Microsoft says Vista was worth the 5 year wait, claiming its new operating system contains hundreds of new features including an updated graphic user interface (GUI) and visual style dubbed Windows Aero. There are new multimedia creation tools and redesigned networking, audio, print and display subsystems.

A Bigger Dog

Is newer better? The graphic interface looks attractive, but the Aero interface and Window’s Flip 3D may require you to update your graphics card. In addition, Vista lacks peripheral drivers support because of the revamp of the size of the system Kernel. You are at the mercy of the manufacturer of the peripherals until they come out with driver support for Vista.

Vista requires an 800mhz processor running 512 Megabytes of System Memory, DVD drive, and at least 15 Megs of hard drive space. Companies with systems more than three years old will have to upgrade certain components for Vista to run successfully.

Vista’s image is much bigger. Windows’ earlier operating systems were easily installed from a single CD less than 700mb which included drivers, utilities and applications which when uncompressed are one to three gigabytes in space. The new Vista image is 2GB compressed and expands to close to 6GB. You may need to increase the size of your backup system if you have implemented an image backup system for all end users on a network.

Security–at a Price

Vista added User Account Protection (UAP), which prevents users and administrators from doing critical tasks or installations without providing security credentials. This helps prevent unwanted programs or mistakes that can affect computer operations. However, UAP is annoying! Even doing basic tasks you get this ridiculous warning dialog box. This is very frustrating for system administrators installing software on multiple computers. Clicking this warning box will drive you insane.

Beware of Bugs

Vista is experiencing network connection issues. Machines are not getting the proper network configuration from the DHCP server or the network connection is dropping. Some tuning is required to get the network to function properly.

Also, there is a network issue running Vista and XP on the same network environment. Machines with Vista have a hard time displaying computers that are running XP in the network map. A patch must be installed on Windows XP-Based computers. Patch Number: KB922120

In conclusion, if you need compatibility, wait until Microsoft releases Service Pack One for Vista. If you simply need Vista, be prepared to do some fine tuning or to spend some money to get the operating system fully functional.