Reviews for Microsoft Windows Vista Ultimate - 32-bit

I like this program!

Strengths: Strong security, nice interface

Weakness: Price, problem with sidebar

I've heard both pros and cons about Vista, but I guess I'm one of the few that actually likes it. It seems to run fast and stable, except for a problem with the sidebar in which there are many fixes on the web for this but sadly none of these have worked for me. My only solution seems to be reinstalling Vista which I don't really want to do at this time.

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Microsoft Windows Vista Ultimate (first released end...

Strengths: Virtually a total rewrite of the Microsoft Windows line of operating systems. More security functions/protection, more intuitive, more powerfull, as well as overall faster and smoother operating.

Weakness: Nothing more than any new opsys (i.e., nobody writes perfect coding), so expect the usual patches and service releases.

There have been a number of excellent 3rd-party developers that have been providing a bridge for the shortcomings of previous Windows operating systems in the graphical, or eye-candy sense (i.e., Stardock is a prime example). Vista Ultimate shows Microsoft is keeping their eyes and ears open. You certainly don't need to rush out and buy all new hardware, as long as you're not the type that never upgraded to '98SE, Windows Mellenium, or on to XP, which continues to be an outstanding opsys.
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I find Vista Ultimate to be a powerhouse of an opsys, providing support to 32-bit (x86) and 64-bit single or dual core processors; I also continue to favor the AMD processor over Intel, et al. I wouldn't recommend trying to use anything less than 1GB RAM, DDR or DDR2 (I use 2GB DDR400 PC3200) and get just under 2GHz out of my AMD 2700+, a stock 1.8GHz that can be overclocked, along with the RAM. My system is about 5yrs old, but I always buy hardware to carry me through the myriad of technical changes that occur continually, so I'm still fine. I also have about 1TB of HDD storage, a Sony DVD+R/+RW, a Yamaha CD-R/RW, a 600W PS with 2 80MM fans, 6 80MM case fans, and a lot more (12 PCI slots, only one still open).
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If you don't know how to shop on the internet, taking advantage of several very good price comparison sites (e.g., PriceGrabber.com, for one), you'll be throwing away oh so many hundreds of dollars on Vista Ultimate, alone. A normal Vista Ultimate Upgrade disk, will run you $200+ - while a quick search on the Internet will find you the FULL Vista Ultimate (normally a $500+ tag), for UNDER $200, no tax or S/H charges...a FULL opsys has many advantages over an upgrade, especially when it's virtually the same cost as a plain upgrade.
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A side note...if you currently run Windows XP Pro SP2 ((preferably Pro), you have absolutely no need to rush out and buy any of the Vista versions. It's a solid opsys and will remain so and be supported for a number of years, yet.
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But, if you want the very best, it's available and for MANY of you, without any need for buying new equipment...unless you've been buying bargain basement and low-quality, or "cheap" hardware. If you're system is up to 5-6 yrs old, a good brand, or if you've built your own, you may just have to update small items, such as memory (you want 1GB MINIMUM), an AGP/PCI graphics card (this should have 128MB to 256MB, or more of its own RAM) that is NVidia driver compatible (free downloads), etc.
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I'd first run the utility, Windows Vista Upgrade Advisor, available on Microsoft's Vista Home Page ( www.microsoft.com/wind... ), since you may find your hardware fully compatible with Vista. If you need to make any hardware upgrades, and what you want to get is going to cost $500 to $600, then buy a Gateway for that amount and it will most likely be preloaded with a Vista Home Premium version. Gateway comes with either an AMD 64-bit, or Intel 64-bit processor, but the system with the AMD is usually better equipped. The AMD system has a 160GB HDD, while the INTEL system has a 250GB HDD; prices being what they are on HDD's (low, low), don't think you get more just because of the extra GB's - even a 500GB HDD can be found for what you would have paid for a 160GB/250GB HDD a few years ago.
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Microsoft has provided excellent customer service, better than ANY companies of its size and most of the small companies, too. They've got a good track record and there's no reason that will be changing...they REALLY do put customer service/satisfaction first! Bottom line, I rank Vista Ultimate as the best Microsoft opsys you'll find, bar none (don't flame me for not mentioning other operating systems, but they are not for the masses...just the techies.) ;). If you're thinking of getting it, go for it!! :) Windows only gets better!

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Windows Vista Ultimate: All Style, No Substance -- A...

