Windows Vista: Differences from XP

Windows Vista: Differences from XP

Keep in mind that Vista has just been released, and Vista can and probably will have extra headaches at least until Service Pack 1 is released.

Windows Vista Pros

• New Windows Version - at some point, you're probably going to have to use it (unless you go linux or Mac), whether you like it or not. You might as well start now.
• DirectX 10 - few current games use it, but at some point, you'll want to play a game that absolutely requires it. The downside is that none of the GPUs currently shipping on laptops support DirectX 10, but that should start changing over the next few months.
• Customizable High DPI display - No more worries about which LCD size/resolution is right for you. Pick the highest resolution and adjust the DPI to your preference. This will also make pictures and text look even better.
• Vista Sidebar and Gadgets - These are little mini programs, such as calendar, ToDo list, or anything you can think of to organize your computer and life . Also, Google Widgets work as Vista Gadgets for extra flexibility.
• Aero GUI - The new high-resolution icons, transparency, and background blurring looks cool. It does require a good graphics card and it still might annoy you anyway. It can be turned off.
• Upgrading Vista versions is very easy - Microsoft ships retail Vista DVDs with all versions on it. All you need to do to upgrade is to get the proper license. Downloadable editions are also expected.
• Improved security - Vista is built to make it easy for users to NOT be administrators. Hopefully, this will reduce worm infections and spreading. Much of Vista's network functionality is disabled by default to limit exposure.
• Parental controls - Enable games of certain ratings to run, limit programs and websites, and specify the times and duration.
• Small Improvements - symbolic links, Windows Defender anti-spyware/phishing, automatic backup/syncing, easy data transfer, ReadyBoost and ReadyDrive (flash isn't yet fast enough to make this effective), Bitlocker encryption

Windows Vista Cons

• 1 GB RAM recommended minimum - 2 GB of memory will be required if you are a power user.
• Vista drivers are hit and miss - Most laptops and many peripherals do not have full Vista support, and very few have 64-bit signed Vista drivers.
• 64-bit Vista requires signed drivers - This means that you won't be able to install any community-developed drivers, and it also means any old hardware you have by no-name manufacturers probably won't ever work in 64-bit Vista. Don't be surprised if you have to buy some new hardware to make this leap. (F8 on startup can disable this requirement, but it has to be pressed EVERY time on bootup. Alternatively, authenticode can be used to sign unsigned drivers).
• OEM Vista copies are either 32-bit or 64-bit - If you decide later you want to go from 32-bit to 64-bit, or vice versa, you'll have to buy a new copy of Vista.
• Upgrades from XP to Vista invalidate the XP copy - Once you upgrade to Windows Vista, your copy of XP can't be used legally any more. If you upgrade an OEM copy of XP, your Vista license will be OEM rather than full retail.
• Vista Upgrades have to be installed twice - You either have to install XP or 2000 and then install Vista upgrade, or you have to install Vista trial edition and then install Vista upgrade over the top of the trial edition. This means re-installations will take twice as long.
• OEM Vista can only be reactivated once after a major hardware change - After that, you'll have to buy another copy of Vista. This shouldn't affect laptop users too much, but desktop users ought to be aware of this fact. It's safe to figure you're going to end up buying multiple copies of Vista before it reaches the end of its life.
• Vista requires an HDCP monitor to be connected to view protected high definition video content.
• Vista's DRM is capable of completely locking out users from video, audio, or other data they've purchased.
• Non-ACPI laptops should not run Vista - Vista does not support Advanced Power Management (APM).
• Game performance is reduced - Tom's Hardware reports somewhat slower game performance, depending on the game.

Windows XP Pros

• It just works - You don't have to worry about anything. XP has been working for ages, and it works just fine.
• Better value - In order to get all the features of Windows XP Professional, you have to pay more for Windows Vista Ultimate. In order to get all the features of XP Home, you have to get Vista Home Premium.
• Smaller and Faster than Vista - Unless you disable Vista's GUI features, XP is snappier on the same hardware. XP also requires less memory and hard drive space. Most games are also currently faster, and may stay that way.
• Fewer hassles - No DRM, no signed 64-bit driver requirements, no worries on reactivations after switching XP installations to different computers, none of the Vista upgrade mess.
• XP 64-bit version is effectively free - While the drivers may still not be there, at least you don't have to pay double for XP's 64-bit version when upgrading from 32-bits.