This is one of six Microsoft's new version of Operating System. Users can install it to a Windows or Macintosh based Computer, along with upgrading from the previous xp versions. A Computer user interface, is the graphics, the layout of the software program. In simple terms it is what the user can see on the screen.
The home version that I am reviewing in comparison to my existing xp home Computer Operating System seems as the name suggests to offer just the basic new features. Is it any good?
The start button is smaller and squarer than that in xp home. The design based on what you see on the Desktop screen is far clearer and more professional from a design and quality perspective. Upon running the start menu, there is a Search Toolbar that enables fast browsing and access.
Also contained within the start menu are short cuts to access Internet explorer, Electronic mail, Windows Photo Gallery, Windows Media centre, Windows Media player, Office excel, Word,
Documents, settings, pictures, Media files. On the other half of the side the personal side features are contained, including the documents, pictures, Media, support, Search and power options.
Here a new instant power off button has been created. This enables the user to turn off the Computer or Laptop. The problem here resulted sometimes in my Laptop having to be rebooted again as it would not shut down correctly. It simply powered itself on.
When opening a program through the start button facility, if say the user on an xp machine has one hundred programs installed, the menu and display can become overcrowded in terms of viewing. Here on Vista the appearance is all indexed so that instead of browsing all one hundred programs throughout the page on a horizontal basis, the programs are instead listed vertically.
This saves much hassle in terms of navigation and access to the programs.
Searching for files using vista vs windows xp. This is where vista starts to earn its money. This feature does make it much faster method to Search for songs, films, dvd's, and certain files on the Computer. The Operating System search box function upon entering the name of the file, based on logic and instant recognition helps to narrow down the Search to find the relevant file almost instantly. Within each category of vista is consistent in its precise search facility and also the listing of files under different categories, documents, pictures, games, search, recently viewed items, Computer, network, etc all identical in its approach to the storage, archiving, and user retrieval.
Under the programs and features section a user here can turn the windows features on or off depending to adjust security settings as they please. I have noticed under windows xp the same ability to do this, though it is the ease of using vista that makes the adjustments in security settings much more user friendly and faster to achieve.
The drawback of this is if a person has files which are numerically listed; this is really not going to help. In windows xp the search is carried out based on a Search throughout the Computer or via in effect all program files. There is also a side bar feature, that contains a visible clock and, interchanging pictures along with a news headlines search facility, if connected online to the Internet. By contrast, this feature of a clear view of the time along with headlines using xp is only available by going to a news source webpage i.e. bbc.co.uk, euronews etc.
However I have realised having connected the Laptop to the Internet using a Wireless Router, only Internet explorer seven can be used to access RSS news feeds. Simply enough using third party browsers such as mozilla, or even open sourced browsers do not connect to the side bar.
What I liked most is the ease of use of using Vista. In seconds I can alter the Desktop font sizes, change Desktop icons, the background colours, the screen saver etc much faster than using xp.
Security Settings. I can see the same format and layout of vista security tools which are the same also contained in windows xp. There is really no advancement of security despite the added money. Therefore searching online is still the same effect as using existing xp home or xp professional.
The use of Windows Defender to scan actively for spyware activity, and other unwanted software is a new feature contained within the new Operating System. Though the long term users of external third party software and fans of programs such as zone alarm, AVG, Norton etc will feel, no rush to adopt this latest version of Operating System based on the minor advancement in security settings.
The windows photo gallery feature is a really smart semi management tool that makes photo management and organising folders really well.
Here the user can see when the photos on the Computer were taken, recently imported pictures. The navigation of viewing pictures is slightly enhanced through a much faster and easier way of flicking through pictures, Media files, via simply pressing left and right buttons on the Keyboard.
The network settings in Vista make it much more easier to connect online, adding a printer to the network, wireless networking can all be done with much less effort. For here the speed in finding the areas of the network are contained within the start area. This is another slight improvement from xp.
The help and support sections are easy to use. The software contains areas where users can use Online, Internet forums to get the answers to the solutions they seek, or the solutions that are available.
Are there any disadvantages of using vista home? Yes there are. Firstly the Memory and amount of files the dvd contains are greater than that of xp home. Therefore the user gets a slightly slower experience when connecting online, and multi tasking different programs. The compatibility issues also exist when transfering data from one Operating System to another so again this is another disadvantage that has to be factored into the equation.
The Computer's and Laptop's with less than forty giga byte's of Hard Disk will not be able to use this program. Through usage of the software I feel that only high specification machines are really able to see the difference and benefit from the new Operating System. This software is a Memory and resource eater.
I feel that in no way does this product also make the Internet searching any safer to complete online, as the same problems of visiting unsafe sites will still cause problems for a person Computer using Vista.
For downloading Windows Live Messenger service shortcut link is also provided for easy navigation to download. Is it worth buying? In my honest opinion I feel strongly that where the need to spend extra on a dvd that simply improves upon the box contained in previous versions should be avoided. It's a slightly better Operating System to look at though I feel that shelling out extra on this version is really not worth the money that would have to spent. Therefore, it simply does not warrant upgrading based on these findings.
Conclusion. I feel that this software program would really not appeal to existing windows xp users as this is really in effect the same program only with a slightly better Computer User Interface. The price for a one User dvd is going to cost between one to two hundred United States Dollars, which really is best saved by not buying this Operating System.
The product simply does not draw me into making a buying recommendation for this product as user's needs are still not achieved in a fully safe Internet Security. Some people however might like using the Operating System with its improvement in design.
Recommended: No
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Microsoft Windows XP Home Edition SP2, Microsoft Windows XP Home Edition, Microsoft Windows XP, Microsoft Windows XP Home Edition SP1, Microsoft Windows XP Home Edition SP1a - for PC - English - Quantity: 1, 3 - 1 user - CD-ROM
I wouldn't like to have Vista, well reviewed though
sim_simian 25.04.2008 01:07
totally agree with what you have said, though Vista is a nicer looking and easier to use its not really much different than the previous os. Or aas you rather aptly put it new bottle old wine, great review, Rob
dollydancer 18.04.2008 04:37
Another exceptional review from you, you're on a roll, keep it up x
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needs. It is easy to set up, it helps you use your PC more securely and reliably, and like all of the editions of Windows Vista, it is compatible with the widest ...
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66G-02082 Windows Vista Home Basic is the operating system for homes with basic computing ... more
needs. It is easy to set up,it helps you use your PC more securely and reliably, and like all of the editions of Windows Vista, it is compatible with the widest r...
Postage & Packaging: £0.00 Availability: 1-3 Working Days Depending on Service...
Windows Vista Home Basic is the edition of Windows for basic home computing needs. If you ... more
only want to use your PC for tasks like browsing the Internet, using e-mail, or viewing photos, then Windows Vista Home Basic may be the right edition for you.
Postage & Packaging: Free Delivery Availability: 3-7 days
Windows Vista Home Basic is the edition of Windows for basic home computing needs. If you ... more
only want to use your PC for tasks like browsing the Internet, using e-mail, or viewing photos, then Windows Vista Home Basic may be the right edition for you.
Postage & Packaging: see site for shipping costs Availability: 3-7 days