. So far Windows Vista Home Premium has been the biggest seller for us 
by far as it includes most of the features but is allot cheaper than the ultimate 
version. Also bellow is links to the four versions of Vista that we sell should you 
wish to check our prices.
<endquote>

Keith










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