Microsoft Windows Vista: User Review

Microsoft Windows Vista is the latest operating system released by Microsoft. In order to stay on top of technology, I went out and bought a Microsoft Windows Vista upgrade for my desktop. While Microsoft Windows Vista looks and operates greatly, there are many things I love about Vista and a few things I find to be a common annoyance.

Security

Microsoft Windows Vista has impeccable security abilities. These security abilities are both things I love and find annoying about the program. The enhanced security of Microsoft Windows Vista surpasses any of its precursors and works great. I love this security feature because I want to know when every program is asking to connect to the internet and for what reasons. This is about as far as I love Microsoft Windows Vista's security abilities.

The security abilities of Microsoft Windows Vista can be quite annoying at times. Every time I want to download a program or sign into MSN messenger, the screen will ask me to grant access, even after I have marked a box noting to "always grant program access to the internet" or "don't ask me this again." I am glad Microsoft has added these features to Vista, but to have to ask permission for nearly every common-day activity can be annoying and make me wish I had stayed with my Windows XP.

Anti-virus programs

When it comes to compatible anti-virus programs for Microsoft Vista, I was not very happy. Prior to installing Microsoft Windows Vista, I had Windows XP Professional. Since I was just upgrading to the Microsoft Windows Vista Home Basic, I had to do a clean install. This made my anti-virus program virtually useless, even after upgrading. If you upgrade to Microsoft Windows Vista from Windows XP Professional or Home, make sure you have the correct version and have upgraded your anti-virus before installing Microsoft Windows Vista.

Since I could no longer use my anti-virus program, I had to search for a new one to use with Microsoft Windows Vista. I finally went with the one Microsoft recommends, Microsoft Live OneCare. This program coupled with Microsoft Windows Vista adds even more of an annoyance to the security features because I often have to grant access twice before I can use a program which is connected to the internet.

Included Games

Microsoft Windows Vista has the same games as Microsoft Windows XP but they are a lot better. The card games are all animated, adding to the user experience. The card games even have tips and hints for playing the game. The games all have a different feature when the game is over and you have won. Most of the rewards for winning a game include music or some sort of noise. This is a nice touch to Microsoft Windows Vista.

Microsoft Windows Vista has taken the time to think about how children can benefit from the program. Microsoft Windows Vista also added in a suite of games called "Purble Place." This suite of games offers children the chance to enjoy Microsoft Windows Vista. Purble Place allows children to choose from three different games: memory, cake-building, and creating a monster face.

Added Features

Microsoft Windows Vista has included many nice features to make the environment enjoyable. The first feature Microsoft Windows Vista included is a "Welcome Center." This welcome center allows users to explore and learn about the new features Microsoft Windows Vista has to offer. Utilizing the welcome center is beneficial to using Microsoft Windows Vista because of its new and unique layout.

Microsoft Windows Vista also has a gadget bar. I really like this feature. Users can customize the gadget bar to their preferences. Some of the items users can add to the gadget bar include: RSS feeds, CPU performance reports, date, and the time. Users can also visit the Microsoft website and download other gadgets to add to their bar. I have added my RSS feeds from AC, as well as national news stations. I really like that Microsoft Windows Vista has given users the opportunity to have news one-click away.

Microsoft Windows Vista also allows users to upgrade their version at any time. If users have Microsoft Windows Vista Home Basic, they can upgrade to any of the other three versions of Microsoft Windows Vista just by clicking on the icon in the Start bar. This is nice so users can just download the program rather than having to drive to various stores searching for the version of Microsoft Windows Vista they want.

Altogether, I have enjoyed my experience with using Microsoft Windows Vista. I can put aside my differences with the security features, and enjoy the high quality performance Microsoft Windows Vista has to offer. If you are considering upgrading to Microsoft Windows Vista, I would say it is worth your time and money.