Strengths: Looks great. Lots of fancy sounds, animations, effects. Gadget Sidebar is a nice addition, allowing simple common tasks run on the desktop. Improved built-in video and image programs,

Weakness: Slow. Took 6 hours to install (XP & 2000 took 20-30 min max to install) on my Nvidia-based Core2duo 6600 system w/ 4gb ram. Opens programs and runs them slower than XP. Usual no support of drivers

I've been an avid PC user since '92. In the last few years I've used both Mac and PCs at home, so when I heard rumors that Windows Vista (aka Longhorn) would bridge the gap between the affordable, expandable functionality of Windows with the clean, attractive efficiency of Mac OSX I was geared up for a return to PC purity. I was thoroughly let down from the point I had to shell out almost $200 to the ridiculous install time to the sloooow system operation.

As a graphic designer I need the OS to take a backseat to the programs I use (primarily Adobe Creative Suite graphic and video programs). XP fully utilized my system resources and gave them generously to my programs and kept me running efficient and stable. Vista is stable, but anything but efficient. The countless warnings are acceptable but get old fast. As an advanced user I feel comfortable disabling security but for the average home user they will probably have to get used to be coddled through every process.

Oh, it can make windows transparent, it can have a video clip for a background, you can see 3d views of your windows and thumb through them, there are real-time window thumbnails and you can run Gadgets on a side bar which can be in front of behind all your windows. Some of these are OSXish, but none of these visual additions are solving problems that I ran into with XP: a lack of clean efficient navigation through files, running multiple programs simultaneously and bridged, and running only the bare minimum of background programs.

Fine for average PC users who don't mind approving most operations. Not great for advanced users who don't want to manually remove all the bells and whistles to make it run well enough to get to business.

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Windows Vista Ultimate (OEM License, PC)

Strengths: Rich in features

Weakness: Lack of drivers

It is a good improvement over XP. I had no trouble installing it because I had gathered all the drivers that I would need prior to the actual install. Granted it takes a long time to install if you need to format a large hard drive. So far I'm very happy with it.

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Vista ultimate

Strengths: New cool design, easier, faster, new features

Weakness: 64bit is useless, not many drivers, old hardware driver support is not available.

I made the switch to Vista and the only thing I'm not happy with is the lack of 64bit drivers and software even from microsoft.
Other than that, I'm happy with vista, so far other than roxio compatability problems I have no other ones.

I love the gagets, and Thank God they are free to download. There are new games that come with Vista and Texas hold'em is one of them with the ultimate. ;) also with the ultimate edtion dreamscene is free for your background to be animated or video.

I really think Vista home baic is worth less and no one needs to buy it.
4 out of 5.

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Windows Vista Ultimate

Strengths: Graphics, UAC

Weakness: Drivers, 3rd Party Support

In many ways Vista is a step up from XP. However, it just isn't mature enough yet.

I like the new 3D UI, but it doesn't work too well with my non-standard display. Arguably, this isn't Microsoft's fault--the graphics driver is to blame. It may also surprise some, but I actually like the new UAC system. Microsoft really put a lot of work towards separating administrative and non-administrative users. Unfortunately, there are some drawbacks to this as many software vendors don't yet understand how to properly deploy software under UAC.

I have a feeling as time passes, Vista will only become better, though it will really depend on IHV and ISV support.

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Vista is great, just alittle problems

Strengths: Basically everyone mentioned all its goodness...the eye-candy, the programs, the extras, features, and design.

Weakness: drivers, lacking in drivers... but if you give it a little time there will be more than sufficient drivers out by the manufactures...Also another problem is the amount RAM you have...

Microsoft has made one great operating system with all the looks, abilities, features and all that great stuff. The only thing is ! Do NOT exceed 3 Gb's of RAM if you are going to run Vista ! Exceeding 3 Gb's of RAM in your system while running Vista has been known to cause problems in the operating system, Microsoft hasn't fixed it yet i guess... Another thing is make sure you keep those drivers up to date because Vista will run ALOT smoother if you have those drivers updated. But overall, its really a great operating system if you want to treat yourself to some nice eye-candy and features.

5 candy bars out of 5.

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Microsoft Windows Vista Ultimate

Testseek.com has collected 8 expert reviews for Microsoft Windows Vista Ultimate and the average expert rating is 79 of 100. The average score reflects the expert community’s view on this product. Click below and use Testseek.com to see all ratings, product awards and conclusions.

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