Windows Vista seems worth it, but some may want to hold off for their upgrade!
When I installed Microsoft Vista last week, I knew Bill Gates was
right -- this version of Windows really is the most secure yet. That's
because, after the installation, I could no longer go online. Now that
is a computer safe from hackers.
With a little work, I straightened out the problem, but it
illustrates the heartaches involved in installing any new operating
system. You are almost guaranteed to discover that some of your old
programs and devices no longer work.
The solution to my problem was fairly simple: My network interface
card needed new software. Once that was installed, I was back online.
You might not get off that easy, so heed this advice: Don't install Vista now. Wait a few months, then wait one more.
Many of you will upgrade to Vista soon, however, so I'll take you along on my educational adventure installing Vista.
At the store, you'll find four versions of Vista. For most of you,
the only sensible choice is the one I bought: Vista Home Premium. The
bottom-of-the-line Vista Basic doesn't include some features that make
the upgrade worthwhile. The two most expensive versions of Vista --
Business and Ultimate -- don't add enough value to make them worthwhile
for most home users. If you have a computer already running Windows XP,
you can and should buy Vista's upgrade version.
I popped the installation DVD into my machine (Vista doesn't come on
a CD, so your PC needs a DVD player). Once I did that, the installation
program immediately offered a link to Microsoft's Upgrade Adviser. That
program will audit your PC in advance and let you know about any
potential problems before you install.
Vista allows you to skip that step if you wish. Don't. That's how I
discovered I needed to download the software for my network card.
There's one other decision to make before you get started. You need to select one of two installation methods.
One is a clean installation -- if you choose this option, you must
back up all your data and then plan to reinstall it, along with all
your programs, after Vista is up and running. In truth, this is the
best way to go -- Vista gets a clean start and is most likely to be
trouble-free. But a clean install also involves the most hassle.
I took the second route, an over-install that leaves your data and programs intact after you are done.
Once all the decisions were made, I started the installation process
about noon. Within minutes, I ran into a problem. An on-screen message
told me I needed to remove some Symantec programs, and Vista aborted
the installation. I used the Windows uninstall feature to get rid of
the programs.
Then I started the installation again. The first on-screen message
was: "Your upgrade may take several hours to complete." That was cheery
news.
The installation itself was fairly boring. Unlike earlier versions
of Windows, there were no decisions to make once the installation
started. Finally, at 1:45 p.m., the installation was done. Even with
the aborted first attempt, it didn't take several hours. Your own
installation time might vary wildly.
Once Vista was up and running, I started exploring its new features.
First, I checked out the look of the program -- after all, the new Aero
3-D graphics have attracted the most attention. Many reviewers say
Windows has finally caught up with Macintosh's pretty desktop graphics
and features. Me? It is sort of pretty, but the thrill passed quickly.
Aero also uses up some of your computer's horsepower.
Then I tried some of my old programs. Most of them worked just fine with Vista. Your own mileage might vary.
Ironically, the only programs that gave me any trouble were those
created by Microsoft. Before I could open and use Microsoft Word, I had
to insert the installation CD for that program to let it update.
Another new feature is the ability to dock small novelty programs on
the right side of the screen. One offers news headlines, another is a
clock. Macs have had this feature for a while. I didn't find it useful,
but there are many available for free download.
One major improvement is not glamorous but very handy. There's a
great backup program built into Vista. and it worked fine -- no
tweaking necessary -- with my external hard disk. It's the only backup
program you are likely to ever need, and a major improvement from XP.
Finally, I decided to turn off my computer. Windows now puts your PC
into a powered-down sleep mode instead of turning it off. That means
your PC will start quickly and -- if you have programs open when you
power down -- all your work will be where you left it when you start
working again.
Finally, my overall impression of Vista: It's a worthwhile upgrade
and worth waiting for. And that's what I want you to do -- wait for it.
APPLE WARNS OF GLITCHES
Don't check out Vista quite yet.
That's Apple's message to millions of iPod and iTunes users thinking of upgrading to rival Microsoft's new operating system.
Apple says iTunes might work with many Vista computers, but the
company knows of some compatibility problems and recommends users wait
until it resolves them in the next few weeks.
Problems include the inability to play music or video bought from
the online iTunes store, trouble synchronizing contacts and calendars,
and possible failures of iPods plugged into Vista computers. Apple also
outlined precautionary steps to try to minimize any problems should
they upgrade to Vista now.
Reported on Lexington 
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