"Most Enticing Vista Features"

Just as I've said over and over...

Windows VISTA is all about security.

According to Michael Otey of Windows IT Pro magazine, "[Vista is] definitely the most important Microsoft OS release since Windows 2000-maybe even of all time." Otey talks about all of his favorite features in Windows VISTA, but it's no surprise that number one on his list is... SECURITY!

Whether it's the User Account Control (UAC), Windows Defender, or Bitlocker - Vista may cause computer user's to upgrade hardware, but it's not just about making money for the hardware industry (as people have keep telling me), it's to help prevent data from being stolen, spyware from being installed, or computer viruses taking down a whole network or office - causing office productivity to lose more in an hour, than the entire cost times of upgrading to VISTA times 100.

O'Reilly and Vista

Just released! William Stanek just published a new book all about Microsoft Windows VISTA. It's called, Windows Vista: The Definitive Guide and it's available now on Amazon or order direct from the O'Reilly web site.






If it's too much cake, O'Reilly offers a less-condensed, smaller pocket reference all about Vista*










* Pocket Guide written by Preston Gralla

Both of these books are worth reading, but I'm still a giant fan of the "...In A Nutshell" books. The Windows Vista in a Nutshell has been out since late December and it's also written by Preston Galla.

Questions about Vista?

Before you upgrade, or purchase a new computer with Microsoft Windows Vista, please take a moment to visit the this web page. It's worth it.

http://promotions.newegg.com/Microsoft/Vista/faq.html

If NewEgg cannot answer your question, try asking me...

Patience is Definitely a Virtue in the Software World

According to John C. Dvorak of PC Magazine and Cranky Geeks, anyone interested in Windows VISTA should "wait six months." Dvorak also believes consumers should "wait until Vista Service Pack 1 is released," as "the consensus believes the real OS is SP1, and that will arrive sooner than later."

I believe it's like anything new. The first models are always going to have bugs in them - no matter what. Example: I once bought a brand new car - It was a first year model from Ford (I won't mention which model), but it had many, many recalls and it was towed three times... But just like software and hardware - the next year's car model was heavily improved, and each year after that car got better - I think this is the same with computers and anything IT related. We get so excited for new products and gadgets, but we also need to be patient. All software is made by humans, just like the customers who purchase it - It will have issues, we just pray they get fixed before anything catastrophic occurs!

Dvorak says there are 2 types of computer users - "Cutting-Edge and Consensus." I agree with him and his philosophy that "it looks like the consensus folks are now in charge." However, that doesn't mean we should be afraid of new technology - I think Microsoft Windows VISTA is more secure and better than the previous O/S - not just from what I've read, but from what I've seen. Besides BitLocker (not everyone is going to encrypt their Hard Drive), Vista has tons of security for the average user. It may look like overkill, but wouldn't you rather have to "allow" software to install on your computer*, than have to figure out what spy ware or virus has spread to your machine? We can still be cautious going forward, but I honestly think that is what Microsoft had in mind with Vista. Be cautious through better security and better usability.

* See UAC in Windows Vista.

More Vista Notes...

Some other notes on Windows VISTA…

Microsoft developed VISTA with something they call the Secure Development Lifecycle. The largest part of the new O/S is security. Yes it looks pretty, but security was the overall goal. Vista comes with the UAC (User Account Control) and Windows Defender (Anti-Spyware). There are 2400 GPOs (Group Policies) and PERFMON (Performance Monitor), which shows when software was installed, patches downloaded, spyware or malware installed, and registry changes. It can tell where and what is slowing down your system. Overall, the security has a large presence and so far, it has made me feel more secure and safe using Windows VISTA. I also fell in love with the Instant Search feature. It’s available almost everywhere you look in VISTA. It’s located in the Start menu, Each Explorer window, and in the Control Panel.

AERO is what makes VISTA look futuristic and “beautiful.” It has the ability to use Flip 3D. Microsoft took a page out of Apple, but it’s works great – Just hold down the tab + Windows key and you can flip through each open program just like a Rolodex. AERO is available on Home Premium, Business, and Ultimate. I’m not sure about Enterprise, since it’s for multi-installation use. My big question this week was – How come BitLocker is only available with the VISTA Ultimate Edition and VISTA Enterprise? Why doesn’t it come with VISTA Business? That would make sense, right? Well – the general feeling was Microsoft did not want to get caught up in lawsuits where companies using BitLocker in Business Edition lost data or could not get to it for being too secure – so they left that up to a third party vendor. There’s more to come on that topic once I find out.

Stay tuned.

Compatibility Issues with Windows VISTA

Several computer users may notice that various software programs are not compatible with Microsoft Windows VISTA. Users of these select programs will need to check with the software manufacturers for updates and patch information before going forward.
Here is a list of known software with Vista compatibility issues:

• Adobe InDesign CS2
• Adobe Reader 7
• Adobe Acrobat 8
• Google Desktop Search
• MSN Messenger 7.0
• Norton Antivirus 2004/2005
• Norton Internet Security 2004/2005
• Pinnacle Studio 10
• Quicken 2006
• Spybot Search and Destroy
• Trend Micro PC-illin Internet Security
• Remedy ARS

IT Conference T-Shirt of the Week

IT Conference T-Shirt of the week:

Geek ('gek), noun.

1. Obsessive computer user: Somebody who enjoys or takes pride in using computers or other technology, often to what others consider an excessive degree.

2. Someone with greater than normal computer skills.