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It was more than five years ago that Microsoft released Windows XP, and on January 30th, 2007 Microsoft is launching Vista, the latest operating system in the Windows family. The most notable improvement is the development of Windows Aero (Authentic, Energetic, Reflective, Open); a new graphical interface and visual style featuring eye candy such as window transparencies and animations. Other new features include tightly integrated search and a Windows Sidebar as a space to put desktop gadgets like a clock, calendar, weather, RSS, and other small applets.

Pros & Cons

Pros:
24 people have already voted. Do you agree?

•
Offers DX10 capabilities for the latest in gaming graphics
+7agreedisagree

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Provides commercial-grade encryption, bit locking, and nifty Windows Extras
+6agreedisagree

•
When installed correctly it runs faster than XP
+5agreedisagree

•
desktop widgets such as calendar, clock etc
+4agreedisagree

Cons:
Do you agree?

•
Requires a powerful PC with lots of RAM.
+12agreedisagree

•
It's not as innovative as they always say
+7agreedisagree

•
3 times as expensive as OSX
+3agreedisagree

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asks for too many confirmations when performing routine tasks
+3agreedisagree

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Has major DRM issues
+1agreedisagree

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Not suitable for musicians as Aero introduces latency issues with ASIO. Focus on consumer => graphics, graphis, graphics and not much else
+1agreedisagree

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Lack of Backwards Compatibility (Legacy Drivers)
0agreedisagree

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Slower than WinXP
-5agreedisagree

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Lacking innovation - old XP with a new look
-5agreedisagree

Competing products

Microsoft Windows Vista Ultimate is ranked 2nd.  See the top picks in Operating Systems

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Articles

• Clearification: Demetri Martin's Vista campaign

written by Erik Jan 31, 07

• The launch of Windows Vista, what does it mean for you?

written by Omar Jan 30, 07

• Windows Vista Videos

written by Erik Jan 30, 07

Related products

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7 comments about Microsoft Windows Vista Ultimate

1.  avatar starbuck93  Oct 15, 2006 4:01pm

You can get the Beta off this website: http://www.microsoft.com/windowsvista/getready/default.mspx It's not the best, yet, but it is still good.
2.  avatar rolandoperalta  Dec 26, 2006 1:06pm

It's amazing! You have to try it!!
3.  avatar Erik  Jan 29, 2007 9:39pm

I don't know about you, I don't think I'm about to rush out to upgrade. I think I'll wait for the tidal wave of Vista reviews and press to to come and go first.
4.  avatar Whipdaddy  Jan 30, 2007 2:34am

Hilarious, I too will wait until SP2 comes out before switching to Vista.
5.  avatar maddmannmatt  Sep 07, 2007 11:03am

HEY, LOOK! It's Micro$oft OS X! But one that actually sucks. Yeah. Buy a Mac and save yourself tons of headaches.
6.  avatar Omar  Sep 07, 2007 11:32am

Well, Windows XP sucked when it first came out too. Vista will only get better with time as the new service packs come out. Vista is a new base to work off of and while it's pretty bad now, I'm willing to see where it goes. Remember, when OSX first came out it has its own set of problems. But Apple created a new framework to start from, and now it's very good. Vista is similar to OSX in more ways than one.
7.  avatar Trancebear  Mar 18, 2008 11:47pm

Most people who complain of this OS doen't even have it. If you don't have an up to date computer then don't install it, keep using XP, which is also a great OS. New technologies require beefy components as with all electronics. Would you use 10 year old Cerwin Vega speakers with a new Carver THX amp? No, it doesn't make sense. I have had this OS installed since day one and have had zero problems and only have to re-boot for other reasons, not the OS. Just because you are a MAC guy/gal doesn't mean it is OK to trash talk an OS you may have little experiance with.
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    Key Features:

    Manufacturer Microsoft
    Price $380.00
    Product Line Windows, Vista
    Release Date Jan. 30, 2007
    Software Type Operating System

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