Tags: Windows Vista, Windows XP, Ubuntu Linux, Mac OS X

I am currently writing this blog on a Windows Vista computer because being a computer store we need to learn the new interface. After a few months of using it I can safely say stay away if you can, as the over all experience for us has not been good.

First off lets start with the interface which is the only thing that I think Microsoft partially got right. I have come to really like the new start menu as well as the control panel and other little improvements. The only down falls of the interface that I have found is the lack of the ability to see a thumbnail of your images in the Vista Home Premium which seems to be the most popular to install on new computers. This was a basic feature in Windows XP.

What I do not like about the interface is that if you leave it at its automagically configured settings then it is painfully slow. Unless your computer is running 2GB's of RAM (ours is running 1GB) then it just seems to slow to a crawl and lets not forget the random lockups. If you turn off all the graphical enhancements then it really speeds up and is mostly usable.

Some other issues are the constant barrage of pop-ups asking are you sure you want to do this? and then after say ok it asks again are you really sure? Just to delete an icon it takes three clicks and two pop-ups which is just crazy. I know this is in the name of security but take a look at Ubuntu Linux and Mac OS X if you want to see a good handle on security. Security can be attained while not being completely annoying.

So all that talk brings me to the point of trying to stay away from Vista if at all possible. I know Microsoft is going to be and currently is pushing Vista on people and XP machines are becoming hard to find but I would search high and low for them if you have the time. Currently we have all XP machines (new and used) and are staying away from Vista as long as possible. This is also a good time to try out Ubuntu Linux (which has come a long way and is a very viable option) or give Mac OS X a shot which is a proven alternative to windows.

Let us know what you think in the comments below.

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Todd Welch
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Parter @ TCTEKS
-Affordable Computer Sales, Service & Repair
-Clearwire High Speed Wireless Internet

127 N. Barstow St.
Eau Claire, WI 54703

Phone: 715-559-4177
Website: WWW.TCTEKS.COM

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