The Better Vista Machine

It’s been more than three months already since Microsoft released the most talked-about and sought-after program of the year, but many are still hesitant in ditching their old operating system for Windows Vista. Many still fear that they might encounter compatibility problems, especially with regard to the use of old programs.

Their worries are not exactly unfounded. In fact, many of those who rushed to buy the new OS grumbled that some of their hardware and software refused to cooperate with Vista. While various Vista drivers were already available as early as December of last year, many of them were not approved by Microsoft. Hence, they became virtually useless.

The More Obvious Problem

Now that Microsoft and the various software and hardware makers have already released the necessary drivers and other updates that would ensure Windows Vista’s commanding hold in the operating system market, there would seem to be no reason anymore for PC users to further delay their shift. Indeed, compatibility complaints are steadily ebbing out. However, a formidable obstacle still stands in the way between Vista and the rest of us.

Bill Gates’ company has not concealed the fact that it would take a lot of PC muscle to be able to run their new product. A PC user is in no position to aspire for the new OS if his computer is running on a Celeron processor. He’s also probably looking at the prospect of waiting for several minutes before his applications would run if his computer only has 256MB of RAM.

The Weaker Machine?

It’s already an established fact that laptops are not as powerful as desktops even if their specs are essentially the same. Hence, it is not surprising why many notebook owners are quite hesitant in junking Windows XP for Vista. Logic dictates that Vista would definitely magnify the shortcomings of portable PCs. Surprisingly though, experts claim this logic is flawed. Many insist that Windows Vista will bring out the rabbit in the laptop, and not the turtle as everybody is expecting.

Pro Laptop

Vista was designed not only to take full advantage of the most powerful processor out in the market, but also to harness the full potential of the PC, especially notebooks. Microsoft is expecting the release of new-generation hybrid drives which boasts of faster data retrieval without much effort from the device. The Redmond, Washington company designed Vista’s ReadyDrive with this in mind.

Another technology which Microsoft came up with in order to bring out the best in laptops is SuperFetch. This innovation assists your system in retrieving data by remembering the programs that you frequently use. This cuts loading time significantly. It can also predict the types of programs that you’re most likely going to access on a particular time, day, or occasion.

Another Windows Vista feature that injects steroids to portable PCs is ReadyBoost. This technology allows computers to treat or utilize USB thumb drives as actual memory. This is probably the most potent feature of the new OS as far as helping systems enhance their performance or capability in hosting the former is concerned. Many laptops are in dire need of a RAM upgrade. Unfortunately, the cost is very prohibitive. On the other hand, USB drives are cheap. Many would then be able to afford the virtual upgrade of their unit’s physical memory.

Contrary to what many believe as gospel truth, Vista is not exactly a performance-hogger or a CPU glutton. Its designers also came up with features that could greatly harness the processing powers of computers, even if they don’t carry the latest Intel or AMD chip.

Entry Filed under: Device Drivers