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For six years, the Internet Nexus served as my technology blog, but I've since started blogging at the SuperSite Blog instead. If you're looking for the blog, please head there. --Paul

Tuesday, October 10, 2006

Vista Wide Open

This is why the mainstream press can't cover computer issues properly. This week, TIME Magazine published a story extolling the virtues of Windows Vista. Clearly written as a PR piece for Microsoft ("Microsoft gave TIME a chance to play with Vista before its January launch. Here's what's new and why upgrading from XP is smart."), the article gets just about every detail wrong. Now, I'm known as a Windows guy, and that's true enough. But my God.

Every window has a translucent border.

Well, not every window. The problem with Microsoft's operating systems is that they're so rushed, visually, that inconsistencies creep in. Check out the Remote Desktop window for a perfect example. No translucencies there. Unless you resize it. Of course.

And if you're unlucky enough to be stuck with the Windows Basic user interface, you won't see a single translucency.

TOUGH ON VIRUSES

Though Vista is more locked down, it doesn't include any anti-virus technologies. Instead, Microsoft sells a package called Windows Live OneCare that includes AV software.

FASTER ACTION ... Gamers, rejoice!

Microsoft privately admits that games will run 10 to 15 percent slower on Vista than they do on XP.

Vista systems are even compatible with Xbox 360 controllers and accessories.

If you buy a hardware add-on for your PC. That isn't out yet.

I guess my point is that if you want to know about Windows Vista, you should read publications that know what they're talking about. Just a thought.

[ Posted at 8:36 AM | Permalink ]