Should You Upgrade To Vista?

I have been using Microsoft Vista almost a year now. My main reason of upgrading from Windows XP to Windows Vista is that I believe newer operating system should work better with computer hardware and thus, increasing overall system performance.


I did not perform any performance test on my system to compare the performance before and after upgrading. However, I do feel that my system runs smoother when using Microsoft Vista except there are some minor glitches.


I have heard bad comments on Windows Vista and a lot of users were suggesting to use Windows XP instead of Windows Vista. Initially, I was a bit worried but I believe that I should try on new system since it has been on the market for quite sometime. Honestly, I never regretted after the upgrade.


Why Upgrade?


Themes and Usability


First of all, I should say Windows XP is good, maybe better than Windows Vista. Some users say that XP is good because they are used to it and refused to take the risk or avoid the hassle of upgrading. However, I have to be honest that after looking at the XP theme for so many years, it looks boring to me.


You might say that there are Windows Blind and similar programs to completely modify the look of XP but these programs consumes memory and are not realistic. However, I prefer themes that come built-in even though there are not many selections. Hence, upgrading is my choice to have a fresh OS looks while testing out Vista.


SilverLight


Microsoft is quite clever in naming technology. SilverLight aims to light up the web by providing next generation of web experiences. I have installed it but yet to test it out. However, I believe that it works similar to Macromedia Flash and Shockwave on the web.


Burning CDs and DVDs


Windows Vista does not need third party software to burn CDs and DVDs. You can just drag and drop using Windows Explorer and burn the files using a writer.


Drivers


As I mentioned, Vista contains the most updated drivers and my system works better and faster in Vista compared to XP. The installation is faster because all my hardware drivers are detected. In XP, I had to install my sound card driver, graphic card driver, mouse driver and some USB devices drivers.


Directx 10.0 is installed together with Vista Service Pack 1 and to get it on XP; you will have to find some ways to extract it from Vista Service Pack 1. There are guides that you can find by searching the internet. By having Vista,


I do not have to think of ways to get newer drivers or packages because they will normally be included in updates. Well, even the latest XP SP3 does not include Directx 10.0.


I like to play games and I notice some increase in performance when playing Need for Speed: Most Wanted in Vista compared to XP. Thus, I am convinced that my system is better tuned in Vista.


Security


Windows Vista User Account Control


I use a limited user account for my everyday tasks and do not usually log in as administrator. In XP, running software installation through user account is prohibited in limited user account unless you use Run As Administrator command. However, in Vista, the system will prompt for administrator account immediately when you try to install software using a limited user account. This is a lot easier because Run As Administrator command is not available for every executable files in XP.


Windows Defender


Windows Defender is preinstalled and it is a freeware for XP and Vista to protect against spyware, adware and potentially unwanted programs.


Windows Firewall


Vista includes XP original firewall plus an advance firewall feature that offers true firewall protection, including bidirectional filters, meaning that both incoming and outgoing data are scanned.


Parental Controls


As a parent, you will always worrying that your child may misuse the computer and internet. Parental controls allow you to set restricted sites as well as the hours that a particular user account can access. Using XP, you can set them through management console. However, Vista Parental Controls provides easier interface and manageable functions.


BitLocker Drive Encryption


This may not be recommended for normal users unless you have very important data in your hard drive and you would not want anyone to access it if your computer is stolen. On second thought, it is very useful for laptop users. This piece of tool encrypts the whole windows volume which will prevent unauthorized viewing of your hard drive.


Precautions


When I first installed Windows Vista, my CD drive could not operate normally. I had Windows XP in another partition and the CD drive worked perfectly in XP. Thus, you need to be careful on the type of hardware that you are going to use on Vista. I have since changed my CD drive to a DVD writer and upgraded my motherboard and graphic card. In other words, you should not upgrade to Vista if your system is too old.


It is better to have dual booting your system with XP and Vista. When I first got my broadband package, I ran the installation CD on Vista and it could not detect the broadband. Thus, I had to run the installation CD on XP in order for it to configure broadband settings.


Verdict


It is certainly worth upgrading to Vista. You may think that most of the software such as Windows Defender and SilverLight can be installed into Windows XP, however, the point I am making is upgrading to Vista will make your life a lot easier because those programs are preinstalled and do not have to be downloaded separately.


Personally, I witnessed the difference in playing Need for Speed: Most Wanted in XP and Vista. The graphic is smoother and gameplay is faster when using Vista. In addition, I am able to play Need for Speed: Carbon and Need for Speed: ProStreet without any problems.