Microsoft Vista
The verdict on the new PC operating system.
Although the much-awaited Microsoft Vista has arrived, Computing Which? magazine advises people not to rush out and replace Windows XP just yet.
The verdict from Computing Which? testers was that Microsoft Vista isn’t ‘revolutionary’ and Computing Which? warns that it could have a real impact on people’s time as well as their pockets.
The Home Premium package costs up to £220 in the UK, on top of which people might need to buy a new graphics card or extra memory if their PC is more than 18 months old.
In addition to installing the software, transferring old files and putting existing software onto a Vista-ready machine is time-consuming and some machines may also need to download an update for security software.
Most of the testers appreciated Aero, the graphical 3D interface, and the Windows sidebar which proved to be fun and easy to customise. The Photo Gallery tool also proved useful, as did the search tool.
Of the new security features, the clarity of the User Account Control, which allows the administrator of the computer to set up accounts for each family member and control the types of websites and programs they install, was liked by testers.
Abigail Waraker, editor, Computing Which? magazine says, "Microsoft Vista has only just been released to the public and based on the experience of our testers there’s no need to rush out to replace Windows XP.
" To save time and money, we’d advise consumers to wait a few months until Vista beds down before upgrading toVista or considering replacing their PC."
Computing Which? tested a pre-release version of Vista with 11 volunteers of varying IT knowledge. Computing Which? also sought the opinion of their lab experts who have had ample experience testing Vista during its development.
More information can be found at: which.co.uk
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